Eclectic Films and Dr. Swarnjit Singh recently hosted an exclusive screening of their upcoming documentary 1947: Brexit India in New Delhi. The event was attended by Member of Parliament and author Dr. Shashi Tharoor, who joined as the chief guest, along with diplomats, historians, media professionals, and other distinguished guests.
Directed by Sanjivan Lal, written by veteran screenwriter Shama Zaidi, and narrated by actor Boman Irani, the documentary presents a different perspective on India’s Partition and British rule. Instead of focusing solely on political events, the film examines the economic factors behind Britain’s exit from India. It explores how a financially weakened Britain, burdened after World War II and facing pressure linked to American loans, accelerated the Partition process, transferring significant human and logistical challenges to the newly formed nations of India and Pakistan.
The documentary features insights from several noted experts and scholars, including Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Boman Irani, historian William Dalrymple, security expert Commodore Uday Bhaskar, and political scientist Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmed.
Among those present at the screening were H.E. Mr. M. Riaz Hamidullah, H.E. Ambassador Maliki, H.E. Mahishini Colonne, Naseer Abdullah, and other prominent guests. Many attendees described the film as a thought-provoking work that offers a fresh perspective on the events of 1947 by highlighting an economic dimension that is often overlooked in mainstream historical narratives.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Shashi Tharoor said, “History is never merely about the past; it continues to shape the present. Delighted to have contributed to this thoughtful exploration of India’s long encounter with British rule.”
He also noted that every member of Gen Z and Gen Alpha should watch the documentary to gain a deeper understanding of British rule and India’s journey to independence.
Producer and concept creator Dr. Swarnjit Singh said, “To see a project that took over a decade of archival research resonate so deeply with this room of brilliant minds is incredibly validating. We didn’t set out to make a conventional historical film. We wanted to audit the Empire. The British entered as merchants, operated through a mafia-style grip on our resources, and cut a hasty deal the moment the balance sheet turned red. This screening proves that audiences are hungry for the economic truths behind 1947.”
Director Sanjivan Lal spoke about the challenge of transforming years of research into an engaging documentary. He said, “Framing ten years of dense research data into a gripping narrative was a massive creative challenge. Our goal was to let the numbers speak alongside the human tragedy. The overwhelming response from the media and dignitaries tonight shows that looking at the Partition through this economic lens changes the conversation entirely.”
1947: Brexit India was previously selected for screening at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2023 and the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) 2024. The documentary is now preparing for its digital premiere on a major OTT platform.