Batwara 1947

“Sunny Deol makes the most of the film's quieter moments and emotive scenes to add a kind of weight that is far more powerful than his fists of fury.”

“The message is loud and clear: no religion is evil, only humans are; nafrat can be conquered through pyaar, siyasat se mazhab ko na milao; and above all, maanvata se bada koi dharam nahin. But they come as a listicle, instead of making you feel.”

“Batwara 1947 is a hard-hitting period drama which shows us what Partition did to both India and Pakistan and warns us about the dangers of communalism. In an age when communal hatred is too often packaged as patriotism and cinema is increasingly tempted to pick sides, Santoshi's film dares to make a simpler, more radical argument: hatred is the real enemy.”

“The incisive script and message, and Shabana Azmi's towering performance shine in this supple story of how human beings need to show respect, not just tolerance, for religions other than their own. Never mind the title: there is no Indo-Pak nostalgia here, but a grand return to form for director Santoshi, a full 22 years after his marvelous Khakee.”

“Batwara 1947 is not Gadar or Border, but a new interpretation of the dynamics of the partition drama from Sunny Deol. This movie is a delightful comeback for Sunny-Santoshi, filled with power-packed, emotionally driven moments that will surely leave you in tears.”

“In Sunny Deol's film Batwara 1947, he is completely different from the character in Gadar, and Shabana Azmi's performance is impressive.”

“Batwara 1947 reminds you that history is often best understood through the people who were forced to live through it. The film's biggest strength is the emotional conflict at its heart, and Shabana Azmi's performance is the star. Yet, when it gets the balance right, Batwara 1947 is thought-provoking.”

“BATWARA 1947 is a well-intentioned and moving tale of humanity.”

“Sunny Deol, Shabana Azmi and Abhimanyu Singh deliver strong performances in this emotional Partition drama exploring humanity, loss and communal harmony.”

“Considering that it is a patriotic film, the emotional side of it becomes the focal point of Batwara 1947. It’s just a film about a family that found each other through traumatic times, grave loss and an inability to call a house a home until togetherness comes into play.”

“Though Batwara 1947 has its moments, its uneven treatment and overstretched narrative dilute the impact of its powerful message.”

“Coming so soon after Main Vaapas Aaunga, also a Partition era tale with a message of compassion, the flaws in Batwara 1947 are even more grating. The film is set mostly in and around one mohalla in Lahore, which worked for a stage play but on screen, it looks oddly stilted, as if the cataclysm of Partition is happening on another continent.”

“The film argues for communal coexistence, but flat performances and abrupt emotional turns blunt its impact.”

“30 years after they teamed up for Ghatak, Sunny Deol and director Raj Kumar Santoshi have come together for the Partition drama Batwara 1947. Have they recreated the magic of their past blockbusters Ghayal (1990), Damini (1993) and Ghatak (1996)?”

“Taurani praised Batwara 1947 as a deeply moving story and encouraged audiences to watch it on the first day of its release. He described the film as a sensitive and emotionally powerful portrayal of humanity, saying it serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of compassion during some of history's darkest periods.”

“A period film with timeless relevance, what also makes Batwara 1947 a worthwhile watch, comprises its simple, realistic storytelling style, strong, well-defined characters and performances, a good balance between emotion, action and drama and its warm, soul-stirring Partition story that chooses humanity over hatred.”

“Batwara 1947 is a deeply sensitive, moving and truly humanity-glorifying film that deserves to be watched First Day, First Show. Sunny Deol delivers a terrific and deeply impactful performance, while Preity Zinta, Shabana Azmi, Ali Fazal and Karan Deol are all exceptional in their respective roles. A beautifully made film with a powerful message — Batwara 1947 is a must-watch.”

“Sunny Deol's India-Pakistan partition saga smothers a tender mother-son story with overblown secular messaging and melodrama.”

“Rajkumar Santoshi’s Partition-era drama stages a daring premise as a Sunny Deol-sized plea for humanity”

“In this long-awaited reunion of Santoshi and Sunny, one finds their magic hasn't lost its vibe. While Santoshi occasionally compromises the narrative with a cartoonish villain and larger-than-life action blocks, the Sunny-Shabana symphony and the film's core message remain deeply impactful.”

“...a flawed but heartfelt film about religion, hatred and humanity.”

“Rajkumar Santoshi's Partition drama explores communal harmony and religious hatred, but its melodrama, dated dialogues and old-fashioned cinematic style weaken its timely message.”

“The storytelling is similarly stodgy and plodding. Even the dullness that pervades the 145-minute film can't conceal its cogent, clear-eyed denunciation of religious bigotry.”