In Custody

In Custody, directed by Ismail Merchant, marks his feature directorial debut and presents a thoughtful examination of the Urdu language and its cultural significance. The film follows an aging Urdu poet played by Shashi Kapoor and a young college lecturer who admires him. Their interactions highlight the tension between tradition and modernity, all while maintaining a humorous undertone.

The runtime of the film is 126 minutes, providing ample time for the exploration of its themes and character dynamics. The film is produced by Merchant Ivory Productions, known for its dedication to quality storytelling. As a collector, owning a DVD of this film allows for a deeper appreciation of the nuanced dialogue and cultural commentary presented. The keywords associated with the film—tradition, poetry, and progress—reflect its rich narrative and thematic depth.