Ijaazat (1987) Review: Gulzar's Romantic Tragedy Inspired By Multiple Sources Comes Together In A Distinctly Art-house Form

RATING - ⭐⭐⭐✨ 3.5/5*

Ijaazat Review Movie Talkies:

There was a Bengali film, Jatugriha (1964), with a somewhat similar storyline, though the conflict between husband and wife was different. Many of you may also recall the Hollywood film The Way We Were (1973), which revolved around an ex-couple meeting after years. Gulzar’s Ijaazat may have drawn inspiration from these works, and a few scenes do evoke memories of other films, yet it retains its own magic and originality. It deals with a sensitive subject without resorting to unrealistic conflicts or excessive melodrama.

Ijaazat Story:

The story follows Mahendra and Sudha, who unexpectedly meet at a railway station several years after their divorce. As they begin to converse, their married life unfolds through flashbacks, introducing Maya—the woman Mahendra was in love with, and ultimately the reason behind Sudha’s decision to leave him. As secrets surface, relationships are viewed in a new light, shaped by past assumptions and imagined futures, only to collide with present reality.

The climax, in particular, gives the film its true meaning and lasting impact. By the time the film ends, its minor flaws fade from memory. That said, Ijaazat can feel problematic from one perspective, as it subtly promotes male dominance in relationships. Even as a man, I found it difficult to empathise with Mahendra—a character who has moved on, married, yet continues to spend time with his ex-wife. Maya’s character, too, feels immature for the age and profession she represents.

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Ijaazat Cast:

The most sensible and emotionally grounded character is Rekha’s Sudha. Her performance is marked by honesty and restraint, making her instantly likeable. Naseeruddin Shah delivers a strong performance, portraying Mahendra as real and emotionally unstable—exactly what the role demands. His expressions in the climax, especially when he sees Sudha’s husband, reflect a quiet realisation of what Sudha must have felt seeing him with Maya. Anuradha Patel looks lovely and does justice to her role.

Ijaazat Movie Review:

The music is situational, with Qatra Qatra standing out as a classic. The cinematography and editing are competent, though not exceptional. While Gulzar’s writing introduces some modern ideas that slightly disrupt the traditional setup of a marital relationship, his direction ensures emotional believability. A few hiccups aside, Ijaazat remains a poetic victory for Gulzar—one that reinforces his mastery over this theme.

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