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In Custody

Play trailer Poster for In Custody PG Released Jun 8, 1994 2h 5m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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67% Tomatometer 6 Reviews 62% Popcornmeter 50+ Ratings
Family man and professor Deven (Om Puri) lands his dream writing gig: He is to interview the legendary, aging poet Nur (Shashi Kapoor). But the task proves to be anything but pleasurable, as Nur is a bloated alcoholic who continually frustrates his two wives, Imtiaz (Shabana Azmi) and Safiya (Sushma Seth). Deven is disappointed but doesn't give up, returning time after time so he can capture whatever essence remains of the poet. But in his devotion to Nur, Deven begins to neglect his own family.

Critics Reviews

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Sheila Johnston Independent (UK) It feels like a slender short story spun out close to breaking point. An honourable debut, though. Nov 13, 2017 Full Review Marc Savlov Austin Chronicle Rated: 3/5 Jan 1, 2000 Full Review Quentin Curtis Independent on Sunday Ismail Merchant's directing debut, In Custody, is a lively, sharply-observed adaptation of Anita Desai's novel. Dec 7, 2017 Full Review Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Rated: 3/5 Jul 6, 2005 Full Review James Berardinelli ReelViews Rated: 2/4 Jan 1, 2000 Full Review Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews I guess to really enjoy this film you would have to speak the language of Urdu to understand its poetical nuances... Rated: C Jan 1, 2000 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Audience Member Sublime. Poignant. Engaging... A hidden gem! Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/20/23 Full Review Audience Member not too bad comedy/drama from merchant/ivory. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/25/23 Full Review Audience Member Well told tale of the one mans struggle against society to preserve its own history. There's some good quirky characters too. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/06/23 Full Review Audience Member This is a homage to Urdu poetry, Indian multiculturalism and to the forgotten people and forgotten times. Why is there a trend to pay respects to poets (and other artists) only after their death? Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/18/23 Full Review Audience Member A very interesting, engaging and a silently funny film. All the actors at their peak here. One advice: the urdu spoken in the film is quite hardcore, so having English subtitles would be a great help. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/15/23 Full Review Audience Member as with most adaptations, the book is even better Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/18/23 Full Review Read all reviews
In Custody

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In Custody

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Movie Info

Synopsis Family man and professor Deven (Om Puri) lands his dream writing gig: He is to interview the legendary, aging poet Nur (Shashi Kapoor). But the task proves to be anything but pleasurable, as Nur is a bloated alcoholic who continually frustrates his two wives, Imtiaz (Shabana Azmi) and Safiya (Sushma Seth). Deven is disappointed but doesn't give up, returning time after time so he can capture whatever essence remains of the poet. But in his devotion to Nur, Deven begins to neglect his own family.
Director
Ismail Merchant
Producer
Wahid Chowhan
Screenwriter
Shahrukh Husain
Distributor
Sony Pictures Classics
Production Co
Merchant Ivory Productions, Channel Four Films
Rating
PG
Genre
Drama
Original Language
Hindi
Release Date (Theaters)
Jun 8, 1994, Original
Release Date (DVD)
Aug 10, 2005
Runtime
2h 5m
Sound Mix
Dolby