Camera angles (and sound of applause)

Certain camera angles used in this movie are important in order to frame the viewer's reaction against a particular character or event. For example, Salim Mirza addresses the camera directly when asking for a loan or a place to stay. The effect of such a face-to-face talk with the viewer is that it gives the viewer a chance to observe his facial expressions and the change in them, from reliance in traditions and idealism to frustration with change and with Hindus' prejudice against him (which he feels is undeserved and unjust). His honesty thus comes across in his expression, and cements him as the character with which the audience feels they have a direct connection to as the protagonist. The camera angle perspective when Mirza is going around lookng for a new house to move in, that of a lonely street with only him wandering around, emphasizes his loneliness and separation from the rest of the community. Indeed, there is a lack of "brotherhood" here between the Hindus and Muslims which apparently existed pre-partition. The camera angle perspective when they've moved in the new house is a bird's eye view, through the barred roof, serves to show that the new house really is much like a cage. Finally, when Shamshad accompanies his sister Salma and Amina to the Tomb of Chishti, there are two scenes where ripples in water are created and the camera focuses on them, signifying change that is imminent (Amina's acceptance of Shamshad's proposal).

On a side note, I also found the sound of applause playing whenever any politician's portrait is shown to be very interesting. But the real significance of using such a sound effect becomes clear when the Mirza family move out of their haveli, and pack away Halim Mirza's portrait (of himself while addressing a political rally) in a tonga. It shows how mass populist movements, which are associated with such indistinct sounds such as applause, actually have little bearing on the lives of individuals and families. In this case, the movements which have led to Partition, have had a negative impact instead.