Imtiaz Ali reflects on the screenings of ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’ in Chandigarh, and shares how true stories of Partition inspired the film through books like Freedom at Midnight. He discusses homeland, Punjab, patriotism and cinema’s enduring power of instant success. He also touched on Amar Singh Chamkila, Laila Majnu, and Heer Ranjha upcoming with his brother Sajid Ali.
Finally, Imtiaz Ali set his sights on Chandigarh, a city he calls “first world”. While visiting the theaters of City Beautiful to see how audiences react to his blockbuster film ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’, he also talks about what inspired the film Partition.
He has seen many films on the subject and considers Freedom at Midnight by Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre the most important book about the period. But the real-life stories of people affected by Radcliffe’s hastily drawn handwriting really inspired his film.
Imtiaz Ali on the two timelines shown in the movie ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’
His film moves between two timelines, 1947 and present-day Punjab, both of which, Imtiaz sees, hold enormous meaning for a country he loves as deeply as the love stories for which he is famous.
As reported in the Tribune of India, he says, “The film is set in undivided India, so it is not about loving or hating Pakistan. Moreover, of all the people I met, none of them talked about hatred.” Responding to those who taunt Indian Muslims by saying “Go to Pakistan,” he adds: “More than anyone else, Indian Muslims have proven their patriotism when they decided to stay in India when they had a choice.
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Imtiaz Ali talks about what home means to him
Since the film is mainly about loving one’s roots, with the idea that “home is where the heart is”, it makes one curious about what home really means to them.
“Home is a version of what you used to be. Like Ishar in Main Vaapas… we all long to go back to the person we were when we were at home,” answers the director.
Imtiaz Ali on cinema and the test of time
The response to his film has taken a toll, especially as it gained traction after initially being written off as “dead on arrival.” He said that theatrical presentation is very important to him, because he prefers people to watch his films on the big screen. Many of his works, including Tamasha, are celebrated today as masterpieces despite not performing well at the box office when first released.
When asked what a filmmaker finds more satisfying – the immediate success of a film or its ability to stand the test of time – he simply said: “Pain is temporary…cinema is permanent.
“His love for Punjab, something he spoke about often, is equally deep. When asked which image of the state most closely resembles his own, he answered without hesitation: ‘Wheat fields and a gentle breeze.’
Imtiaz Ali on Punjabi lyrics and future projects
Unsurprisingly, among the wide range of Punjabi words, ‘Shardi Kalan’ ranks as his favourite.
The songs of Amar Singh Chamkila, the controversial singer who depicted his life story in his powerful autobiography, remain words he will never forget. Just as ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ led to ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’, ‘Laila Majnu’, produced and directed by his brother Sajid Ali, is set to be followed by ‘Heer Ranjha’, which brings the same team together once again.
Imtiaz Ali on audience response
The responses of moviegoers, including Generation Z, who connected with many of the influential classes of his film, gave him a new perspective – one that would not only guide his future projects, but also reinforce his conviction that “an audience loves a good movie.”
About ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’
“Main Vaapas Aaunga” tells the story of a 95-year-old man who had a stroke and began showing signs of dementia after he decided to travel to Pakistan. As his forgotten memories slowly return, his grandson begins to piece together a past that goes back to before Partition. The film tells a deeply emotional story of breakup, identity, and relationships forever changed by one of history’s most traumatic events.
It is also the fifth time that director Imtiaz Ali has worked with music composer AR Rahman, after Rockstar, Highway, Tamasha and Amar Singh Chamkila. The film was released in theaters on June 12, 2026, and stars Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Sharvari, and Vedang Raina in the lead roles.
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