Watch Pinjar

Pinjar is a 2003 Indian period drama film directed by Chandraprakash Dwivedi. Set in the backdrop of the partition of India in 1947, the movie portrays the impact of this event on the lives of people, especially women. The film revolves around the story of Puro, played by Urmila Matondkar, a young Hindu girl living in a small village in Punjab. She is engaged to a wealthy Hindu boy named Ramchand, played by Sandali Sinha. However, soon after their engagement, Puro is kidnapped by a Muslim man named Rashid, played by Manoj Bajpayee. Rashid holds Puro captive at first but then develops feelings for her and lets her go. Puro returns to her family, but they refuse to accept her back, as she has been in captivity at a Muslim's house.

Disowned by her own family and rejected by her fiancé, Puro finds solace in Rashid's family, who accept her as one of their own. She discovers that Rashid himself has been orphaned and raised by his elder brother, played by Sanjay Suri. She sees the struggle of the Muslim community in India, and as she shares their pain and beliefs, she starts to build a strong bond with them. Her decision to stay with Rashid's family creates a conflict within her as she is torn between her loyalty to two different communities - Hindu and Muslim.

The film depicts the communal violence that arises during the partition, as people are forced to migrate from one place to another. The impact of partition is shown through the eyes of people who are directly affected by it. It portrays the brutality of the riots, the loss of lives and the separation of families.

Pinjar is a powerful story of resilience, courage, and survival in difficult and traumatic circumstances. The film highlights the struggles of women during the partition and their vulnerability in a patriarchal society. It portrays the plight of women who were disowned by their families, forced into prostitution or abandoned in refugee camps.

The film's casting is exceptional, with strong performances from Urmila Matondkar, Manoj Bajpayee, and Sanjay Suri. Urmila's portrayal of Puro is one of her best performances as she captures the vulnerability, pain, and strength of her character. Manoj Bajpayee is superb as Rashid, portraying his character's transformation from a kidnapper to a lover in a believable way. Sanjay Suri is remarkable as the elder brother who is torn between his love for his brother and his loyalty to his community.

The film's cinematography by Milind Kavde captures the beauty of rural Punjab and the darkness of the riots with equal finesse. The film's score by Uttam Singh complements the film's mood and adds depth to the overall viewing experience.

In conclusion, Pinjar is a poignant and thought-provoking film that sheds light on the human tragedy of partition through its emotional and intricate plot. The film highlights the importance of communal harmony and depicts the uncertainty of survival in the face of violence and division. The film is a must-watch for anyone seeking a heartbreaking yet profound insight into the horror of the partition.