Actor Naseeruddin Shah, who is well-known for speaking his mind without holding back, recently aroused curiosity and thoughtfulness when he declared that he would love to see the complex dynamics of religion explored in film. The seasoned actor opened up about his preference for making films that bravely traverse the difficult terrain of religious discourse in an interview with Brut India.
When Shah was asked at the prestigious Bay of Cannes Film Festival what topic he would like to see a film about in the modern era, he immediately said, “religion.” He emphasised how important it is to have brave stories that take on the pervasive influence of religion in our culture. Shah stated, “I think courageous films should be made about this factor which seems to be on all our minds,” highlighting the obvious importance of tackling such subjects on the big screen.
The well-known actor, who acted in Khuda Kay Liye, a 2007 Pakistani film, also thought back on his earlier projects, including the directorial work of Shoaib Mansoor. Shah compared Khuda Kay Liye to Manthan, the 1976 film he screened during the occasion, stating that it “was an important film, equally as important as Manthan.”
The actor recognised that some filmmakers are making tentative attempts to address this controversial subject, but that it will take time to create stories that are unapologetically honest. Shah acknowledged the difficulties in expressing audacious statements in the context of film, saying, “Some people are trying to do that, and gradually their numbers may multiply but it’s still not easy to make a direct statement and one has to couch one’s message in a palatable form.”
Shah’s passionate speech emphasised the critical need for stories that bravely and honestly address the complexities of religious ideology. The political climate in India, which has recently affected cinema in a way that has made Muslims and Pakistanis attractive targets for villainy on the big screen, makes the remarks all the more important. His goal for the movie goes beyond simple amusement; it aims to spark meaningful debates and meditation on subjects with broad cultural significance.
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