Watch Jinnah

Jinnah is a biographical drama movie about the life of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who was the founder of Pakistan. The film starts with a scene from Jinnah's last days when he is on his deathbed in a Karachi hospital. He is visited by a journalist who wants to interview him for his newspaper. Jinnah initially refuses, but later agrees to talk to him.

From there, the story takes us back to the early 20th century when India was still under British rule. We see Jinnah as a rising star in the Indian National Congress, fighting for India's independence from the British. However, things take a different turn when Jinnah realizes that the Congress does not have a clear policy for Muslim representation and is dominated by Hindus. He decides to leave the Congress and form the All India Muslim League, which he leads in its struggle for a separate Muslim homeland.

The movie then follows Jinnah's struggles and successes as he fights for his vision of a separate Muslim state in the face of intense opposition from both the British and the Indian National Congress. It shows his political manoeuvres, his efforts to unite the Muslim population, and his negotiations with British Viceroy Lord Mountbatten.

As the movie progresses, we see Jinnah's personal life as well. We see his relationship with his wife Ruttie, a Parsi who converts to Islam and marries him, and his warm friendship with his aide-de-camp, Nathu. We also see how his commitment to his cause puts a strain on these relationships.

The movie ends with Jinnah's successful negotiations for Pakistan, which comes at a great cost but is seen as a political triumph for Jinnah. The journalist who had visited him in the hospital returns, and we see Jinnah as a frail old man who has achieved his life's goal.

The performances in the movie are excellent. Christopher Lee plays Jinnah with great dignity and conviction, capturing his charisma and presence as a leader. Shireen Shah is equally good as Ruttie, Jinnah's wife, and the scenes between the two are particularly moving. James Curran is also impressive as Nathu, Jinnah's aide.

The movie's direction by Jamil Dehlavi is good, with a strong sense of historical detail and atmosphere. The dialogue is well-written and meaningful, conveying both the political urgency and personal emotions of the characters.

Overall, Jinnah is a powerful and moving drama that tells the story of one of the most important figures of the Indian subcontinent in the 20th century. It gives a well-rounded picture of Jinnah, his achievements and his flaws, and his contributions to the creation of Pakistan. The movie is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of the region, the battle for independence, and the lives of great leaders.