Partition

Synopsis

An intense drama based around the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947 and the transfer of power from British to Indian hands. Based on Saadat Hussan Manto’s famous short story about partition, McMullen’s film focuses on the historical footnote that inmates of lunatic asylums were also transferred - Muslims to asylums in Pakistan, Hindus and Sikhs from Pakistan to India. The film is set in both an asylum on the border and the conference rooms of the rulers, and the same actors play both the rulers and the inmates of the asylum, with events in the asylum mirroring the actions of the ruling order. The film’s structure is complemented by superb cinematography and set design and the cast list reads like a who’s who of Indian acting talent.

DVD extras include: Audio commentary from director Ken McMullen and writer Tariq Ali; Interviews with Tariq Ali and Saeed Jaffrey. English & French subtitles.

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Year of release

2007

Year of production

1987

Notes

UK 1987
Length / Main Feature: 78 minutes
Length / Special Feature: 60 minutes
Sound: Original stereo
Black & White and Colour
Original aspect ratio: 1.33:1 full frame
Language: English
Subtitles: French On/Off
PAL R0
RRP: £12.99
DVD Release Date: 27th August 2007

Subjects

History; Literature; Politics & government; Religious studies; Film Studies

Keywords

British Empire; India; mental hospitals; Pakistan; literature - 20th century; political geography

Credits

Director

Ken McMullen

Writer

Sadat Hasan Manto; Tariq Ali

Cast

John Shrapnel
Roshan Seth
Saeed Jaffrey
Zia Mohyeddin
Zohra Segal

Distribution Formats

Type

DVD

Format

Region 0 PAL

Price

£12.99

Availability

Sale

Duration/Size

78 minutes

Year

2019

Distributor

Name

Moviemail

Web

https://www.simplyhe.com/3000-moviemail External site opens in new window

Phone

0844 848 2000

Address

Simply Home Entertainment
PO Box 7741
Ringwood
BH24 9FA
UK

Notes

As of December 2016 the Moviemail web presence is incorporated within the Simply Media website

Name

Second Run DVD

Email

info@secondrundvd.com

Web

http://www.secondrundvd.com/ External site opens in new window

Phone

020 8324 2400

Address

12 Chessing Court
Fortis Green Road
London
N10

Notes

A niche-market video label and distributor, specialising in being the first to release important and award-winning films from around the world. Sale via online shop or retail outlets.