An emotional film Kya Dilli Kya Lahore – that has an innocent story of the Indo – Pak Partition of 1948 which comes with the message that humanity is of utmost importance than any religion or any country.
Kya Dilli Kya Lahore – movie review
Kya Dilli Kya Lahore is an ironic story of pride and survival and it begins when – in an attempt to evade danger, they bump into each other.
Presented by Gulzar Sahab, the film stars Vijay Raaz, Manu Rishi, Raj Zutshi and Vishwajeet Pradhan in the lead roles
In 1948, a cross-fire erupts at an isolated stretch of Indo-Pak border, leaving only two soldiers alive.
One is an Indian soldier of Pakistani origin while the other happens to be a Pakistani soldier of Indian origin.
It is all throughout about the Pakistani foot soldier of Indian origin Rehmat Ali (Vijay Raaz) and an Indian soldier Ram Lal (Manu Rishi) who actually is a cook at the Indian border outpost). Ram Lal has his roots in the pre-divided Pakistan.
A year after the Independence in 1947 (during an encounter when both sides have faced heavy casualties) these individuals draw references to the proceedings preceding the partition, the bloodshed and the losses suffered by both countries.
Rehmat Ali is ordered by his senior Pakistani soldier (Vishwajeet Pradhan) to force his way into the cabin (supposedly an Indian post) which has some important files. The only individual present in the Indian post is Ram Lal, amidst the gunfire where the two try to get the better of the other one.
Just a moment ago, they were enemies and on discovering that they share similar experiences, they become friends and end up with their conclusion that their lives, and so about hundreds of other soldiers on either side of the border, are more important than this war.
And amidst continuous exchange of bullets, altercations and murkier situations, it evolves into a journey of human connection with an unforeseeable end.
The one-upmanship in war of words that ensues between these two along with intermittent firing in the background constitute a predominant part of the film. There are altercations post the partition of India, cross-border references to Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, referred to by two soldiers on either side of the border.
Raj Zutshi, with his portrayal of Barfi Singh, an army messenger in the Indian army is impressive. Vijay Raaz is okay, but the movie stands on the shoulder of Manu Rishi with his portrayal of a Punjabi, whose family had to leave everything behind in Lahore as the families had to leave immediately after the partition was declared.
The story had potential, but the writer and director were not really able to hit the nail on the head.
The film talks about peace yet is not preachy and there is no blood shed, it is a human drama and very relevant. It is a one time watch, which will enlighten you about the pains of the partition in 1948.
A concept like this one could be seen ideally as a play format.
“Lakeerein hain to rehne do,
kisi ne rooth kar gusse mein shayad kheech di thi.
Unhi ko ab banao paala aur aao kabaddi khelte hain.
Lakeerein hain to rehne do”
The film is best summarized by Gulzar who presents the story.
Click on the Thumbnails for ENLARGED PICS of Kya Dilli Kya Lahore:
Cast of Kya Dilli Kya Lahore:
Vijay Raaz – Rehmat Ali (Pakistani solder of Indian origin)
Manu Rishi- Samarth Pratap Shastri (Indian solder)
Raj Zutshi – Barfi Singh
Vishwajeet Pradhan – Pakistani Captain
Credits of Kya Dilli Kya Lahore:
Directed by Vijay Raaz
Produced by Karan Arora
Story by Aseem Arora
Music by Sandesh Shandilya
