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Begum Jaan official poster

Begum Jaan(2017)

5.7/10
Hindi150 mins

Begum Jaan is a 2017 Indian Hindi period drama film directed and co-written by Srijit Mukherji. The lead cast includes Vidya Balan in the title role, with Amitabh Bachchan, Naseeruddin Shah, and Pallavi Sharda in supporting roles. Set during the 1947 Partition of India, the story follows eleven prostitutes who refuse to leave their brothel when the Radcliffe Line is drawn through it. The film explores themes of dignity, resistance, and sisterhood against a backdrop of political violence. It received mixed reviews from critics but was noted for Vidya Balan's powerful performance. The film was released in theaters on 14 April 2017.

Mood:
darkemotionalintense
Where to watch:

Quick Facts

Streaming on
JioHotstar, Amazon Prime Video
Theatrical Release
14 April 2017
Director
Srijit Mukherji
Language
Hindi
Runtime
2h 30m
Rating
5.7/10

Storyline

In 1947, a brothel run by the fierce Begum Jaan sits exactly on the new border between India and Pakistan. Government officials order the women to leave, but Begum Jaan refuses. She and her ten sisters fight to keep their home, facing violence, betrayal, and fire. Their battle is for dignity, not just a building.

Where will you draw the line?

Film Details

5.7Rating
150Minutes
HindiLanguage
UACertificate
Release Date14 April 2017
Also Known AsBegum Jaan · Begum Jaan

Parental Guide

Violence
Moderate
Language
Moderate
Sex / Nudity
Moderate
Drugs
Mild
Intensity
Moderate

Where to Watch

Vibe & Tags

Mood
darkemotionalintense
Themes
survivalidentitycorruptionjustice
Tonegritty
Pacingslow-burn
Complexitymoderate
Audiencemultiplex
Best Withwith-partner
Violence4
Emotion5
Humor1
Rewatchability3

Cast & Crew

Reunion Meter

Frequent partnerships reunited for Begum Jaan

Cast reunions in this film: Naseeruddin Shah & Ila Arun (4 films together), Naseeruddin Shah & Anu Malik (4 films together), Naseeruddin Shah & Vidya Balan (2 films together), and Vidya Balan & Ila Arun (2 films together).

Trivia

  • The film is a Hindi remake of the Bengali movie 'Rajkahini', also directed by Srijit Mukherji.
  • Vidya Balan performed her own stunts in the film, including a scene where she is dragged across the ground.
  • The brothel set was built from scratch in a remote village near Mumbai to create an authentic period look.
  • The film's release was delayed because the censor board asked for many cuts due to its bold content.
  • Composer Anu Malik returned to film music after a long break to create the soundtrack for this movie.
  • It was one of the last films for veteran actor Ashish Vidyarthi, who took a break from acting soon after.
  • The story is inspired by the real-life impact of the Radcliffe Line during the Partition of India.

Frequently Asked Questions

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