Amid the ongoing political unrest in Bangladesh, marked by the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, acclaimed filmmaker Hansal Mehta has brought to light the tumultuous journey of his 2022 film ‘Faraaz’ and its subsequent ban in Bangladesh. The film, which portrays the harrowing Bangladeshi terror attack in 2016, features the debut of Zahan Kapoor and also stars Aditya Rawal, the son of veteran actor Paresh Rawal, in a significant role.
Hansal Mehta recently took to social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, to share his experiences related to the film’s controversial reception. “Seeing the events unfold in Bangladesh reminds me of the Faraaz release saga. It is streaming globally on Netflix except in Bangladesh where it has been banned,” Mehta began.
The movie ‘Faraaz’ focuses on the tragic events of the Holey Artisan Bakery attack in Dhaka, which occurred in 2016. The release of the film was met with significant resistance and was effectively delayed for almost 18 months. Mehta recounted, “I was visited at home by the otherwise very amiable Bangladesh High Commissioner of the time. I was constantly threatened and/or called by sources supposedly from the Indian ‘cabinet secretariat’ to tell me that the film would strain India’s relations with Bangladesh. I received multiple calls from high-ranking police officials, alleged secret service agents, and was accorded police protection for perceived threats from terror organizations. I also faced lengthy litigation in Indian courts and rude allegations from many who said ‘this is not your story to tell’. Even now, I continue to battle bogus litigation in the Bangladesh courts.”
The intensity of the opposition seemed to stem largely from the film’s depiction of Sheikh Hasina’s government. “All this to halt the release of a film that apparently showed Sheikh Hasina’s government and machinery in poor light. This was a government that wanted nobody outside Bangladesh to know that they were simply inept and run by a highly authoritarian leader who was afraid of any criticism towards herself,” he stated in his post.
.
According to Mehta, the attempts to suppress ‘Faraaz’ were driven by the government’s desire to cover up their own transgressions and mismanagement during the attack. “They wanted to cover up their bloodied hands by shutting our voice and our right to tell a story that is a mirror to our times, a cautionary tale about our youth, a critique of authoritarian governments, and majoritarian states,” Mehta expressed.
The filmmaker pointed out the broader implications of these actions, emphasizing the universal need for justice and transparency. “I hope justice will be served to the people of Bangladesh of course but also every country that might be vulnerable to such an establishment. Let equality, truth, and justice always prevail. Let every citizen of the free world stand tall,” he advocated.
‘Faraaz’ also features performances by actors Juhi Babbar, Aamir Ali, Sachin Lalwani, Pallak Lalwani, and Reshham Sahaani. Despite the ban in Bangladesh, the film has received international attention and is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
The saga of ‘Faraaz’ reminds us not only of the tragic event it depicts but also of the complexities that artists and filmmakers often navigate when their work intersects with politics and governance. Mehta’s recounting of the relentless efforts to hinder the film’s release underscores the fraught relationship between artistic expression and authoritarian control. By revealing these behind-the-scenes pressures, Mehta has highlighted the lengths to which certain governments may go to control narratives and suppress dissent.
As Bangladesh undergoes significant political changes with the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the future remains uncertain for both the nation and its artistic freedoms. Mehta’s reflections serve as a reminder of the enduring struggle for the freedom of and right to truth, a struggle that transcends borders and resonates with audiences worldwide.
It remains to be seen how these political shifts will affect the country’s cultural and political landscape, and whether films like ‘Faraaz’ will eventually find a way to be seen and heard in the places they most resonate with. In the meantime, the global availability of the film on platforms like Netflix ensures that its story—and the broader truths it reflects—continues to reach audiences around the world, unfettered by the boundaries of censorship.
