Gulzar’s 1988 critically acclaimed film, Libaas is finally going to hit the screens after almost three decades. The film, which is written and directed by Gulzar saab, focuses on adultery and extra-marital relationships in urban India.
The film was reportedly held back by its producer, Vikas Mohan after he had a tiff with the director of the film. Starring Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah, the film has been screened only twice at International Film Festivals. Once in 1992 at International Film Festival in Bangalore and another time at International Film Festival of India in Goa in 2014.
Zee Classic with its brand proposition Woh Zamaana Kare Deewana announced the theatrical release of the movie.
The story revolves around theatre director Sudhir (Shah) and his actor wife Seema (Azmi). Their life appears picture perfect, but appearances are often deceptive in the world of showbiz. The movie also features Raj Babbar, Sushma Seth, Utpal Dutt, Annu Kapoor and Savita Bajaj. The music has been composed by one of Gulzar’s frequent collaborators, RD Burman.
Libaas will finally be released by Vikas Mohan’s sons, Amul Vikas Mohan and Anshul Vikas Mohan.
Amul said, “I’m lucky to be a part of this project. It couldn’t be released at that time for some reason. This was my father’s life-long dream and I’m happy it’s finally coming true. The film will be in theatres by the end of this year. We will announce the release date in a few weeks, after further discussion.” The film will be distributed by Zee Studios in India.
Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah appeared in two films before Libaas; Sai Paranjpye's Sparsh (1980) and Shekhar Kapoor's Masoom (1983).
Libaas is based on a short story, Seema published in collected stories in Raavi Paar by Gulzar.
Gulzar later went on to direct classics such as Parichay, Aandhi, Mausam, Angoor, Ijaazat, Lekin…, Maachis and Hu Tu Tu. He stopped directing films to concentrate on his writing and translating Rabindranath Tagore’s work but he is still very active as a lyricist and won the Oscar for Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire.
(With inputs from PTI)
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