“Mukund and Riaz” (2005) by Nina Sabnani

Mukand and Riaz is a story based on the fragmented memories of Mukand who remembers and misses his friend Riaz, his childhood friend.

Theme: Friendship

As we approach the 74th anniversary of the partition of India, friendship takes on a new meaning. Mukand and Riaz are best of friends leading simple, carefree lives in the coastal city of Karachi. Their lives are disrupted by the sudden breakout of violence. What Riaz does for Mukand and his family in that time of utter chaos and horror becomes a cherished memory for Mukand. He carries it with him for the next 60 years. Though the two friends are never able to meet again, their bond of friendship stays alive.

The film conjures up a rich, layered canvas with colours and patterns that evoke the Karachi of the 1940’s. The use of fabric textures in the design of the characters and their environments gives them an organic and almost tangible feel. The music and narration feel dated but, at the same time, somehow suitable to the time-period. The narration also provides a sense of detachment and may have also been used to make the film suitable for all ages. Though it would have been interesting to hear the characters speak, the style of narration also reminds us that this is a true story passed on from one generation to another.