Imtiaz Ali: ‘Indian Muslims have proved their patriotism by choosing to live in India’: Imtiaz Ali shuts down trolls with emotional reality behind ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’ | Hindi Movie News
Imtiaz Ali He later set his sights on Chandigarh, a city he calls “the first country.” While visiting theaters in City Beautiful to see the audience’s reaction to his hit film ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’, he also opens up about what inspired the film on 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 the time. But the real-life stories of the victims of the Radcliffe Line that was quickly drawn really inspired his film.
Imtiaz Ali on two occasions featured in ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’
His film moves between two eras, 1947 and present-day Punjab, both of which, Imtiaz feels, have as much meaning for the country he loves as deeply as the love stories for which he became famous. As reported in the Tribune India magazine, he said: “This film is set in undivided India, so it does not talk about loving or hating Pakistan. Responding to those who mock Indian Muslims with the jibe of “go to Pakistan”, he adds, “Indian Muslims more than anyone else have proven their love for their country by deciding to stay in India if they choose.“
Imtiaz Ali on what home means to him
Since this film is actually about the love of the beginning of man, and the idea that ‘home is where the heart is’, it makes one curious to know what home means to him. To this, the filmmaker replies, “Home is a version of who you were. Like Ishar in Main Vaapas…we all long to get back to being the person we were when we were at home.”
Imtiaz Ali’s cinema is the test of time
The response to his film has affected him, especially since it gained traction after being labeled as “dead on arrival.” He shares that theater is very important to him, because he loves to watch his films on the big screen. Many of his works, Tamasha among them, are celebrated today as masterpieces despite not doing well at the box office when they were first released. When asked what a filmmaker finds most satisfying—a film’s immediate success or its ability to stand the test of time—he simply says, “Pain is temporary…cinema is permanent.“His love for Punjab, which he speaks of often, runs high. When asked what image of the country he holds closest, he answers without hesitation, “Grain fields and gentle breezes.”
Imtiaz Ali on Punjabi voice and future projects
Unsurprisingly, among the many Punjabi words, ‘chardi kalan’ is his favorite. The music of ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’, the hard-hitting singer whose life history he painted in his powerful compositions, remains an unforgettable voice. Just as ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ led ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’, ‘Laila Majnu’, produced by him and directed by his brother Sajid Ali, is followed by ‘Heer Ranjha’, bringing back the same team.
Imtiaz Ali on audience response
The responses from moviegoers, including Gen Z, who connected to many of the scary parts of his movie, gave him new ideas – which will not only guide his future works but also strengthen his belief that “The audience is like a good movie.”
About ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’
‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’ tells the story of a 95-year-old man who had a stroke and started showing signs of dementia after deciding to go to Pakistan. As his forgotten memories slowly return, his grandson begins to piece together a past that goes back to Partition. The film tells a profound story about separation, identity, and relationships forever changed by one of the most poignant events in history. It also marks the fifth time filmmaker Imtiaz Ali has worked with music composer AR Rahman, after Rockstar, Highway, Tamasha, and Amar Singh Chamkila. Released in theaters on June 12, 2026, the movie stars Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Sharvari, and Vedang Raina in the lead roles.
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