1947 Earth(1998)
'Earth' is a 1998 Indo-Canadian period drama film directed by Deepa Mehta. It stars Aamir Khan, Nandita Das, Rahul Khanna, and Maia Sethna. The story is set in Lahore during the 1947 Partition of India. It follows eight-year-old Parsee girl Lenny and her Hindu ayah Shanta. Shanta is caught between two Muslim suitors as religious violence erupts. The film explores how political conflict destroys personal relationships. It is based on Bapsi Sidhwa's autobiographical novel 'Cracking India'. The music was composed by A.R. Rahman. The film received critical acclaim for its honest portrayal of Partition. It won several international awards. 'Earth' is the second film in Deepa Mehta's Elements trilogy, following 'Fire' and preceding 'Water'. The film was released in Hindi and English.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- JioHotstar, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube
- Theatrical Release
- 1 January 1998
- Director
- Deepa Mehta
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 1h 48m
- Rating
- 6.2/10
Storyline
In 1947 Lahore, eight-year-old Lenny watches her world fall apart. Her beautiful Hindu ayah Shanta is loved by two Muslim men. As Partition divides the country, friendships turn to hatred. Lenny must witness the destruction of everything she loves.
“Love divided a country.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for 1947 Earth
Cast reunions in this film: A. R. Rahman & Aamir Khan (7 films together), A. R. Rahman & Kulbhushan Kharbanda (3 films together), Aamir Khan & Kulbhushan Kharbanda (3 films together), Nandita Das & A. R. Rahman (2 films together), and Aamir Khan & Kitu Gidwani (2 films together).
Trivia
- The film is based on Bapsi Sidhwa's novel 'Cracking India', which was originally titled 'Ice Candy Man'.
- Aamir Khan was initially considered for the role of the ice candy man, but the part went to Aamir's childhood friend, actor Rajendra Kumar's son.
- The film was shot on location in Delhi, using many real streets and buildings to recreate 1947 Lahore.
- It was the second film in Deepa Mehta's 'Elements Trilogy', coming after 'Fire' and before 'Water'.
- The young girl narrator, Lenny, is played by Maia Sethna, who was not a professional child actor at the time.
- The film's premiere was delayed in India due to political tensions following the nuclear tests in 1998.
- Deepa Mehta cast Pakistani actor Rahul Khanna in his debut film role as the gentle Hassan.