It’s “a bold film on myths about Quran” — a “jihad against terrorism.” You’d think that peaceful Muslims would be glad to see this addressed — certainly I myself am interested to see how Ajaz Khan makes a case that “Quran has been misinterpreted to give birth to terrorism,” since jihad terrorists routinely quote chapter and verse of the Qur’an to justify their actions, and for years I’ve called upon Muslims who claim that this is a “hijacking” of Islam to refute their exegesis.
One would think that these protesters would want to see this, too, but apparently they would prefer not to admit that there is a problem at all. Muslim protesters are enraged that the film doesn’t indulge in tu-quoque finger-pointing, depicting terrorists of other religions. One reason may be that to depict modern-day terrorists who quoted the Bible or Bhagavad Gita or any other religious texts to justify violence, the filmmakers would have had to enter wholly into the realm of fantasy.
“Ajaz Khan Says Ya Rab,” from Business of Cinema, January 30:
Ajaz Khan, who shot to fame with his stint at Bigg Boss 7, is ready to test Bollywood waters with his new film Ya Rab where is essays the role of an honest cop.
The movie broadly deals with the issue of Jihad and how Quran has been misinterpreted to give birth to terrorism. Ajaz Khan seems to be on a mission and wants to create awareness about the true meaning of Islam among its followers.
The makers, of course, wish to ensure that nobody’s sentiments are hurt through the film. In fact, they recently held a screening for the residents of Dharavi, where both Ajaz and Mahesh Bhatt were present.
“It was Maheshji’s idea that we hold a screening for the people of Dharavi. Its followers often misunderstand Islam. The religion emphasizes the importance of education. It is easy to influence uneducated Muslims,” he explains.
The actor is sure that many of his dialogues will become a rage, just like his one-liners during his Bigg Boss stint. “The public went crazy and were chanting ‘ek number’ after watching the movie. It would be a great achievement if I’m able to influence even one percent of the people through the film,” states Ajaz.
Ajaz is grateful to Mahesh Bhatt who has come forward to promote the film. Vishesh Films will release the movie across India.
Ya Rab directed Hasnain Hyderabadwala stars Vikram Singh, Manzar Sehbai, Ajaz Khan and newcomer Akhilendra Mishra. For the makes, things have not been easy as at the Censor Board as was not ready to clear it with a U/A certificate.
“The examining committee (of Central Board of Film Certification) refused to see the film and give it the certificate that we wanted. We wanted U/A certificate for the film but the Censor Board was not willing to do so unless some cuts were done. The revising committee got cold feet. Finally the director Hasnain Hyderabadwala and me went to the Tribunal and thank god, India has people who have integrity, who have courage. There Lalit Bhasin, who was heading the Tribunal, looked at Hasnain with awe and said ‘you have made a brilliant film. I think India needs to see this film.” stated Mahesh Bhatt.
Ya Rab releases on February 07, 2014.
“Protests against ‘Ya Rab’ continues [sic] in Mumbai,” from Ummid.com, February 2:
Mumbai: Even as noted producer Mahesh Bhatt asserted that ‘Ya Rab’ will help in clearing misconceptions about Islam and Muslims, protests against the controversial film continued Saturday with a section of Muslims demanding a ban on its release.
The film sub-titled as ‘Jihad against Terrorism’ is due for an all India release February 07, coming Friday.Protesters led by Syed Furqan, Gen Secretary Congress Minority Cell, on Saturday removed the promotional hoardings and posters of the film which were put near Nagpada Junction. Syed Furqan rejected the producer’s assertions that the film is not against Muslims and it will actually help in clearing the misconceptions about Islam.
“Why the film has portrayed only Muslims as terrorists? It would have shown people from other religions as terrorists. The fact is that the film portrays bad and negative image of Muslims. Far from clearing the misconceptions, it will create hatred against the Muslim community”, he said while talking to reporters.
Earlier, Muslim clerics and activists had met State Home Minister RR Patil with a request to stop its release in the city.
Meanwhile, film producer Mahesh Bhatt once again reiterated that the film is not against Muslims. He also said that those who are opposed to the release of the film should approach the court.
“It’s very difficult to stop the release of any film once it is cleared by the censor board. Muslims should go to the High Court, if they feel the film is against them”, he said.