Anwar (2007 film)

Anwar

Theatrical release poster
Directed by Manish Jha
Produced by Rajesh Singh
Story by Manish Jha
Starring Siddharth Koirala
Manisha Koirala
Nauheed Cyrusi
Music by Mithoon
Pankaj Awasthi
Cinematography Kartik Vijay
Edited by Amitabh Shukla
Distributed by Dayal Creations Pvt. Ltd.
Release dates
  • January 12, 2007
Country India
Language Hindi

Anwar (Hindi: अनवर) is a 2007 Indian film written and directed by Manish Jha, who is famous for his work in Matrubhoomi. The film stars Siddharth Koirala, Manisha Koirala, Rajpal Yadav and Nauheed Cyrusi.

Plot

Anwar, a Muslim, lives a middle-class lifestyle in Lucknow, India, with his mother, brother, and sister-in-law, Suraiya. Anwar is researching on ancient Hindu mandirs. The family rents out a room to a poor widow and her attractive daughter, Mehru, whom Anwar falls in love with.

Anwar is certain of Mehru's love for him, but something happens and he reacts impulsively which results in death of a person. A guilt-ridden Anwar takes shelter in an ancient Hindu temple in Dholpur carrying a bag, which contains drawings of mandirs and notes on Lord Krishna, Devi Meera, and Mehru. This bag ends up with the police, who now believe that Anwar is a terrorist who is planning to detonate bombs in sacred Hindu temples.

The place is surrounded by the police, politicians who are anxious to win the Hindu vote, the media, and a huge crowd who are here to see the show. Set against post 9/11 scenario, amidst the craze for Valentine's Day, Britney Spears, Osama Bin Laden, George W. Bush, and the American way of life, Anwar must now examine his options.

Themes

The film set in Lucknow, is about stereotyping of Muslims in the post-9/11 era. The film was inspired by the director's experience in New York two days after the 9/11 attacks when he was detained by the police and interrogated for five hours, who presumed him to be a Muslim, since he was unshaven and had long hair.[1]

Production

The film was shot in Kakori, Bakshi Ka Talab and Lucknow during April 2006.[2]

Cast

Track listing

No. TitleMusicSinger(s) Length
1. "Maula Mere Maula"  MithoonRoop Kumar Rathod 6:04
2. "Javeda Zindagi"  MithoonKshitij Tarey, Shilpa Rao 8:22
3. "Bangla Khula Khula"  Pankaj AwasthiMegha Sriram 5:18
4. "Dilbar Mera"  Pankaj AwasthiPankaj Awasthi 4:53
5. "Jo Maine Aas Lagayi"  Pankaj AwasthiPankaj Awasthi 2:05
6. "Anwar's Confession - Into The Black"  Pankaj Awasthi  3:17

References

  1. "Indian makes film on post-9/11experience". Associated Press, CNN-IBN. Apr 26, 2006.
  2. "The eat is on… Kakoris entice Bollywood to Lucknow". Indian Express. April 26, 2006.

External links