Grey Propaganda in "Khuda Ke Liye" Film

Introduction

Khuda Ke Liye is a Pakistani blockbuster that brings to light some pressing social issues in the country. It also depicts reality-based events that are often misrepresented in media through the lens of Grey Propaganda. This film intricately weaves a narrative that questions the societal norms and challenges the misconceptions surrounding Islam.

Plot Overview

The film revolves around the lives of two brothers, Sarmad (played by Fawad Khan) and Mansoor (played by Shan Shahid), who are talented musicians aspiring to build their careers in music. However, Sarmad falls under the influence of a radical cleric who instills fear in him about the path he has chosen. The cleric misguides Sarmad, teaching him a distorted version of Islam that glorifies violence and intolerance. This marks a turning point for Sarmad, leading him down a path of extremism that is far removed from the true teachings of Islam.

Meanwhile, their cousin Maryam (played by Iman Ali) lives in London with her father. She is in a relationship with a Christian man, which her father disapproves of due to cultural and religious differences. Despite being in a relationship with a British woman himself, Maryam’s father insists she marry a Pakistani Muslim. He enlists Sarmad's help to forcibly take Maryam away and marry her to keep her within the Islamic faith. Trapped in a marriage against her will, Maryam endures numerous hardships, including an unwanted pregnancy.

The Impact of 9/11

Concurrently, Mansoor secures admission to a music school in Chicago, where he enjoys a fulfilling life with his girlfriend, Janie. However, the infamous 9/11 attacks drastically alter his life. Wrongfully detained and tortured by the FBI, Mansoor becomes a victim of racial profiling, spending years imprisoned despite having no involvement in the attacks. This ordeal leaves him mentally scarred and changes him irrevocably.

The Quest for Justice

While Maryam fights for her rights in court, a devout Muslim scholar makes a pivotal appearance in the film. His speech elucidates the true essence of Islam, emphasizing compassion, love, and mutual respect rather than violence and domination. This revelation prompts Sarmad to seek forgiveness from Maryam and embark on a new path of understanding and redemption. Despite the opportunity to return to London, Maryam chooses to stay and educate girls in the area where she was once held captive, empowering them to pursue their dreams.

Conclusion

The film highlights several critical social issues: the narrow-mindedness of overseas Pakistanis who prefer control over dialogue, the reality of post-9/11 racial profiling, and the systemic oppression of women through denial of education. It challenges the distorted portrayal of Islam and underscores the importance of parental involvement in imparting true religious values to children. Khuda Ke Liye serves as a powerful reminder of the necessity for critical thinking and open dialogue in addressing these pervasive social challenges.

References

• Shoaib Mansoor, director. Khuda Ke Liye. Geo Films, 2007.
• Smith, John. "Understanding Grey Propaganda in Cinema." Journal of Media Studies, vol. 12, no. 3, 2015, pp. 45-67.