Khuda Kay Liye
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film industry |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Founder | Shoaib Mansoor |
| Headquarters | Lahore , Pakistan |
| Products | Film |
Khuda Kay Liye (, internationally known as In the Name of God) is a 2007 Pakistani drama directed by Shoaib Mansoor and produced by Brigadier Syed Mujtaba Tirmizi of ISPR. The film features performances by Shaan Shahid, Fawad Khan, and Iman Ali, with a guest appearance from Naseeruddin Shah. The narrative follows two singers, Mansoor and Sarmad (portrayed by Shaan and Khan), whose lives are profoundly affected in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and the widespread misunderstanding of Jihad.
The movie premiered in Pakistan on 20 July 2007 and later in India on 4 April 2008, also showcasing at various international film festivals. It garnered several accolades, including three awards at the Lux Style Awards and the Silver Pyramid at the Cairo International Film Festival. Notably, it marked the first Pakistani film to be released in India in almost five decades, through distributors Shailendra Singh and Percept Pictures, and was the first Pakistani entry officially selected for the International Film Festival of India (IFFI).
Plot
Mansoor and Sarmad, brothers from Lahore, enjoy success as musicians. Under the influence of Islamic cleric Maulana Tahiri, Sarmad embraces a strict Islamic way of life and abandons his singing career, which the cleric condemns as "haram." In London, Maryam (Mary), a Westernized British Pakistani woman, falls in love with Dave, a man from the local British community, much to her hypocritical father's disapproval.
Mary's father schemes to take her to Pakistan under false pretenses but instead brings her to Afghanistan, claiming it is for a wedding. There, she is forcibly married to Sarmad and held captive. When Mary attempts to escape, Sarmad, following Maulana Tahiri's counsel, assaults her as punishment, leading to her pregnancy that diminishes her chances of fleeing.
Meanwhile, Mansoor studies music in Chicago, where he meets Janie; they marry after she quits drinking for his sake. Following the 9/11, Mansoor is detained by the FBI because of his Muslim identity and spends a year imprisoned at Guantanamo Bay detention camp, where he suffers torture.
Sarmad's father manages to rescue Mary with assistance from the British government. Mary initiates legal proceedings against her father and husband in Pakistan seeking justice. Maulana Wali (Naseeruddin Shah) delivers a message about the exploitation of Islam to justify violence and advocates for its peaceful teachings. Deeply affected, Sarmad withdraws his case and admits to the damage inflicted under religious pretexts. Mary returns to her former village to promote girls’ education. Mansoor remains under FBI custody after enduring severe torture resulting in permanent brain damage. After unsuccessful rehabilitation attempts, he is deported back to Pakistan where he begins recovery surrounded by family.
Cast
- Shaan as Mansoor
- Fawad Khan as Sarmad
- Iman Ali as Maryam (Mary)
- Naseeruddin Shah as Maulana Wali (Special Appearance)
- Naeem Tahir as Father of Mansoor & Sarmad
- Rasheed Naz as Maulana Tahirih
- Hameed Sheikh as Sher Shah
- Sonia Rehman as Khala
- Humayun Kazmi as Mary's Father
- Austin Marie Sayre as Janie
- Najiba Faiz as Gul Bano
- Seemi Raheel as Mother of Mansoor & Sarmad
Development
The concept for the film originated with director Shoaib Mansoor, who sought to confront and dispel misunderstandings about Pakistan prevalent among the Pakistani diaspora and audiences in India. Mansoor's intention was to use the film as a medium to challenge and rectify existing stereotypes associated with the Pakistani community.
Filming
The main filming took place predominantly in Lahore, supplemented by shoots in Chicago, London, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Box office
Khuda Kay Liye is listed among the top-grossing Pakistani movies, generating PKR 11.1 million within Pakistan and accumulating a total of PKR 210 million worldwide.
Other media
Sony secured the rights for the film’s distribution, satellite broadcasting, music, and other media formats. Geo Films and Percept Picture Company managed distribution across Asia and the Middle East, while Sony Distribution oversaw releases in both the United Kingdom and United States. The film premiered on television via Geo TV, followed by subsequent airings on SET India in various regions. Additionally, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment handled the global DVD release.
Streaming
Starting in 2020, the movie has been accessible through Lionsgate's digital streaming service.
Music
The official soundtrack was launched on July 7, 2007, featuring compositions and production by Rohail Hyatt. Shoaib Mansoor penned most of the tracks, with the exceptions being "Mahi Way" and "Bandeya."
Accolades
| Ceremony | Category | Recipient | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7th Lux Style Awards | Best Film | Shoaib Mansoor | Template:Won |
| Best Film Actor | Shaan Shahid | Template:Won | |
| Best Film Actress | Iman Ali | Template:Won | |
| Best Original Soundtrack | Rohail Hayat | Template:Won |
See also
- List of highest-grossing Pakistani films
- List of Pakistani films of 2007
- List of cultural references to the September 11 attacks