Khuda Kay Liye

(2007)

RATING:	60%
FORMAT:	DVD

(http://uk.mubi.com)

[In the Name of God]

This film is far too long and so undermines its very important premise!

It critiques the tail-wagging-the-dog policy of religious fundamentalists who believe exterior shows count for more than a religion practiced sincerely. It covers all the bases: Torture, lumping all Browns together as Muslim literalists, forced marriage, fundamentalist brainwashing of susceptible youth, White supremacy, etc. Yet only the final impassioned courtroom-speech offers any real dramatic and metaphysical meat to chew on amidst all the fat.

Identity politics are at the root of the political issues discussed here, but the fact that those without an identity based on achievements can so easily become fundamentalists - serial killers, terrorists, White supremacists, etc - is not fully explored as a theme in the nearly three-hours’ running time. Its heart is in the right place but its mind is elsewhere.

Naseeruddin SHAH is excellent - as always - and provides the necessary ballast to make the all-important points that the rest of the film strives to make. His exegesis of the true nature of Islam is as welcome as it is compelling. Unfortunately, he is only a guest star and cannot completely save the film from nearly scuttling itself with the sheer weight of its own pomposity.

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