Pinjar

Puro is a young woman of Hindu background, who lives a happy, comfortable life with her family. She is engaged to a kind young man, Ramchand, who is from an upstanding family. While on an outing with her younger sister Rajjo, Puro is suddenly kidnapped by a mysterious man, Rashid. Rashid’s family has an ancestral dispute with Puro’s family. In the past, Puro’s family had made Rashid’s family homeless by taking over their property. Puro’s uncle had even kidnapped Rashid’s aunt and then released her after raping her. The task of exacting revenge is given to Rashid, and his family tells him to kidnap Puro, to settle the score.

Rashid goes through with the kidnapping but cannot bring himself to be cruel to Puro, since he is drawn to her. One night, Puro manages to escape and return to her parents. Her parents woefully turn away their daughter, explaining that if Puro were to stay, Rashid’s extended clan would slaughter everyone in their family. Left with no support, Puro returns to Rashid who is well-aware of Puro’s escape; he knew she wouldn’t be let in by her parents and had been waiting for her nearby.

After a few months, Puro’s family marries their son Trilok to Ramchand’s younger sister, Lajjo, while Rajjo is married to Ramchand’s cousin. Meanwhile, Rashid marries Puro, and they settle into an uneasy routine of husband and wife, during which time Puro becomes pregnant but miscarries.

The British colonialists leave India and the Subcontinent reels under the effects of the partition. Ramchand’s uncle, cousin and Rajjo leave for India and are safe. Ramchand, his parents and Lajjo are caught in the riots. Ramchand hurriedly leaves for India with his younger sister and mother; his father is already missing. Shortly after, Lajjo is kidnapped by rioters. Puro meets Ramchand, who woefully tells her of Lajjo’s situation. Puro finds Lajjo and helps her escape with Rashid’s assistance. This incident brings Puro and Rashid closer, and Puro sees Rashid’s loyalty towards her and his care for her family. They bring Lajjo to Lahore where Trilok and Ramchand come to receive her.

Trilok has a tearful reunion with Puro and explains to her that if she so chooses, she can start a new life, as Ramchand is ready to accept her even now. Puro surprises Trilok by refusing and saying that after everything that has happened, she is where she belongs. Ramchand responds with tremendous empathy to Puro, as he sees that she has accepted Rashid. Meanwhile, Rashid slowly tries to merge into the crowd, making it easier for Puro to leave with her family. He is heartbroken, as he is deeply in love with her, but wants her to be happy. However, Puro seeks Rashid out and the two tearfully bid Ramchand, Trilok, and Lajjo farewell forever.

Pinjar awards :

• Winner – Apsara Award (Best Debut Director) – Movie Chandra Prakash Dwivedi 2004
• Winner – Filmfare Award (Best Art Direction) Muneesh Sappel 2004
• Winner – Screen Technical Award (Best Art Direction) Muneesh Sappel 2004
• Winner – Screen Technical Award (Best Cinematography) Santhosh Thundyil 2004
• Winner – Screen Technical Award (Best Story) Shimit Amin 2004
• Winner – Popular Zee Cine Award (Best Lyricst) Amrita Pritam 2004
• Winner – Technical Zee Cine Award (Best Costume Design) Muneesh Sappel 2004
• Winner – Technical Zee Cine Award (Best Story) Amrita Pritam 2004
• Winner – Technical Zee Cine Award (Best Art Direction) Muneesh Sappel 2004