Imtiaz Ali has finally set his sights on Chandigarh, a city he calls “first world.” While visiting theatres in the City Beautiful to see how audiences are reacting to his acclaimed film ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’, he also opens up about what inspired the film on Partition. He has watched many movies on the topic and considers Freedom at Midnight by Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre the most important book on that period. But real-life stories of people affected by the hastily drawn Radcliffe Line truly inspired his film.
Imtiaz Ali on the two timelines depicted in ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’
His film moves between two timelines, 1947 and present-day Punjab, both of which, Imtiaz feels, hold immense meaning for a state he loves just as deeply as the love stories he’s famous for. As reported in Tribune India, he says, “The film is set in undivided India, so it’s not about loving or hating Pakistan. Besides, all the people I met none of them spoke of hatred.” Responding to those who taunt Indian Muslims with the “go to Pakistan” jibe, he adds, “More than anyone else Indian Muslims have proved their patriotism by deciding to stay in India when they had a choice.“
Imtiaz Ali on what home means to him
Given that the film is essentially about love for one’s roots, with the idea that ‘home is where the heart is’, it makes one curious about what home truly signifies for him. To this, the filmmaker responds, “Home is a version of who you were. Like Ishar in Main Vaapas… we all yearn to return to being that person we were when we were home.”
Imtiaz Ali on cinema and the test of time
The response to his film has moved him, especially since it gained traction after initially being written off as “dead on arrival.” He shares that a theatrical run matters deeply to him, as he’d rather people watch his films on the big screen. Many of his works, Tamasha among them, are celebrated today as masterpieces despite not performing well at the box office when first released. Asked what a filmmaker finds more satisfying—a film’s instant success or its ability to stand the test of time—he simply says, “Pain is temporary… cinema is permanent.” His love for Punjab, something he’s spoken of often, runs just as deep. When asked what image of the state he holds closest, he replies without hesitation, “Wheat fields and gentle breeze.”
Imtiaz Ali on Punjabi words and future projects
Unsurprisingly, among the wide range of Punjabi words, ‘chardi kalan’ ranks as his favourite. The songs of ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’, the controversial singer whose life story he captured in his powerful biopic, remain lyrics he can never forget. Just as ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ led to ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’, ‘Laila Majnu’, produced by him and directed by his brother Sajid Ali, is set to be followed by ‘Heer Ranjha’, once again bringing the same team together.
Imtiaz Ali on audience response
The responses from moviegoers, including Gen Z, who have connected with the many poignant layers of his film, have given him a fresh perspective — one that will not only guide his future projects but has also reinforced his conviction that “Audiences like a good film.”
About ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’
‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’ tells the story of a 95-year-old man who has a stroke and starts showing signs of dementia after deciding to travel to Pakistan. As his forgotten memories slowly come back, his grandson begins to piece together a past that goes back to before Partition. The film tells a deeply emotional story about separation, identity, and relationships changed forever by one of history’s most painful events. It also marks the fifth time filmmaker Imtiaz Ali has worked with music composer AR Rahman, after Rockstar, Highway, Tamasha, and Amar Singh Chamkila. Released in theatres on June 12, 2026, the film stars Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Sharvari, and Vedang Raina in lead roles.
Leave a Reply