Khuda Kay Liye thaws 43 years of India-Pakistan screen chill

Khuda Kay Liye thaws 43 years of India-Pakistan screen chill
Wednesday, April 02, 2008 12:43 IST
By Santa Banta News Network
The Pakistani film 'Khuda Kay Liye', which delves into the rift between radical and liberal Muslims, hits the screens here this week, the first to have a commercial release in India in more than four decades.

The movie, starring Naseeruddin Shah in a key role, has been made by Shoaib Mansoor. Mumbai-based Percept Picture Company has got the rights of the film and is releasing it with 300 prints on April 4.

'We are the first to get the rights of a Pakistani film and it's a big high for us. We are releasing it with 300 prints, including the digital ones,' Nadish Bhatia, general manager of the marketing division of the Percept Picture Company told on phone from Mumbai.

'Everybody is saying 'Khamosh Pani' was the first Pakistani film to hit the Indian theatres. It was a French co-production. But 'Khuda Kay Liye' is a Pakistani film and the first one to hit Indian screens in 43 years,' Bhatia added.

The movie, which faced opposition from the extremists and Pakistani clerics, was a huge hit in Pakistan.

'The film has made a record in the country. Those who hadn't been to a hall in 35 years made an effort to watch the film,' said Mansoor, who was in town to promote his movie.

'We released it with only 10 prints. Pakistan is a small market, but we still made Rs.70 million in Pakistani currency. It is surprising that a film which discusses religion and doesn't have any humour, songs, dance or romance has done so well commercially. It means that it has touched the hearts of people,' he added.

Mansoor, who has also produced the movie, made it at a budget of 60 million Pakistani rupees.

'The film has made an impact in Pakistan and abroad and I am confident that it will make an impact here too.'

'Khuda Kay Liye' was the first Pakistani film to be included in the official line-up of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and it struck an instant chord with audiences when showcased there last year.

The film stars Pakistani superstar Shaan, who impresses as the harried protagonist Mansoor, and Rasheed Naz as the Maulana who brainwashes boys. The film also features Pakistan's top model Iman Ali, who plays Maryam, a woman trapped between modernism and conservatism.

Naseeruddin Shah essays a powerful cameo of an Islamic scholar who embodies the voice of reason.

With the lifting of the ban for exchange of films between the two countries, the Pakistan government has allowed it on a condition that films will be strictly 'exchanged'. For each Hindi title released in Pakistan, an Urdu film will have to be exhibited in India.

Indian movies were banned in Pakistan in 1968 and the Pakistan film industry had to bear huge losses. There were more than 1,000 theatres throughout Pakistan those days, but now it is reduced to just 200.

Compared to India, which churns out about 1,000 films every year, Pakistan's film industry produces just about 40 movies, a fifth of what it churned out during its heyday in the 1970s.

'This action will not only benefit Indian producers but Pakistani filmmakers as well. Now that the films will have legal screenings, Indian producers will get a new market. Its a double whammy for the film industry in Pakistan,' Mansoor said.

'Pakistan will get a big Indian market and when Indian films will come there, the business of cinema will flourish. Secondly, release of Indian films will translate in competition for Pakistani filmmakers.

In a competition, the underdog benefits. This will help good filmmakers come out and bad filmmakers will automatically vanish,' Mansoor said.
Varun Dhawan Unveils First Poster of 'Nain Matakka' Featuring Keerthy Suresh!

Varun Dhawan's upcoming film Baby John is already creating waves in the entertainment world. The latest buzz surrounds the highly anticipated track "Nain Matakka," and the excitement reached new heights when Varun shared the

Friday, November 22, 2024
'Agni' Trailer Unveiled: A Tribute to Firefighters' Bravery and Sacrifice!

The much-anticipated trailer for Agni, directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Rahul Dholakia, was released on Thursday, offering a gripping look into the world of firefighters, their bravery, and the sacrifices they make to protect

Friday, November 22, 2024
Sara Ali Khan Shares Fun BTS Moments from Ad Shoot, Invites Fans to Let Their Spirits Soar!

Bollywood actress Sara Ali Khan recently took to Instagram to share a delightful behind-the-scenes (BTS) glimpse from her latest advertisement shoot, revealing her cheerful mood and creative spirit. In a playful and heartwarming post, Sara shared a video

Friday, November 22, 2024
Kartik Aaryan Enjoys Quality Time with 'Sea, Sand, and Sun' at IFFI Goa!

Bollywood heartthrob Kartik Aaryan, who is currently in Goa for the prestigious International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and Filmazaar, took a moment to unwind and connect with nature. The actor shared a series of serene pictures on his Instagram, showcasing

Friday, November 22, 2024
Shehnaaz Gill Starts Shooting for Punjabi Film: A New Journey Begins!

Actress and social media sensation Shehnaaz Gill is all set to embark on a new chapter in her career, as she commences shooting for her upcoming Punjabi film. The actress shared her excitement with her fans on Instagram, marking this milestone

Friday, November 22, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT