A timeless love story

1. Title: Main Vaapas Aaunga 
2. Cast: Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Vedang Raina, Sharvari, Danish Pandor, Banita Sandhu, Rajat Kapoor and others
3. Director: Imtiaz Ali
4. Where: In theatres near you
5. Rating: HHHH

Ria Sharma 

There are filmmakers who tell stories, and then there are filmmakers who make you feel every emotion their characters go through. Imtiaz Ali belongs firmly in the second category. With films like Jab We Met, Rockstar, Tamasha and Love Aaj Kal, he has repeatedly proven his ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level. With Main Vaapas Aaunga, he once again reminds us why he remains one of Bollywood’s most compelling storytellers.

The film follows a 95-year-old man, played by Naseeruddin Shah, who is on his deathbed. While his body is in the present, his mind remains trapped in the days before the India-Pakistan Partition. The only person he truly connects with is his grandson Nirvair, played by Diljit Dosanjh. As he nears the end of his life, an unresolved chapter from his past continues to haunt him.

At its core, Main Vaapas Aaunga is a love story set against one of the most painful periods in history. It is also a moving tribute to the countless families who were forced to leave behind their homes during Partition. The film takes its time to get going, and the first half feels a little stretched. However, once the narrative starts coming together, it becomes difficult to look away.

The parallel storytelling between the past and present is one of the film’s biggest strengths. The romance between Vedang Raina’s Keenu and 

Sharvari’s Afsana is sweet, innocent and beautifully portrayed. Their chemistry feels natural, making it easy to invest in their journey.

Actors’ performance 

The performances are uniformly strong. Sharvari shines in the emotional moments, while Vedang Raina delivers what can easily be called his breakout performance. He brings both vulnerability and charm to his role. Diljit Dosanjh adds warmth and humour, and much of his character’s emotional depth comes through subtle expressions rather than dialogue. Naseeruddin Shah, however, is the soul of the film. Every scene featuring him carries immense emotional weight. The supporting cast, including Anjana Sukhani, Rajat Kapoor, Banita Sandhu, Danish Pandor and Manish Chaudhary, complements the narrative well.

Music

AR Rahman’s music elevates the film further. Songs like Maskara and Kya 

Kamaal Hai blend seamlessly into the 

narrative and stay with you long after the film ends.

Direction

Imtiaz Ali’s direction is at its strongest in the second half, where the emotional payoff is both powerful and heartbreaking.

FPJ verdict

Despite a slightly slow first half, Main Vaapas Aaunga is a beautiful film about love, loss, longing and hope. Emotional, moving and deeply human, it is the kind of story that stays with you long after the credits roll.