Bollywood Movie Review- Mulk

The youngest son of a Muslim family settled in Benaras gets involved in terrorist activities, leading to a bomb blast massacre. His actions have an adverse effect on the family who are left to defend themselves as people who are innocent and not anti-nationals

Following a bomb blast, which kills several people Murad Ali’s younger brother’s son, Shahid Mohammed (Prateik Babbar) becomes a suspected terrorist but refuses to surrender to the police. The horrific incident changes the lives of everyone in the family and Shahid’s father, Bilaal Mohammed (Manoj Pahwa) is taken into police custody under suspicion of being involved in terrorist activities. The family’s friends from other faiths also turn foes, and Murad Ali has no other option but to defend his brother and prove that they are as loyal and as patriotic as anybody else in the country.

'Mulk' articulates the deepset prejudice within masses and throws light on the political agendas which result in communal disharmony. The setup may get overbearing for the audience due to its dialogue heavy narrative. The courtroom scenes are a breather and touch upon the fact that people often paint the entire community with the same brush due to the bad actions of a few.

The movie doesn’t try to be subtle. It’s doesn’t mince words and states things without dilly-dallying.

You could argue that Mulk is fashioned as a step-by-step primer of ‘How to be a good Muslim’. That’s discomfiting, as is the harping on proving one’s patriotism. But, thankfully, Mulk is more. The prescription goes out to everyone. It is about ‘How to be a good human’: yes, it is simplistic, and seems to gloss over many existing problems– there is no talk of ‘gau matas’ and lynchings, but it bravely wades into territory angels have long abandoned.

Any film that does not demonize, that talks of peace and brotherhood, in these dark, cynical times, is to be lauded. Mulk is Anubhav Sinha’s best film, and it concerns us all. It makes me want to cheer. Out loud.