A Malayalam film on Babri Masjid demolition

Thiruvananthapuram, April 18 (IANS): Producer and scriptwriter Aryadan Shoukath is once again toeing the story of Muslims in Kerala in his new venture "Daivathinte Namathil".

The film, starring upcoming superstar Prithiviraj and Bhavana, traces the Babri Masjid demolition in December 1992 and the aftermath it created among Kerala Muslims.

"Padam Onnu Oru Vilapam", Shoukath's first film released in 2004, had also dwelt at length on Muslim backgrounds and fetched leading lady Meera Jasmine the national award for the best heroine.

"I am not trying to exploit the Muslim sentiments for a business venture. It is because I hail from the community and I know the intricate details that both my films centre around Muslims," said Shoukath, who is the son of Electricity Minister Aryadan Mohammed, after his film's preview Monday.

In "Daivathinte Namathil", a Muslim youth, Anwar, leaves for his post graduation at the Aligarh Muslim University immediately after his marriage.

But the demolition of the Babri Masjid occurs immediately after him reaching there, following which, Anwar, the son of a secular Muslim man, returns home a fundamentalist.

The ending of the film, however, is on a high note. Anwar, who gets himself arrested, reforms in the jail and comes out a clean man.

"When I was told the story, I never thought I could play the role. Thanks to Shoukath and director Jayaraj, I am now happy that I did a good job," Bhavana said.

Both Prithiviraj and Bhavana leave a lasting impression in their roles.

"I am really satisfied. More than a commercial venture, the film has a clear message. I'll be extremely pleased if I am able to transform one person with fundamentalist tendencies," said Jayaraj, the film's director.

"Daivathinte Namathil", which will release May 12, is his 24th directorial venture.

Controversies are likely to break out about the film because it touches current political events, religious leaders, politicians and recent instances of violent in the state.

But both Jayaraj and Shoukath are confident that there is nothing political or controversial about the film beyond it being a piece of art.