Jul 28, 2026 1:13pm IST
‘Batwara 1947’ Trailer Review: Sunny Deol Fights To Shield Shabana Azmi In Partition Movie
Based on Asghar Wajahat's play "Jis Lahore Nai Vekhya, O Jamya E Nai" (a Punjabi adage meaning "Experiencing Lahore is so fundamental to a fulfilling life that not seeing it is akin to not truly living or being born"), "Batwara 1947" was bound to be an emotional ride from the get-go. The newly released trailer brings the writer's vision to life alongside famed director Rajkumar Santoshi, who aims for a deeply moving tale of a Muslim family taking in a Hindu grandmother amid transnational tensions.
Starring Sunny Deol in the lead role, it brings together a fan-favorite pairing in the form of Deol and Preity Zinta, who have shown their star power across projects. Rajkumar Santoshi and Sunny Deol's collaborations have been massive at the box including blockbuster films "Ghayal" (1990), "Damini" (1993) and "Ghatak" (1996).
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Beginning on the eve of India's independence, August 14, 1947, it brings forth the story of one of the biggest-ever immigrations. As Sikander Mirza leads his family from Lucknow to Lahore after India's partition, it captures the surprise that awaits him as he settles into a new haveli.
In the trailer, Mai (Shabana Azmi) occupies the house allocated to the Mirza family across the border and her religious belief as a Hindu stands in the way of their peace in the new land. Deol begins to protect her from politically charged commentary from those around him, led by Yaqoob Pehalwan (Abhimanyu Singh).
The visuals are right on point, taking the viewer back to the 1940s. Karan Deol's Javed Mirza gets himself a star dialogue much like his on-screen and real-life father, who performs with a familiar conviction, bound to receive whistles and cheers in the theaters.
The film is all set to target the Independence Day weekend, releasing across national chains on August 14.
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