Written, Directed and Produced by: Shoaib Mansoor; Cast: Shaan, Iman Ali, Naseeruddin Shah.
Usually I tend to write a movie review it on the day after I’ve seen a movie so that it’s pretty fresh in my mind. If I can’t find the time, I give it a pass. This time, though I saw Khuda Ke Liye, a full two weeks back, I still feel so strongly about the movie that I had to write this review.
This is the first Pakistani Movie I’ve ever seen; I’d heard a few not too good things about the state of their film industry, some good stuff particularly about KKL and excellent things about Shaan – the actor. Regardless of what I heard, KKL was a brilliant watch and should I say an eye-opener.
Mansoor (Shaan) and Sarmad (Fawad Khan) are two Pakistani musician brothers. Maryam (Iman Ali), their cousin is a British born and brought up Pakistani girl who is in love with a British guy. Her father, though lives together with a British lady without marriage is quick to use Islam as an excuse for not letting his daughter marry out of the religion. He brings his daughter for a short visit to Pakistan with the hope of getting her married to one of her cousins.
Back home, Sarmad starts getting influenced by the preaching of a Maulana Tahiri and quits music for the sake of Islam. Mansoor on the other hand travels to the US to pursue his love for Music. 9/11 happens and results in a drastic change in situations for everyone. The story of Mansoor in the US and Sarmad and Maryam in Pakistan run parallel and the style of storytelling has been nicely adapted in the screenplay.
The music is actually something else. ‘Bande’ is already making waves in clubs and lounges. There’s another excellent song ‘Neer bharan’ which is picturised on Shaan when he introduces his music class to Pakistani music.
There are no item songs, no graphical wizardry, no fancy camera angles; at times you feel you’re watching a BBC documentary but I believe, if at the end, the story has been told effectively, it is a good movie regardless of the cinematography or whatever. Looking at the plains of Northern Province in Pakistan, I believe, these would’ve been brilliantly exploited by a Ravi K. Chandran (Yuva, Black, Fanna and a lot more) or say Natrajan Subramanium (Black Friday, Eklavya fame). Nevertheless, as I said, the storytelling is effective.
But what was compelling about the movie was the court scene where Nasseeruddin Shah rebuts each and every false interpretation of Islam explained by Maulana Tahiri. He touches on sensitive subjects – Is Music allowed by Islam? Does a Muslim have to keep a beard and wear a particular attire? Is a Muslim female allowed to choose / divorce her husband? His Urdu eloquence and excellent logical clarity of his dialogues give ample food for thought. To me, a non-muslim who never understood what the fuss was all about, for once, it makes profound sense. There is so much going on in the world about Islam that everybody seems to have an opinion. It is for this particular reason that this movie should be watched.
It should also be watched to encourage the boldness displayed by Shoaib Mansoor by making this movie, especially in Pakistan. Just don’t be too fussy about the production values and you’ll have an enlightening watch.
Nice review….seems i have missed out on watching a good movie..will make sure i pick up the dvd over the week-end, watch it and then leave a “post-movie” comment..
So you finally have a blog 🙂 Looking forward to your posts