Based on an unpublished story by famous Urdu writer Ismat Chugtai, is one of the few movies dealing with state of Muslims who stayed back in India post partition. This film captures the struggle and anguish of the Muslim people who found themselves in strange situation where they in their own country were treated as outsiders. Salim Mirza, played brilliantly by Balraj Sahney, is one such Muslim who stays back in India. He with his family has to fight to find their identity and respect in this new country with changed realities. He can only watch as his world is slowly ripped by tragic aftermath of partition. Sikandar, played by Farooq Shaikh, is Salim Mirza's unemployed son who is often on his face told that he might have a better chance in Pakistan. The fabulous story, great performances (especially of Balraj Sahani) and the sensitivity of the content makes it a must watch. Garam Hawa was initially banned but eventually it won a national award for national integration and was even screened in Pakistan.
