Mulk

Mulk, directed by Anubhav Sinha and released in 2018, is a hard-hitting social thriller that scrutinizes the deep-rooted prejudices and social stigmas associated with religion and terrorism in contemporary India. The film features Rishi Kapoor, Taapsee Pannu, and Ashutosh Rana in key roles.

The film centres around a seasoned yet humble Muslim family, the Ali Mohammed's in Varanasi. This middle-class family is led by an endearing lawyer played by Rishi Kapoor, a retired lawyer known as Murad Ali Mohammed. His family not only constitutes of his wife, younger brother Bilal (Manoj Pahwa) and wife, their son Shahid (Prateik Babbar), but also his Hindu daughter-in-law Arti (Indraneil Sengupta), who is married to his son Aftaab, residing in London.

The family’s life is placid and uneventful until Shahid, the nephew, deeply influenced by extremist beliefs, commits an act of terror, implicating his family and himself in a terrible, irreparable crime. This incident brings about irrevocable changes in their lives and judders the very fabric of family values, faith and love in their household.

The rest of the film investigates the consequential legal battle, where one side paints them as a family of terrorists under a damning picture of guilt-by-association; while on their defense is the tenacious lawyer Aarti Mohammed, played by Taapsee Pannu, trying hard to maneuver through the labyrinthine legal system and to challenge the stereo-typical prejudices on the grounds of their religion. It appeals strongly to the society to recognize the difference between a family of patriots and that of a terrorist.

Rishi Kapoor gives a mesmerizing performance as a family patriarch, enhancing the entire film with his gripping portrayal of an innocent man fighting a battle against systems and beliefs. His scenes are marked not only by his powerful performance, but also by relatable dialogues that drill right into the heart of current socio-political environment.

Taapsee Pannu as the fierce, undeterred lawyer is compelling and shows her prowess yet again, while Ashutosh Rana as the prosecution lawyer manages to impress with his commendable dialogue delivery and strong screen presence.

The film smartly juxtaposes the contrasting public opinions, media trials and propels a thought-provoking argument about human rights, religious bias and the judicial system. Anubhav Sinha’s direction, coupled with well-crafted dialogues and gripping storytelling, brings life to the narrative, making the film engaging and riveting.

Mulk, with its great plot and stellar performances, questions the prejudices and stereotypes, urging for some self-reflection on each viewer's part. Sinha succeeds in refining the typical Bollywood clichés, replacing them with a more realistic and humane narrative that strongly echoes in the hearts of the audience. Digital cinematography by Ewan Mulligan captures the essence of the ancient city Varanasi, enhancing visuals as an integral part of storytelling, making it visually pleasing.

Not just the lead cast, but the supporting cast including Prateik Babbar, Rajat Kapoor, Manoj Pahwa, Neena Gupta and others too delivered power-packed performances. Each character is carved out with considerable depth, adding a realistic charm to the storyline.

However, what leaves an indelible mark is the urgency and relevancy of the content. It is a claim for respect for compassion and unity, challenging deeply ingrained religious biases and stereotypes. A compelling tale that paces with the rhythm of national security vs human rights, patriots vs traitors, and prejudice vs understanding, Mulk is an emotional rollercoaster that resonates for its raw and intense narrative.

In conclusion, Mulk is a must-watch for those who appreciate meaningful cinema. It shines a bold light on important and relevant issues faced by modern India, challenges preconceived notions about nationalism, and strikes a powerful balance between sensitive storytelling and compelling social commentary. By the end, the film Mulk doesn't just ask you to be a Hindu or a Muslim, it asks you to be a human first and that's where it triumphs.