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Hema Malini calls Batwara 1947 ‘brilliant’ in her review, hails outstanding performances by Sunny Deol and Shabana Azmi

Batwara 1947 was released in theatres last Friday. It is directed by Rajkumar Santoshi.

Updated on: Aug 17, 2026, 21:24:08 IST
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Sunny Deol's Batwara 1947 opened in theatres on Independence Day to positive reviews. Now, Hema Malini has reviewed the film and gave it a thumbs up, praising the direction and performances of the cast. (Also read: Batwara 1947 worldwide box office collection day 3: Sunny Deol film crashes in opening weekend, earns 37 crore)

Hema Malini gave a glowing review for Sunny Deol's Batwar 1947.
Hema Malini gave a glowing review for Sunny Deol's Batwar 1947.

Hema Malini reviews Batwara 1947

Taking to her Instagram account, Hema Malini wrote, “I watched the movie “Batwara” today. Simply brilliant with a clear message that conveys what the nation needs today.”

She added, “It reminds us that humanity, mutual respect, and harmony are far more important than hatred and division. I hope this beautiful message inspires people to change their mindset and choose kindness over hate. Brilliant direction by Rajkumar Santoshi with outstanding performances by Sunny Deol and Shabana Azmi. Also in the cast with good performances were Karan Deol & Preity Zinta. Congratulations to Aamir Khan for producing a timeless film with a message that is truly the need of the hour.”

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About Batwara 1947

Batwara 1947 is directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and brings the filmmaker back together with Sunny Deol after nearly 30 years. The duo previously delivered memorable films like Ghayal (1990), Damini (1993) and Ghatak (1996).

The movie is based on a 1989 play by Asghar Wajahat titled Jis Lahore Nai Vekhya, O Jamya E Nai. The plot of the film revolves around a married couple (Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta) who are celebrating the freedom of India but have to migrate to Pakistan due to the division of countries. The film is backed by Aamir Khan Productions.

Meanwhile, Batwara 1947 has also found itself competing with Emraan Hashmi's Awarapan 2, and the difference between the two films has become increasingly clear. Batwara 1947 is struggling to hold its ground amid the onslaught that is Emraan's film at the box office. Awarapan 2 already crossed the 100 crore mark worldwide.

“Overall, 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 the heart of its story, and Shabana Azmi's performance is the star. There are moments when Santoshi's old-school treatment becomes a little too loud, and the film could certainly have benefited from a tighter second half. Yet, when it gets the balance right, Batwara 1947 is thought-provoking... that Partition was the loss of a sense of belonging overnight. And that is the wound this film understands best,” read an excerpt from the HT review of the film.

  • Santanu Das
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Santanu Das

    Santanu Das is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times with over 5 years of experience, writing on films, pop culture and film festivals. He has a keen interest in writing about South Asian independent films and has covered several film festivals, including Sundance and CPH: Docx. He also brings a sharp perspective to the monthly column called The Fault in Our Stars, where he writes about a recent film/series and what stops the ‘good’ from becoming ‘great’. A gold medalist from Banaras Hindu University, Santanu completed his postgraduate studies in English from Jadavpur University. He is also a Rotten Tomatoes-certified film critic. When not watching films or speaking to celebrities, Santanu can be found reading a book. Some of his favourite films are Aparajito, Ponyo and The Double Life of Veronique. His favourite books include The Corrections, The God of Small Things and A Room of One's Own. Santanu continues to write passionately about films and celebrity culture. He brings a relatable, as well as critically informed, lens to entertainment and culture for a wide audience. Find him on LinkedIn: santanudasfilm Instagram: @santupechaRead More

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