This reflection on 'Main Vaapas Aaunga' looks at Keenu's final choice, and the weight of Partition trauma behind it. It's a quiet meditation on longing, home, and everything left unsaid.
Imtiaz Ali has directed several films, most notably Jab We Met, Rockstar, Jab Harry Met Sejal, Amar Singh Chamkila and now Main Vaapas Aaunga.
Two of the biggest films in Bollywood history share the same historical DNA as 'Main Vaapas Aaunga'. Imtiaz Ali names them directly and explains what connects all three.
'Main Vaapas Aaunga' opened to Rs 1.15 crore. Most people wrote it off. Then the audience walked in, told their friends, and Imtiaz Ali found himself visiting theatres in six cities just to watch people watch his film.
No terrorists. No secret agents. Just a love story across a border. That was enough for a satire page to brand 'Main Vaapas Aaunga' "anti-national." AR Rahman's response? A laugh, and nothing more.
The song will play during the end credits of 'Main Vaapas Aaunga'. The video is a tribute to refugees and people displaced by war and conflict around the world.
'Main Vaapas Aaunga' is a Hindi film directed by Imtiaz Ali. It stars Vedang Raina and Sharvari Wagh in the lead roles, with music composed by AR Rahman and lyrics by Irshad Kamil.
The film, released on Valentine's Day 2020, had a budget of Rs 50 crore and earned an estimated Rs 52.6 crore. Ali shouldered full blame for its failure and absolved lead actors Kartik Aaryan and Sara Ali Khan of any responsibility.
Addressing her directly on Instagram Stories, he said he never intended to hurt her and expressed admiration for their long-standing friendship and collaborations.
When Imtiaz Ali, AR Rahman, and Irshad Kamil reunite, music history follows. The trio behind 'Rockstar' and 'Tamasha' is back with 'Main Vaapas Aaunga', a Partition love story releasing June 12, 2026.
