The film revolves around the Hindu-Muslim problems during the partition of India and is based on a Punjabi novel of the same name, written by Amrita Pritam.

Set in the 1947 Partition of India, Puro is a young woman of Hindu background, who lives a happy, comfortable life with her family.

Her parents woefully turn away their daughter, explaining that if Puro were to stay, Rashid's extended clan would slaughter everyone in their family.

Trilok has a tearful reunion with Puro and explains to her that if she so chooses, she can start a new life, as Ramchand is ready to accept her even now.

[4] Amberish K Diwanji of Rediff praised the acting performances of Urmila Matondkar, Priyanshu Chatterjee, Manoj Bajpai and the art direction of Muneesh Sappel but criticized the climax of the film.

"[5] Derek Elley of Variety reviewed the film saying that, "A handsomely shot drama centered on a Hindu woman's travails during the 1947 Partition, "Pinjar" ranks as one of the better Bollywood treatments of this still hot-button issue.

Good performances, especially by lead actress Urmila Matondkar and by Manoj Bajpai as her Muslim partner, compensate for a slightly wobbly structure".

[6] Kshama Rao of Glamsham said that, "The music (Uttam Singh), the painstaking research (Muneesh Sappel) that has gone into the costumes and set designs is remarkable.

"[7] Anupama Chopra of India Today said that, "While Matondkar struggles to rise above her natural artifice Manoj Bajpai is superb as the angst-ridden Muslim abductor.

"[8] Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama praised the performances of Urmila Matondkar and Manoj Bajpai but criticized the long length of the movie and its slow pace specially towards the climax.