Abstract:

Based on Bapsi Sidhwa's book, Cracking India, originally published as Ice-candy-man. A romantic drama set in 1947 in Lahore before India and Pakistan became independent, where Hindu, Sikh, Parsee, and Muslim share a peaceful co-existence. Events are seen from the point of view of eight-year-old Lenny, a girl from an affluent Parsee family. Lenny's nanny, Shantya, is involved with the Muslim Masseur. When a train of Muslims arrives at the local depot and all the passengers are found murdered, the various sects turn against each other, and the city is soon aflame. With Aamir Khan, Nandita Das, Rahul Khanna, Maia Sethna. || "...a formidable film, one that shows how political forces can transform harmonious differences into deadly divisions" --David Bahr, Time Out New York