Bangistan

Bangistan, directed by Karan Anshuman and produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, is an Indian comedy satirical film released in 2015. This motion picture takes viewers on a ridiculous yet complicated journey, showing that peace and tolerance is always the right choice. The film stars notable actors like Jacqueline Fernandez, Riteish Deshmukh, and Pulkit Samrat, along with the Polish actress Michalina Olszanska in supporting roles.

The story is set in a fictional country, "Bangistan," separated by two rival communities, the North Bangistanis and the South Bangistanis. The movie follows the lives of two young, unsuspecting men, Hafeez Bin Ali (Riteish Deshmukh) and Praveen Chaturvedi (Pulkit Samrat), who are chosen by their respective spiritual leaders to represent their communities in a mission to foster peace in a unique way. Hafeez, a Muslim, and Praveen, a Hindu, are far from terrorists, ideally preferring a peaceful coexistence.

Hafeez Bin Ali works in a BPO in North Bangistan and is a devout Muslim, whereas Praveen Chaturvedi, a passionate theatre actor in South Bangistan, is a whimsical yet charming Hindu. Despite their peaceful identities in the day, these two are chosen to take up the improbable roles of suicide bombers, who are to attend a global religious conference held at Krakow, Poland. In this mission, they are expected to maintain their religious dignity and pride while sowing the seeds of tolerance.

The two leads cross paths while travelling to Poland, where a case of mistaken identity creates a series of hilarious situations. An amusing part of the narrative is their inner transformation, as they begin to appreciate each other's faiths. They are required to undergo extreme makeovers, wherein Hafeez is made to impersonate a Hindu person while Praveen poses as a Muslim. This compelling charade leads to laugh-out-loud moments as they keep tripping over cultural and religious norms, unintentionally bringing humor into their serious mission.

The film has an interesting supporting cast, including Jacqueline Fernandez in a double role. She comes as a breath of fresh air in the intense plot, adding a humorous touch. On the one hand, she appears as a local news reporter Rozana, and on the other hand, she is seen as a waitress in a Chinese restaurant. Michalina Olszanska also delivers an intriguing performance, adding to the film's captivating narrative.

Specifically, Bangistan seems to make a conscious effort to encourage dialogue on the long-standing tensions between religions, promoting unity, patience, and understanding among faiths. In this light, Bangistanis are portrayed as a metaphor for the dialogues and conflicts between the diverse religious communities globally. Notably, the script does not shy away from reflecting on the serious misinterpretations of religions that lead to terrorism and hate, making an argument about the misuse of religious ideology.

Bangistan is in its essence a dark comedy, heavily wrapped in satirical undertones. The movie’s strength is in its distinctive narrative, complemented by the performance of its lead cast. The film often successfully walks the thin line between comedy and a commentary on religious extremism, exhibiting a fresh take on the topic. However, it’s the clever interplay between humor and its socio-religious critique that stands out, forming a thought-provoking commentary that leaves a lasting impression on viewers.

The film's mise-en-scene adds a unique charm, particularly the scenes in Krakow which bring a beautiful sense of spatial composition to the narrative. The color palettes chosen for the movie give it a whimsical, surreal feel which works well with the satirical vibe of the film.

The film's music, composed by Ram Sampath, blends perfectly with its eccentric plot. The film cleverly uses music as a tool for satire in a bid to drive home its point. The catchy songs enhance the film's drama while also highlighting the nuances of its unique narrative.

In sum, Bangistan dives into a controversial pool of interfaith relations through a satirical lens, aiming to soften the landings and add comic relief. From this perspective, it provides entertainment and laughter, yet it offers significant contemplation about our religious biases and bigotries. Its depiction of the absurdity of religious fundamentalism, presented through laughter and comedy, makes this film a must-watch. Despite Bangistan's serious themes, viewers of the film can expect hearty laughter and an experience that is wonderfully memorable.