We are not afraid

Naseeruddin Shah has no illusions about the impact of films on society. "I do not think that feature films can be a medium of education or can bring about sweeping changes in society. If they did, then there would be no corruption or exploitation in India because every Hindi film advocates good values," he said.

"But films such as Shoot on Sight must be made because the true function of cinema is to be a record of its times for posterity. And if a film has a positive effect on even a single person, its purpose is achieved," said the actor at a press conference before the world premiere of his latest film Shoot on Sight at DIFF.

Important

The film, by UK-based director Jag Mundhra, depicts the turmoil of a British Pakistani police officer at Scotland Yard who gets caught between Islamophobia and Islamic extremism.

"This is an important story to tell because after the July 7 bombings in London, the voice of moderate, progressive liberal Muslims is not being heard. They are being painted by the same brush as the extremists because of the Islamophobia sweeping through society," said Mundhra. "We wanted to have the first public screening of our film in Dubai because this city represents progressive, liberal Islam," he added.

Questions

Shah has recently done a Pakistani film, Khuda Ke Liye, with a similar message. "I am a devout Muslim and as an actor I am not afraid to be part of a film that questions incorrect attitudes. Khuda Ke Liye was a courageous attempt because it was produced and made in Pakistan. The film questions misconceptions about Islam… and the message of the film is that it is not religion that is bad but it is the people who misinterpret it.

Its success indicates that the message has resonated with people," he said.

"Shoot on Sight has a similar message. It presents both sides of the argument through my character who is a devout but liberal Muslim, well integrated in British society and a Mullah played by Om Puri, who corrupts young minds with his extremist views," he added.

Personal

The story of the film is inspired by Mundhra's own experiences in London.

"After the July 7 bombings, while waiting for a taxi in London I realised that taxi drivers were avoiding me because I looked like an Asian Muslim.

Then, the Shoot on Sight order by the police resulted in the killing of an innocent Brazilian. And after that I noticed that suddenly on TV, a Muslim police officer had been made the police spokesperson. These incidents triggered the idea of a political drama about the dilemma of a Muslim police officer, who is not trusted by the police because he is a Muslim and by his community because he is a policeman," he said.

Engaging

"But I have tried to present the message as an engaging political thriller. And I am fortunate to have a producer, Aron Govil, who was willing to back me, and a great actor like Shah, who said he is not afraid and will do the film if he likes the script," he added.

The film's Indo-British cast includes Greta Scacchi, Brian Cox, Gulshan Grover, Sadie Frost and Laila Rouass, who was present at the press conference. It is scheduled for a March release in theatres worldwide.

Outspoken

As usual, Naseeruddin Shah was cynical and outspoken in his views. Here are some examples.

On the slow death of the parallel cinema movement in India in the 1970s:
"The audiences were hungry for such films but the movement died out because of the lack of commitment of the filmmakers. They are all trying to make Bollywood-style soap operas."

On the reach of films like Shoot on Sight:
"I would like Shoot on Sight to be seen in places like Aligarh, Rampur and Moradabad that have a large Muslim population. But I know it will have only a niche audience. It is too much to expect audiences weaned on song and dance films to watch this kind of cinema."

On current Hindi films:
We are in the Stone Age as far as filmmaking is concerned. I get blown away when I see the films made in countries like Iran, Iraq, Poland and Thailand. I am impressed by the filmmakers' level of awareness and keen perception of life around them. Whereas our films are still about 'boy meets girl'.

Even the serious filmmakers have only two subjects — the oppression of women and landless labourers. India has inspired great poets, dancers, writers and artists but our filmmakers find no inspiration from their surroundings or culture. Our most recent films could have been made 30 years ago and were in fact made then. But the truth is that the whole world is watching Bollywood films now."