Annu Kapoor Starrer ‘Hamare Baarah’ Raises Questions on Nation’s Population & Education System

The film ‘All We Imagine As Light’ by young Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia will be showcased in the prestigious Directors’ Fortnight category at the Cannes Film Festival.

Rise in Representation of Young Filmmakers

Following the selection of this film, there has been a surge in the representation of young filmmakers. Youth filmmakers are increasingly participating in initiatives by organizations like Indian Motion Pictures Producers’ Association (IMPPA), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), and others.

Their enthusiasm is such that, this time, the selection for the Cannes Film Festival includes films from around 10 Indian filmmakers globally.

The Film Raises Several Questions

Director Kamal Chandrani’s debut film ‘Hamare Baarah’ has received much acclaim for its diverse content. The film raises questions about the true meaning of Islam. It questions whether Islam adopts different norms for men and women.

The protagonist of the film is a genuine Muslim, deeply rooted in his religious beliefs. However, his life hasn’t allowed him to explore, understand, and embrace the progressive traditions of Islam beyond religious authorities. Therefore, he is not a villain in the traditional sense.

When his foolish conservatism leads to the death of his wife Barama’s child, he finds solace in conversing with her at her grave, lamenting that he has never learned anything new about Islam. Here, Rukhsana’s voiceover says, “I may have been set free, but many women have been left in the shackles of pain.”

Discussion in the Indian Pavilion

The discussion of ‘Hamare Baarah’ also took place in the Indian Pavilion. Besides Annu Kapoor and Manoj Joshi, all the artists are new in the film ‘Hamare Baarah’. Its world premiere was held at the Cannes Film Market. During this event, the film’s lead actor Annu Kapoor, director Kamal Chandrani, and producers Sanjay Nagpal, Virendra Bhagat, and Shiv Balak Singh provided detailed information about the film.

The discussion of ‘Hamare Baarah’ also took place in the Indian Pavilion. The producers had initially named the film ‘We Are Twelve’ but due to pressure from the censor board, it had to be changed to ‘Hamare Baarah’.

Perception and Criticism

It seems that this film directly criticizes the Muslim community, holding them solely responsible for the country’s population growth. However, behind this backdrop, many poignant stories emerge without inflicting wounds on any community’s sentiments.

One of the film’s producers, Virendra Bhagat, says that since all the characters in the film are Muslim, it’s not appropriate to show Hindu-Muslim enmity.

Sanjay Nagpal says that population growth is a global issue raised through a poignant story.

Premiere of the Film in London and Dubai

After the Cannes Film Festival, this film will premiere in London and Dubai as well. Producer Ravi Gupta says that audience feedback can only be known when this film releases on June 6th in India and abroad. He explicitly denies the possibility of hurting the sentiments of the Muslim community by portraying Shiv Balak Singh. Kamal Chandra, the director, believes that this decision should be left to the audience. Lead actor Annu Kapoor expresses his discomfort with the truth depicted, stating that the Muslim society isn’t ready to accept it. However, he acknowledges the splendid acting done by Mansur Ali Khan, who portrays the main character of a Sufi singer.

What’s the Film About?

The story revolves around Mansur Ali Khan Sanjari, a 60-year-old qawwali singer played by Annu Kapoor, who has 11 children. His first wife gave birth to six children before her demise. He then remarried Rukhsana, who is 30 years younger than him, and they have five children together. Rukhsana becomes pregnant for the sixth time.

Khan Sahab proudly states, “If the population increases next year, then there will only be ours and our bar.” He neither practiced birth control nor sent his children to government or private schools. They have tailored the economic activities according to their convenience.

Challenges Arise

A problem arises when a lady doctor announces that if Rukhsana does not undergo an abortion, she could die during childbirth. Khan Sahab’s eldest daughter Alfiya shows courage and files a case in the bench of the Lucknow High Court, demanding permission for her mother to undergo abortion.

The film marks a new milestone and amidst the trial, sheds light on many heartfelt stories within the confines of homes. Due to the rigidity of religious beliefs and economic considerations in Islam, taking a breath has become difficult for millions of Indian women.

Hamare Baarah – A Family Drama

The film “Hamare Baarah” is a family drama that everyone should watch. Director Kamal Chandra has used emotional melodrama to express his thoughts clearly without hurting religious sentiments. While the story of “Hamare Baarah” is based on the Muslim community, it is necessary for everyone to learn from it.