Our Bureau
Mumbai
Veteran actor Hema Malini has praised Sunny Deol-starrer Batwara 1947, describing the Partition drama as “simply brilliant” and highlighting its message of humanity, harmony and mutual respect. Her comments came after watching the film, which was released around Independence Day and is directed by Rajkumar Santoshi.
In a social media post, Malini lauded the film for presenting a message she felt was particularly relevant to the nation today. She also praised the performances of Sunny Deol, Shabana Azmi and Karan Deol, while expressing appreciation for producer Aamir Khan’s support for the project. According to reports, she specifically acknowledged the film’s emphasis on humanity and communal harmony rather than focusing solely on the violence associated with Partition.
Batwara 1947 is set against the backdrop of the 1947 Partition and follows the experiences of families caught amid displacement and upheaval. Sunny Deol plays Sikandar Mirza, a Muslim man who moves to Lahore with his family after Partition. There, they encounter an elderly Hindu woman who refuses to leave the home that has been her family’s ancestral residence. The resulting conflict develops into a story about compassion, coexistence and shared humanity.
The film also stars Preity Zinta, Ali Fazal and Shabana Azmi. It marks another collaboration between Deol and Santoshi, while Aamir Khan is associated with the production. The film is adapted from Syed Asghar Wajahat’s play.
Malini’s endorsement comes as the film receives mixed reactions from audiences and critics. While its performances and emotional treatment of Partition have drawn praise, its commercial performance has been moderate. The film collected around ₹26.50 crore net in India during its opening weekend.