Ijaazat

Directed by SS Gulzar, India, 1987, 136mins
Cast: Naseeruddin Shah, Shashi Kapoor, Rekha, Anuradha Patel.
Print Source: Directorate of Film Festivals of India.

Told through a series of flashbacks, this emotional film explores the consequences of deception in the Indian middle class. Photographer Mahinder (Shah) is amid a passionate relationship with fellow artist Maya (Patel) when he is forced to marry another woman, Sudha (Rekha). Eventually, the marriage yields to the strain of the love triangle and Sudha leaves home without her husband's ijaazat (permission).

Years later, a chance encounter between the two (still separated) leads them to reminisce about the past. Gulzar's sensitive writing makes the most of the couple's ambiguous relationship, but after some initial awkwardness it becomes obvious that each still loves the other. Just as the couple seems to be heading inevitably for reconciliation, he throws in a devastating twist… Boasting songs like 'Mera Kuchh Samaan', Ijaazat's famous soundtrack features the award-winning combination of RD Burman, SS Gulzar and Asha Bhosle.

Click to return to the Birmingham Film & Television Festival article.

Click here to visit the Birmingham Film & Television Festival website.