May

5

Khuda Kay Liye – In the Name of God

May 5, 2008 | | 13 Comments

1) It is the best Pakistani Movie ever made.

2) It has to be an entry to the Oscars 2009.

3) It depicts the backlash Muslims faced after 9/11.

These were the only notions which I had before I went to see the movie – Khuda Kay Liye – In the Name of God. I had no clue about the history of its director Shoaib Mansoor, his multi-talented background, nor was I aware of the reason he made this movie, until I bumped into this blog post by Adnan Siddiqui. Now as I am a bit more learned about the circumstantial aspects of the movie, the inspiration behind the character played by one of the main protagonists – Sarmad , i.e. Fawad Khan, and the hullaboo (read: outrage) regarding the subject of the movie in Pakistan, I guess I can give a better shot at narrating what I experienced.

The movie has 2 parallel plots running – based on the experiences of 2 young brothers, who come from a so-called modern and unorthodox financially well-off Pakistani family. Both the brothers are into music and while the elder choses to go to the US to attend a course in music, the younger brother is inspired by an influential Islamic cleric – who is said to depict the real life Maulana Tariq Jamil, and foregoes his love for music and eventually is brainwashed to become a Mujahideen fighting for the cause of the fundamentalists supporting the likes of Taliban.

However different paths were chosen by both, destiny had the same irony in store for them – being USED in the name of God, albeit in completely different geographies, starkly opposite social and economic backgrounds and being victimised to such an extent that even the most gruesome acts of inhumanity would be put to shame. A 3rd victim of the whole fuss was a British born Pakistani girl, 1st cousin of the brothers, whose character threw light on the medieval treatment still being meted out to women in many parts of the world, especially in conservative societies.

What makes the efforts of the director a feat ever unheard-of, is the conviction which he showed in the subject and had the audacity to not only complete the movie, but release it as well in Pakistan and around the world to an astounding critical acclaim. Seldom has an artist dared to touch such tantalizing issues which are no less sensitive than a ticking bomb, and in societies such those of India/Pakistan, where self-acclaimed guardians of the religious/moral values are always on the prowl to harp on anything which displeases their hollow and chauvinistic ideologies (or lack thereof?), such heroics are all the more commendable.

The issues addressed were plenty – position and rights of women in a Muslim society, the conflicting views on the inclusion of arts and music in what is called Halaal in a Muslim society, fundamentalism being preached in the name of God, violence being retorted to belittle one’s enemies, the various codes of conducting oneself with regards to dressing and appearance as per Islam, etc. Apart from these, which would irk any average Muslim devout (as I’ve been witnessing in this case), there were other issues raised too – the ones which tried to show Muslims in a light, most non-Muslims fail to see. The misconceptions regarding them which westerners have had, particularly after the 9/11, the oppression which many had to undergo just because you have a surname similar to Khan or Ali, or simply because you are a Pakistani citizen, even today the situation is not so easy for Muslims around the world – these are the areas which the director interspersed fantastically well with his depiction of the more controversial. But unfortunately, people as always prefer to nitpick only matters which can generate more buzz and cause less good.

I won’t go into the details of the movie plot or what happened of the characters, partly because it is much more than a movie – an experience which one should see for himself to get aware of the facts, and partly because the finesse of the craftsmanship on view is beyond any words. Myself being a non-Muslim, I have been close to many a Muslim friends, peers and have been among people who hated Muslim-haters, was intrigued by seemingly strange characteristics of Islam, and of late had been critical (rather skeptical) of what most of us believe it preaches – was taken aback by the mind-numbing sequence of events as they unfolded during the movie.

It definitely was a food for thought for hardliner Muslims, fundamental Muslim-haters and moderates alike, as the legendary Naseeruddin Shah deposed in court to deliver about 10 minutes of what according to me should be made a compulsory read/listen not only for Muslims, but also for Hindus, Jews, Christians and all those who are still refuse to open their eyes and see what the reality is, rather prefer to mould the preachings of their sacred texts to satisfy their mythical traditions. For one, nothing that does not cause any harm to anyone, and further provides a way of life to many, can be classified as being blasphemous, whatever might be the interpretation by the people.

Obviously I’m no Islamic scholar and have no authority over their religious preachings, but surely I can sense that the beliefs which are said to be the WORD OF GOD have been misconstrued since centuries to falsify the only truth that is humanity. Ditto can be said of almost every religion, however, such intensity of fanaticism and unawareness is rarely witnessed among them.

If only such cinema can be dared to be made in more places and more frequently, and people actually be allowed to learn what they can and should, and not what they mustn’t construe of something which is not there in the fist place – we can have a better world to give to generations to come. Only after watching RDB was I so stunned that I deemed it much more than a movie. If it was something that made a generation awaken w.r.t India, then KKL is something which should make the world awaken w.r.t. religious fundamentalism.

Hats off to Shoaib Mansoor.


Comments

  • saeka

    As u wrote ;

    The issues addressed were plenty – position and rights of women in a Muslim society, the conflicting views on the inclusion of arts and music in what is called Halaal in a Muslim society, fundamentalism being preached in the name of God, violence being retorted to belittle one’s enemies, the various codes of conducting oneself with regards to dressing and appearance as per Islam, etc.

    would like to correct u here that the movie depicts not Muslim society But the Taliban Society or the talibanisation of Pakistan & Afghanistan.

    Also u talk about intensity of fanaticism in ur 2nd last paragraph.. i would like u to refer to the happenings in middle east, the conflict between Palestine -Israel..u will definitely get an idea of more fanatic people than the Muslim extremist.

    it may be a good movie(bcoz i havent seen it) & it depicts a certain society & situation…its important to convey the happenings in the world to a greater audience & cinema is definitely a great medium. hats off to the movie-maker but we as audience should also be responsible enough

  • http://journal.naveeng.com Naveen

    As u wrote ;

    would like to correct u here that the movie depicts not Muslim society But the
    Taliban Society or the talibanisation of Pakistan & Afghanistan.

    Also u talk about intensity of fanaticism in ur 2nd last paragraph..
    i would like u to refer to the happenings in middle east, the conflict between Palestine -Israel.. u will definitely get an idea of more fanatic people than the Muslim extremist.

    it may be a good movie(bcoz i havent seen it) & it depicts a certain society & situation…its important to convey the happenings in the world to a greater audience & cinema is definitely a great medium.
    hats off to the movie-maker but we as audience should also be responsible enough

    1) The movie certainly shows the Talibanisation of Pakistan & Afghanistan, but it also shows Muslim characters outside of Pakistan & Afghanistan, for example in UK, who are driven by the so-called Taliban ideology and commit heinous crimes in the name of being a true Muslim. Again, let me repeat, this is what is shown in the movie, and once you see it, you’ll understand what I mean. On the other hand, if Talibanisation of people is taking place in such a large scale, unfortunately, the message which any average human is getting is that the whole society is getting affected, even if it is not.

    2) You may be absolutely correct in saying that we can see more fanaticism than Muslim extremists, in middle east, but here for once, let’s put aside rivalry between 2 religions, or countries or groups. Lets think about fanaticism which prevails within every religion and deeds which are done in the name of religion which harm one’s own people. When it comes to this, then probably, unfortunately Muslim extremists are way ahead. Obviously such insaneness also exists in Hinduis, Judaism, Christianity etc. Again this is my personal thought, which you or anyone else might beg to differ on.

  • http://kadnan.com/blog Adnan Siddiqi

    Dear Naveen

    thanks for visiting my blog. I though you would be coming back with questions. :)

    you said:


    who is said to depict the real life Maulana Tariq Jamil, and foregoes

    Actually it was said later that Molana Sami-ul Haq was targeted who is considered main force of Taliban.

    if you read this postof mine, you will find out that shoaib later try to hide his own statement since his statement was taken as an extremist and intolerant point of view against Junaid.

  • http://www.thesocialgeek.com Kamran

    Hi Naveen,

    I do not think I agree with Adnan Sidiqi’s posts there. I think each and every person has the right to express his or her views provided the views are not a) enforced and b) the views are not driven on violence.

    Shoaib Mansoor responded to Junaid Jamshed’s actions in the most honest manner by creating this relevant film. It was indeed wrong of Junaid to hate music imho. As it is shown in the movie, if music is used for good, it is good.. if music is used for bad purposes, it is bad.. when it comes to ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, the context is important.. if i use a knife to cut apples, its fine to use a knife.. but if i use the same knife to cut somebody’s throat, its of course idiotic, dangerous and a sinful act..

    God always helps those who bear the light.. and this is the reason Shoaib Mansoor won, this is the reason his message (in the form of this movie) has reached so many people.. and it is because Shoaib Mansoor’s message that so many people have changed their views about Pakistan and Muslims…

  • http://journal.naveeng.com Naveen

    Hi Adnan,

    Yes I wanted to make a few points with regard to your blog post. But unfortunately didn’t get the time to do so.

    Thanks for the correction. Well, actually I saw on Wikipedia that the inspiration behind Junaid Jamshed was Maulana Tariq Jamil, so I presumed he must have been the subject played in the movie as well. Please excuse my lack of knowledge about the characters and people involved.

    As for your point about Shoaib Mansoor retracting from his statement, I’ll post my opinions and queries on your blog post, later today.

    Thanks

  • http://journal.naveeng.com Naveen

    Hi Kamran,

    That’s indeed a very valid and lovely point made by you – CONTEXT is the most important force in deciding right or wrong. A thought which I myself have been following while judging people, incidents etc. Irrespective of religion, cast, social status etc., if something DOES good and DOES NOT cause any harm, then there can’t be any reason for that act to be a subject of ire.

    As for the topic of Shoaib Mansoor’s way of reacting by making a movie based on Junaid, I feel its the greatness of that man which is reflected in his act of making a movie and trying to make a point which HE FEELS is right. It would be natural for any person to get shattered seeing his protege parting ways (for good or bad, whatever), without even telling him, let alone asking or consulting. And only a man with lots of patience and character, can restrain himself from reacting violently or in a manner which insults, belittles or makes a mockery of his dear one. Shoaib Mansoor’s movie did none of this, rather tried to educate people around the world about what HE thinks should be the constituents of a truly religious and encompassing society.

    I’ll post further views on Adnan’s Blog.

    Thanks

  • http://kadnan.com/blog Adnan Siddiqi

    @Kamran: If What all said by Shoaib about Junaid was TRUE then why did he try to hide his truth by removing his own statement from official website. I later found his extreme statement against Junaid. Shoaib thought that he trained Junaid thus Junaid has become his property, he can’t go against Shoaib’s will as if Junaid was his slave. that shows pathetic mentality of Shoaib. It was pathetic and extreme that’s why he tried to hide later to show himself a moderate while infact he’s not!

  • http://kadnan.com/blog Adnan Siddiqi

    Kamran i think Junaid is free to hate or like something? Who are you or anyone like Shoaib to poke nose in his business?

  • Sana

    I have to say that this is an excellent movie that makes you think about issues like racism, stereotypes, prejudice, hating someone because of their religion, ethinicty, or country that they may belong to. The issues that are pertinent in our society.
    I watched this movie last year in Chicago, where the theater was packed! Since then, I have seen it 3 times already and everytime, its a new experience. Its a thought provoking drama focusing on other issues as well like being a Muslim living in a foreign country (like myself), trying to balance two cultures at the same time.
    Thanks Naveen for an excellent review!

  • Sana

    Oh and another Pakistani movie “Ramchand Pakistani” is soon to be released. I am looking forward to it!

  • http://journal.naveeng.com Naveen

    Thanks Sana. The movie is indeed thought provoking and I’m myself looking forward to watching it again!

  • http://meangooded.in/ Kir
  • Ahmed

    Looks like a comment from a music fan. Well kamran it goes like this , you keep on liking music and we keep on pushing it away from our life. Its not that we cannot live a life without music, neither its like we are missing something important. We as a muslim know that judgement day will surely come, you and I are both going to die one day. Assuming we dont know what is right at the moment but we will surely come to know on that day. So my friend, if we come to know that music was to be considered a sin during this worldly life, then you will surely be at a loss. On the other hand i firmly believe that music and all those satanic instruments are not something that will take me to Jannah. May Allah show you and shoaib mansoor the right path. Amen

219495 pages viewed, 35 today
104024 visits, 27 today
FireStats icon Powered by FireStats