Mulk (2018), directed by Anubhav Sinha, is a thought-provoking courtroom drama that dives headfirst into the sensitive subject of communal prejudice in India. Starring the late Rishi Kapoor and Taapsee Pannu, the film delves into the harrowing experiences of a peacefully integrated Muslim family that faces social ostracization and systemic harassment when a younger family member becomes embroiled in a terrorist attack. I recently revisited this film during the Christmas break of 2024, and while its premise had the potential for nuance, it became clear that the director's left-leaning narrative significantly influenced its execution-leading to a portrayal that feels disconnected from certain ground realities.
Story Overview
The film unfolds in Varanasi, where Murad Ali Mohammed (played by Rishi Kapoor), a respected elder in his community, finds his life turned upside down when his nephew Shahid (Prateik Babbar) is accused of participating in a terrorist attack. Shahid's actions lead to his encounter with the police and a chain of devastating repercussions for the Mohammed family. Neighbors and friends, who once shared warm ties, quickly turn hostile, fueled by suspicion and bigotry. Murad Ali and his family must navigate the societal backlash, defend their patriotism, and prove their innocence in court, with the help of their Hindu daughter-in-law Aarti (played by Taapsee Pannu), who becomes their legal advocate.
Story Overview
The film unfolds in Varanasi, where Murad Ali Mohammed (played by Rishi Kapoor), a respected elder in his community, finds his life turned upside down when his nephew Shahid (Prateik Babbar) is accused of participating in a terrorist attack. Shahid's actions lead to his encounter with the police and a chain of devastating repercussions for the Mohammed family. Neighbors and friends, who once shared warm ties, quickly turn hostile, fueled by suspicion and bigotry. Murad Ali and his family must navigate the societal backlash, defend their patriotism, and prove their innocence in court, with the help of their Hindu daughter-in-law Aarti (played by Taapsee Pannu), who becomes their legal advocate.