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An editor asks Deven, a teacher who loves Urdu poetry, to interview poet Nur Shahjehanabadi, an aging whale of a man. Deven goes to Bhopal from Mirpur to meet Nur, of whom he is in awe. He finds him living with feuding wives, visited by sycophants who drink his whisky and eat his food. Deven wants to record Nur for posterity and seeks funds to buy an aged tape recorder, to bribe Safiya, the elder wife, to get Nur into a room at a brothel for a week for the recording, and to feed Nur’s pals who show up. Nur’s beautiful second wife, Imtiaz, wants to be taken seriously as a poetess. Dever dismisses her and ignores his own wife and child much as Nur does. In the end, what is preserved?
Duration: 126 min
Released: 1994
IMDb Rating: 7.1/10 (258 Votes)
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Hindi Movies
Stars: Om Puri, Shashi Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, Sushma Seth
Directors: Ismail Merchant
Writers: Anita Desai, Shahrukh Husain
Year: 1994
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In Custody (1994): A Thought-Provoking Cinematic Journey into Language, Culture, and Identity
Introduction
"In Custody" is a 1994 Indian drama-comedy film that provides a poignant exploration into the complexities of language, culture, and personal dreams. Directed by the celebrated filmmaker Ismail Merchant, this movie brings together some of the finest talents in Indian cinema, including Shashi Kapoor and Shabana Azmi, to craft a narrative that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally engaging. Adapted by the writer Anita Desai from her own acclaimed novel, the film masterfully weaves together themes of literary preservation and cultural heritage with the harsh realities of human limitations.
Plot Overview
At its core, "In Custody" tells the story of Deven Sharma (played by Shashi Kapoor), a modest and somewhat reserved Hindi professor from a small town who aspires to do something extraordinary with his life. His chance comes when he is offered the opportunity to interview a great Urdu poet, Nur Shahjenabadi, whose work is on the brink of being lost to time. The film takes the audience deep into the interpersonal dynamics between the idealistic Deven and the charismatic yet troubled Nur, exploring the tension between literary greatness and human frailty.
The narrative also serves as a wider commentary on the declining influence of the Urdu language and the broader erosion of cultural identity in post-independence India. Deven’s journey is not just a professional endeavor but a deeply personal mission, symbolizing the struggle to preserve artistic beauty amidst political and social change.
Main Cast
Director and Writer
The film is directed by Ismail Merchant, a notable name in Indian and international cinema, famed for co-founding Merchant Ivory Productions. His direction captures the nuanced emotional and cultural themes of the story with subtlety and elegance. The screenplay and adaptation are penned by Anita Desai, the celebrated novelist and author of the original book "In Custody," which the film is based on. Her understanding of literary art, cultural conflicts, and character development shines throughout the film’s script.
Cultural and Cinematic Context
"In Custody" offers a rare cinematic meditation on the importance of language, especially Urdu, which historically flourished in India but faced decline due to political and social shifts. Through Deven’s interactions with Nur Shahjenabadi, the audience gets a vivid glimpse of the anguish and pride tied to cultural heritage.
The film’s setting in India, with its distinctive blend of modest college life contrasted against the fading aristocratic circles of Urdu poets, provides a rich backdrop that highlights socio-economic and generational divides.
Music and Soundscape
While "In Custody" is not a conventional Bollywood musical, it does feature an evocative musical score by Richard Robbins that complements the film’s tone and themes. Instead of vibrant song-and-dance numbers, the film uses classical and poetic elements to augment the storytelling, much like Urdu poetry itself — lyrical, nuanced, and layered. This restrained approach to music reflects the film’s serious subject matter and artistic ambitions.
Critical Reception and Legacy
Upon release, "In Custody" was praised for its thoughtful script, soulful performances, and its commitment to representing the fading world of Urdu poetry. Shashi Kapoor and Shabana Azmi’s performances were especially lauded for their subtlety and depth. The film, while not a commercial blockbuster, garnered critical acclaim for its intelligent storytelling and cultural resonance.
Over the years, "In Custody" has come to be appreciated not only as a cinematic work but also as a cultural document, preserving the memory of a rich linguistic heritage and raising important questions about identity and artistic preservation in a rapidly modernizing society.
Conclusion
"In Custody" stands as a remarkable example of Indian cinema’s ability to tackle complex social and cultural themes with grace and insight. Thanks to the remarkable direction of Ismail Merchant, the poignant writing of Anita Desai, and stellar performances by Shashi Kapoor and Shabana Azmi, the film remains a moving tribute to language, literature, and the human struggle for dignity. For anyone interested in cinema that goes beyond entertainment to engage with the soul of a culture, "In Custody" is a deeply rewarding experience.
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