Ijaazat

Ijaazat, a Hindi drama film released in 1987, is a delicate exploration of romantic relationships, marriage, love, and longing. Directed by the maverick, Gulzar and starring veteran Bollywood actors such as Rekha, Naseeruddin Shah, and Anuradha Patel, the movie offers a palate of complex emotions wrapped in a compelling narrative.

The key premise of Ijaazat rests on an impromptu reunion between Mahender (Naseeruddin Shah) and his ex-wife, Sudha (Rekha) at a railway station which they both happen to visit at the same time. The station symbolizes the crossroads of their lives, with trains playing an allegory for the journeys they were on once upon a time, as well as where their paths lead from there. The chance encounter tears open old wounds and forgotten memories, and the narrative then delicately paces through flashbacks, unfolding their emotionally charged past.

Mahender is a businessman; indecisive and unsure in nature, played with intense vulnerability by Naseeruddin Shah. His relationship with Sudha, portrayed by Rekha with introspective grace, is a tale of passion and companionship. Their chemistry delivers an authentic representation of a married couple trying to reconcile their differences and make it work. Still, a significant figure from Mahender's past remains a constant overshadowing their relationship - Maya (Anuradha Patel).

Maya is an ethereal, whimsical character who is Mahender's lover from his past. Anuradha Patel pulls off this character with an impressive aura of mystery and independence. Maya’s layered character transforms her from an ‘other woman’ to a memorable character etched in deep shades of love, desires and inner conflicts.

Naseeruddin Shah's energy and sensitivity, coupled with Rekha's nuanced performance and Anuradha Patel's vivacity, create a powerful triad that fuels the narrative of Ijaazat. The film dwells not just on the romantic entanglements but also explores the dynamics of male-female relationships in deeper strands, weaving in the complexities of societal norms and familial obligations.

Director Gulzar's trademark lyricism is evident in the detailed narrative. Each scene unfolds like a poetic sequence, carrying the weight of the unspoken words and echoing sentiments. The nuances of the characters and their relationships are astutely portrayed, making the audience resonate with the complexity of their circumstances.

The atmosphere of the film is also amplified with the poignant music scored by R.D. Burman, a celebrated music director in Bollywood. The playful tunes and the melancholic melodies provide the perfect backdrop for this captivating drama. The songs are seamlessly woven in the fabric of the narrative and beautifully voiced by notable playback singers such as Asha Bhosle and Kishore Kumar.

In many ways, Ijaazat was a movie ahead of its time. The Indian cinema of the 1980s was dominated by action-packed, masala entertainers. Against such a trend, Ijaazat stood out with its mature outlook on relationships, balancing love and sense of belonging, and the rather unconventional portrayal of female characters. The plot's central themes revolve around the notion of understanding, acceptance, and unfulfilled desires that human beings grapple with in personal relationships.

The grandeur of Ijaazat lies in its simplicity. It is not a larger-than-life romantic saga but a heart-touching story that strikes a chord due to its relatable characters and situations. As the narrative unfolds, it prompts the viewers to ponder upon the various facets of love and relationships, and what it means to truly give and receive 'Ijaazat,' permission.

Accompanied by the heartfelt dialogues, emotive performances, and an unobtrusive, sensitive portrayal of love, Ijaazat remains a masterly piece in the landscape of Indian cinema.