Movie review: 'Garm Hava'

A well narrated story transcends time. Forty years after its original release, 'Garm Hava' still manages to evoke emotions that it might have stirred in the hearts of those who were torn between India and Pakistan soon after partition

'Garm Hava'
U; Drama
Starring: Balraj Sahni, Farooq Sheikh, Dinanath Zutshi
Director: MS Sathyu

Balraj Sahni in 'Garm Hava'

A well narrated story transcends time. Forty years after its original release, 'Garm Hava' still manages to evoke emotions that it might have stirred in the hearts of those who were torn between India and Pakistan soon after partition. A classic parallel film, as it was called in those days, 'Garm Hava' stays true to its content and the situation it is set in and the result is an absolutely realistic, believable portrayal of the post partition era.

Sathyu's extremely sensitive film talks of a Muslim family headed by Salim Mirza (Balraj Sahni), which is uncertain about its fate in India as they see their near and dear ones 'escaping' to Pakistan. Mirza, a small time shoe manufacturer, is adamant on staying back till the trying circumstances start getting to him. Mirza's big family starts disintegrating as some of them get taken in by the lure of a 'better life' in Pakistan.

'Garm Hava' stays true to its content and the situation it is set in and the result is an absolutely realistic, believable portrayal of the post partition era

Penned by Sathyu and Shama Zaidi with dialogues by Kaifi Azmi, 'Garm Hava' is based on a story written by celebrated writer, Ismat Chugtai. It is heartening to see a film like 'Garm Hava' getting a second lease of life (restored by Indukino Edutainment company) through PVR Rare on the big screen, and it is a good choice too, considering that it has remarkably stood the test of time. Needless to say, just watching Balraj Sahni on screen could serve as a masterclass in acting.

'Garm Hava' deserves to be watched now and again for a simple story told so effectively, for superlative performances by each and every actor involved, the amazing cinematography and of course, a soul stirring qawwali.

(We didn't rate it since it is a re-released classic)

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