"In the name of God" or "Khuda kay liye" portrays the dilemma that every Muslim living abroad and at home faces in present time. It is also an internal war between the moderates and fanatics apart from the outside battle they are fighting within their own world. Frustrated and victimised by generalisations and self righteousness from the fanatic religious groups and authorities both of which lack a deep understanding of how cultural values and religion both entwine to make up Muslims. While not without faith the moderates seem to be paying highest price for this war on terror. How does a moderate Muslim survive this war? What happens when there is clash of fundamentalism.
PROS: Well knit story, although the editing is a bit choppy at times, good cinematography, good script, very true to reality and good acting by Rasheed Naz, Naeem Tahir, Shaan, newcomer Fawad Khan and of course the one and only Naseer ud din Shah. The film leaves you with questions which is more than any Pakistani film has ever done.
CONS: While this film has made big leaps into bringing Pakistani Cinema on the map of the International Cinema. I just think that a little bit of attention to detail would have made it an exceptional film by international standards e.g. Shan could have lost more weight while in the cell, he still looks like he is working out for a marathon. Iman's British accent is a bit funny. Still a brilliant film and better than most bollywood films because it sticks close to reality and deals with very relevant and sensitive issues.
Note: I just wish that they would have released it in other countries especially in the gulf simultaneously as it would have attracted a larger more empathetic audience than Pakistan. Let's hope it does well in the international film festivals.
