says Hasnain Hyderabadwala, as he talks to Sandeep Hattangadi about his most ambitious issue-based film which is about to release.
What made you decide to go solo into direction?
My friend and co-director Raksha Mistry has gone overseas for some time and I always wanted to get into directing on an independent basis. With the blessings and encouragement of my mentor mahesh bhatt – who is one of the co-producers and distributors of the film, I was able to make ‘Ya Rab’.
What is the film all about?
The film deals with the Muslim community and revolves around facts from the Koran. It takes a bold turn by depicting Muslims whose only aim is to correct those who misinterpret the Koran and its teachings. 'Ya Rab' will show people educating others and teaching them to refrain from using Islam as a means of spreading violence and terrorism in the world. The basic idea of the film is to show how so far, Islam has been used as a tool to propagate terrorism, whereas the holy book – The Koran – does not approve of terrorism in any way at all.
Isn’t the subject very bold and controversial?
Yes. The team of 'Ya Rab' has organised a special screening for various maulanas with the objective of ensuring that the content is apt and doesn't defame the Islamic commandments.
The censors were initially a little perturbed, but cleared the film with a few cuts.
What are the credits of the film?
The film stars Vikram Singh and Bigg Boss contestant Ajaz Khan in lead roles along with Akhilendra Mishra and Manzar Sahbai of 'Bol'. The female lead is Jammu actress Arjummam Mughal, while the action is by Abbas Ali Moghul, and the writers are Ikram Akhtar and Sanjay Masoom.