Khuda Kay Liye-In the Name of God

Khuda Kay Liye (In the name of God) is a Pakistani Urdu Language movie written directed and produced by Shoaib Mansoor. The movie stars Shaan, Imaan Ali and Fawad Khan(I didnt know them before this movie aswell). Although I didn't expect much out of the movie while renting the DVD I was surprised to my hearts content when I actually saw the movie. The movie revolves around three pivotal characters Mansoor(Shaan), Sharman(Fawad) and Mariam(Imaan Ali). Mansoor and Sharman are brothers who are musicians in Lahore, let me put it this way the best in Lahore. Sharman gets influenced by an Islamic activist and grows beard, and goes against music as an extremist interpretation of Islam. Meanwhile Mansoor goes to music school in Chicago to enrich musical journey.

On the sidetracks goes on the story of Mariam. She is a westernized girl living in London in love with a white person called Dave. Mariam's hypocritic dad doesnt approve of the marriage but foxes her to come with him to Pakistan once after which she could get married to Dave which ofcourse is a trap. After going to Pakistan Mariam is forcibly married to Sharman who is also her cousin. Sharman does the heinous act in the name of Islam and she is abandoned in a small village in Afghanistan. She tries to run away but in vain and is forcibly consummated.

Meanwhile Mansoor marries his classmate in the music school in Chicago Janie in whom he finds love of his life. Suddenly there is a turn of events after 9/11 as the FBI arrests Mansoor when someone overhears a drunk man accusing Mansoor of being a terrorist. He is tortured as he is a muslim and a probable suspect of the terror attacks.

Mariam who is in Afghanistan still, doesnt loose hope and slips in a letter to Dave telling him about her whereabouts where she is rescued by Dave by using the help of British Government. Mariam gets vindictive and vows to take her revenge on Sharman and his father and drags them to court where a wise Maulana (Naserrudin Shah) explains to the court how Islam is being butchered in the name of war and hatred, bringing the religion forward in a believable and peaceful manner. Sarman traumatised by all this and withdraws from the case and Mariam is set free to do what she wants to do with her life. Sharman realises his mistake and what heinous acts he was made to do in the name of religion. Mariam interestingly decides to go back to the same village in Afghanistan to start a school and educate small children there.

Mansoor still in police custody after a year of torture gets a permanent brain damage and after a failed attempt at rehab is deported and send back to Pakistan where he unites with his family(sharman and their parents) and music helps him slowly recover.

Phhew!!! what a storyline, with performances which are exceptionally high on quality and Naserrudin Shah's 5-10 minutes on the screen makes a huge impact, leaving you mesmerised.

Very few Pakistani movies (populary called Lollywod) have made it big internationally and this is one of them. Movie is made in cinjunction with popular TV network Geo TV and the film has made 10 million dollars in gross revenue. The film has won many critics awards and also is the first Pakistani movie in 40 years to be shown in India. Just to mention the movie has an excellent soundtrack and the title song "Khuda Kay Liye" and "Allah Hu" are very soothing. Also the background score is excellent. A must watch this movie definately breaks the barriers and is a drift from the monotony we see in movies these days.