Syed Mussarat Khalil

Saudi Gazette

 

JEDDAH — Pakistani film "Khuda Kay Liyai," which translates into "In the name of God," was shown at the 8th Asian Film Festival 2015, organized by Asian Consuls General Club (ACGC) Jeddah, at the auditorium of Indonesian consul general's residence.



The film produced in conjunction with the film division of the popular TV network Geo TV. A large number of film lovers from the Pakistani and Saudi communities, dignitaries, ACGC club members, diplomats and media personnel were in attendance.



Head of chancery (HOC) Pakistan Consulate Jeddah Junaid Wazir was the master of ceremony, who briefly shed light on the progress made by the Pakistan film industry.



Consul General Aftab Ahmed Khokher welcomed all distinguished guests and invitees and thanked them for watching "Khuda Kay Liyai".



Khokher expressed his deepest gratitude to the consul general of Indonesia for hosting the screening of the film at his residence.



He acknowledged the efforts of the coordinator of the ACGC club, the Consul General of Japan, who organized the film festival 2015.



He also praised the generosity of lead sponsor Western Union for sponsoring the film festival. Khokher, in his remarks about the film, said the feature film "Khuda Kay Liyai was made in 2007 in Pakistan mainly in Urdu and partly in English. 



Starring Shaan, Iman Ali, Fawad Afzal Khan and Hameed Sheikh the film was well received, but it also had its detractors. Indian actor Naseeruddin Shah appears in the uncut version.



He said the plot of the film is complex, with the story relating to Pakistani culture and the subsequent misinterpretations of Islam in Pakistan's society.



It is an answer of such a dilemma that the West too is increasingly facing in its own cultural beliefs and religious dynamics.



It is an eye opening film with its depiction and challenges of both the Western and non-Western ideas. All credit goes to Pakistani film director Shoib Mansour for making such a thoughtful film.



The guests were welcomed by Khokher and his wife Afshan Khokher.