Apr 28, 2015 11:11 PM
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Deepa Mehta's 1947 Earth stands out in the way in which it portrays the story of individuals from different faiths in a pure, unbiased way. Adapted from the book Cracking India by Bapsi Sidhwa, the film is told through the eyes of 8 year old Lenny. Lenny(Maia Sethna) is from a rich Parsi family that decides to stay neutral in the face of India's partition. Lenny and her ayah Shanta(Nandita Das) spend time in the park surrounded by Shanta's admirers. Their friend circle consists of Muslims, Sikhs and even a few Christians. However, the horrors of partition began to reveal the true nature of the individuals around Lenny that result in a heart wrenching climax. It is this fear that acts a catharsis for the viewers.
Aamir Khan has given one of his best performances till date with his intense expressions and flawless acting. Rahul Khanna, with his shy and calm demeanour, fits the role of Hassan well.
The progression of the movie is slow till the news of partition, after which it picks up speed, turns grim and gives us a sense of impending doom.
All in all, 1947 Earth is a poignant and effective film with brilliant metaphors. The scene in which Shanta frantically tries to stitch up a doll torn into two by Lenny and fails, sums up the movie beautifully. The doll, with its innards spilling out, is the nation that has been torn apart by the religious frenzy, too damaged to be stitched together again.
