The film's exposition showcases Indian citizens and the nationalism that led to the separation of their state. The populations, despite religious and ethnic differences, seem to live side by side, peacefully. Despite this, as Lenny and Shanta's journey unfolds, the audience comes to understand that the state of India has fragmented in the absence of European domination. The country's civilians are divided into Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs; with the different populations calling for the recognition and definition of Pakistani and Indian identities