Thoughts on Imtiaz Ali's "Mai Vaapas Aaunga" and the Partition Of India

A gentle disclaimer before I begin - I am not a hardcore movie buff and I have little knowledge of films. I am very choosy about what I watch.

Why am I writing About "Mai Vaapas Aaunga"?

Because I do like watching meaningful, fun, intense or deep movies and this one hit hard.

I won't give you spoilers, but you must be aware the movie is about the partition of undivided India into India and Pakistan. While I know people are clearly divided on political and religious lines, especially today, this movie comes as a breath of fresh air because it does not take sides. The only side it takes is that of the nation, its citizens and of humanity.

(On a side note, I always find theatres half empty for these movies. While I am not against people watching whatever they like to, I think we should encourage meaningful movies by watching them in theatres.)

My General Take - Non-political and Secular

I will not get into the political aspect of it, but in general, I am secular in nature. It does not categorize me into left or right wing or Congress or BJP supporter and so on, so please refrain from it. I am all for humans and humanity, live and let live, and no prejudices or grudges against anyone unless an individual has directly impacted you in some way.

Lessons from "Mai Vaapas Aaunga" and the Partition of India

That being said, the movie gave a few lessons that are worth noting.

For one, fighting amongst each other helps nobody. Remember the story of two rabbits fighting while the monkey takes away the cake? So between Hindus and Muslims, the British took away the cake and purposely created a scenario of partition of India before they left, so that we cut each other's throats for nothing and become enemies. I have always maintained that unity makes us strong and if we are divided, we lose. It is always the third party that benefits out of our feuds. This what "Mai Vaapas Aaunga" very clearly shows.

Whom did the partition of India help? - I don't know. But it definitely broke apart tons of families, their homes, and the people. I have heard stories from some friends too whose grandparents had to come here running, leaving everything behind. What a sad history to remember! How much trauma all these families must have gone through?

Imagine who can touch us if we remain united? Is that not how easily outsiders entered the country and ruled us for decades? Divide and rule - as simple as that. If anyone is instigating you against another religion, caste, community, region, colour - remember they have something to gain in it or even they are manipulated. Some unscrupulous elements of the society remain unscrupulous, no matter which community they belong to.

Second, war and fights never helped anyone. No matter what, it is not worth waging a war. Unless you are defending yourself from danger, and even that, while maintaining ethics, it can be justified to an extent. Otherwise, what joy does a war bring to anyone? Loss of life, homes, families, resources and property, carrying destruction is what a war does everywhere it goes. The weakest suffer while the powerful gain more advantage.

Women and children are the primary targets because they make an easy prey. Even here, patriarchy comes into play. How? It hurts the ego of people when they cannot protect their women and children, and boosts the ego of those who target them. They're made the scapegoats for men on either sides to prove their superiority and gain advantage. It further fuels enmity, leads to more hatred carried forward for generations, more wars, and more destruction.

Third, loving from the soul and keeping promises. It is not just about attraction or intimacy, but about connection, commitments and promises meant to be kept. Love stories with depth always fascinate me and this was one of those. A connection from the soul that makes you go back and fulfil promises. I will not reveal much here, so that I do not ruin the movie for you. But yes, this one is worth giving your time.

I had read somewhere that after this movie, you need ten minutes to yourself. Yes, I felt the need for this too. Keep your napkins with you. Yes, it is a tearjerker - but a worthy one. It will be coming up on Netflix soon, so go, watch it!

Tell me what you think about this movie in the comments below!