Imtiaz Ali he has finally set his sights on Chandigarh, a city he calls “first world”. As he visits the theaters of City Beautiful to see how the audience is reacting to his acclaimed film ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’, he also opens up about what inspired the film in Partition. He has seen many films on the subject and considers Freedom at Midnight by Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre the most important book of that period. But the real-life stories of people affected by the hastily drawn Radcliffe Line really 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, according to Imtiaz, hold immense meaning for a state he loves as deeply as the love stories for which he is famous. As reported in Tribune India, he says, “The film is set in undivided India, so it’s not about loving or hating Pakistan. Also, every person I met none of them talked about hate.” Responding to those who taunt Indian Muslims with the ‘go to Pakistan’ taunt, he adds, “Indian Muslims more than anyone else have shown their patriotism by choosing to stay in India when they had a choice.“
Imtiaz Ali on what home means to him
Considering that the film is essentially about the love of one’s roots, with the idea that “home is where the heart is,” it makes one curious as to what home really means to them. To this, the filmmaker replies, “Man is a version of who you were. Like Ishar in Main Vaapas…we all yearn to be that person we were back when we were at home.”
Imtiaz Ali on cinema and the test of time
The response to his film has thrilled him, especially as it gained traction after initially being written off as “dead on arrival”. He shares that a theatrical career is deeply important to him as he prefers people to see 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 they were released. When asked what a filmmaker finds most satisfying: the instant success of a film or its ability to withstand the passage of time, he simply says, “Pain is temporary… cinema is permanent.“His love for Punjab, which he has spoken about often, is just as deep. When asked which image of the state he holds closest, he answers without hesitation: ‘Wheat fields and gentle breezes.’
Imtiaz Ali on punjabi words and future projects
Unsurprisingly, among the wide range of Punjabi words, ‘chardi kalan’ figures as her 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, will be followed by ‘Heer Ranjha’, which will reunite the same team.
Imtiaz Ali on the audience response
The responses from viewers, including Gen Z, who have connected with the many poignant layers of his film, have given him a new perspective, which will not only guide his future projects, but also reinforce his belief that “audiences love a good film.”
About ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’
‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’ tells the story of a 95-year-old man who suffers a stroke and starts showing signs of dementia after he decides to travel to Pakistan. As his forgotten memories slowly return, his grandson begins to piece together a past that dates back to before Partition. The film tells a deeply emotional story about separation, identity and relationships forever changed by one of the most painful events in history. It is also the fifth time that filmmaker Imtiaz Ali is working with music composer AR Rahman, after Rockstar, Highway, Tamasha and Amar Singh Chamkila. Releasing in theaters on 12 June 2026, the film stars Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Sharvari and Vedang Raina in lead roles.