Entertainment knows no barriers. What’s more, if done right it can bring two war-torn nations closer. That’s what has happened today. The critically-acclaimed Pakistani film, Khuda Ke Liye, is being screened from today in Indian theatres.
This is the first time a Pakistani film has been released in India after 43 years. Quite a feat. With this move, Indians will get to sample the best of the Pakistan film industry and vice versa. Already, Bollywood blockbuster films like Welcome and Taare Zameen Par have been released in Pakistan. Now, it’s the turn of India to return the favour. And what best way to do it than with this truly spectacular film (I watched it in January at the Suchitra International Film Festival in Bangalore). This Shoaib Mansoor directed film deserves all the accolades. If you don’t believe me, just watch the film.
What’s even more heartening is that this trend will foster better ties between the two nations who have never seen eye to eye on any issue. With more and more Pakistani films crossing the border, many wrong perceptions and biases will be laid bare. And this will only make both the nations stronger, healthier and wealthier.
The only people to worry are the terrorists of the world. They belong to no religion, caste, creed, colour or nation. They belong to ‘Unbelong’. That’s their religion. That’s their credo. The bigger tragedy is that they will end up dying for nothing.
If you want my review of this pathbreaking film that won a ‘special jury award’ at the 31st Cairo International Film Festival in December last, read Khuda Ke Liye.