Partition 1947 is the Hindi version of Gurinder Chada’s Viceroy’s House. It has a strong star cast, with Hugh Bonneville as Lord Mountbatten, the late Om Puri as a blind Muslim father, Gillian Anderson as Lady Edwina Mountbatten, Manish Dayal as a valet at the Viceroy’s House, Denzil Smith as Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Tanveer Ghani as Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Huma Qureshi as a translator at the Viceroy’s House and Neeraj Kabi as Mahatma Gandhi. The story revolves around the causes and effects of the 1947 partition. It tells us the final days of British Raj in India. At that time, the Islamic community considered themselves a minority and hence wanted a separate nation for themselves. Lord Mountbatten, the great grandson of Queen Victoria, was given the duty of giving India back to its people and resolve the issues to help in a smooth transition of power. This movie claims that the partition was a well played political game, a ploy by the English to eliminate the chances of India becoming a supreme country. The movie offers a view of what exactly perspired on the inside, at the same time, exploring the intricate relationship of a Hindu guy (Manish Dayal) and a Muslim girl (Huma Qureshi).
The direction is flawless. Gurinder Chada has tried to bring together various events and connect them beautifully into one impeccable story. She has intelligently used her characters and brought out a film that will move your heart. A lot of work and effort has gone into this movie. The viewers will be transported back to 1947 and will get to experience every character’s plight and the tension faced by the people in those troubled times. Partition 1947 is drastically different from her previous movies like Bend It Like Beckham, Pride and Prejudice. The actors have done a marvelous job. Every single character has done justice to the film. The late Om Puri, with his exceptional acting skills, will definitely make an impression on you. The industry has definitely lost a legend, he will be deeply missed. Hugh Bonneville as Lord Mountbatten has done a tremendous job. Every single person of the cast has given their best, irrespective of their role. The background score by A.R. Rahman is soulful and impactful.
This story is definitely one of its kind. It brings together a brilliant set of characters, sharp and stimulating dialogues, amazing acting all sandwiched together to give you a thoughtful and an evocative piece of work served on a silver platter. This movie will definitely get you thinking of the events that transpired at that time. Despite questions on its credibility, this story depicts the start of the relationship between India and Pakistan. This movie will definitely pack a punch with the audience.