Pakistani film 1st in 40 years to have commercial release in India
05.04.2008 18:03
Arts
- Source: cbc.ca
A film about the problems of liberal Muslims since the Sept. 11 attacks has become the first Pakistani movie to have wide commercial release in India in more than 40 years. Khuda Kay Liye (In the Name of God), directed by Shoaib Mansoor, premiered in Bombay on Thursday and opened in wide release in India on Friday. Mansoor told an Indian news agency that he made the film to address extreme interpretations of Islam by some and to point out to the West the divisions in opinion among Muslims. India and Pakistan have banned each other's films since going to war in 1965, but there has been a gradual loosening of rules in recent years. In 2006, Pakistan allowed three Bollywood movies to screen in its cinemas, and in 2003 the Pakistani film Khamosh Paani (Silent Waters) had a limited release in India. Bollywood films are popular in Pakistan and pirated copies circulate widely. Mutual exchangeThe two countries have lifted the ban with the proviso that for every Bollywood film shown in Pakistan a film from Pakistan's less-developed film industry must be released in India. Khuda Kay Liye, starring Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah, highlights differences of opinion between liberal and fundamentalist Muslims and between Muslims and the West. "It's been long that terrorism has been linked with Muslims and it has become synonymous with the community," Shah said in an interview with Reuters. "It was high time that an answer to this was given to the West … That is the only reason that this film has mostly been made in English, to cater to the Western audiences." Indian filmmakers and critics gave the film a warm reception at Thursday evening's preview, despite the sensitive subject matter. "The fact that this film makes a bold statement against fundamentalism and comes from Pakistan is a very good achievement," filmmaker Ashok Pandit told India's Economic Times. "It is well-directed and takes a balanced view. The look of the film is also mind-blowing," he said. But critics doubted whether the film would appeal to the bulk of Indian moviegoers, who prefer escapist fare. The film had a budget of about $100,000 and was controversial when released in Pakistan, with opposition from conservative clerics. However, it was also a huge hit. Post a commentPeople have commented on this storyRecommend this storyPeople have recommended this storyStory Tools: E-MAIL | PRINT | Text Size: SMLXL | REPORT TYPO | SEND YOUR FEEDBACKStory comments (0)Sort:Most recent | First to lastPost your commentNote: The CBC does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comments, you acknowledge that CBC has the right to reproduce, broadcast and publicize those comments or any part thereof in any manner whatsoever. Please note that comments are pre-moderated/reviewed and published according to our submission guidelines. 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