Aligarh’s cinematic spotlight turned contentious today as ‘Godaan’, a film championing cow reverence and exposing smuggling rackets, faced immediate protests upon its February 6 release. At the heart of the furor: allegations of singling out Muslims.
While the film aims to evoke empathy for animal welfare, detractors zero in on troubling visuals—a bearded figure in traditional headgear held at gunpoint—and dialogue laced with bias. Maulana Chaudhary Iffrahim Hussain has vocally opposed it, petitioning the CBFC for a release stay.
In a pointed statement, he lambasted the content. ‘I condemn the film’s portrayal that fans anti-Muslim flames via cap-gun scenes and objectionable barbs,’ declared Hussain, aligning with Maulana Ishak. He ripped into creators: ‘Some directors peddle this trash for profit, heedless of the societal rifts or insults to communities, castes, or faiths they cause.’
Pushing for reform, he said, ‘Ban hate-peddling filmmakers. Such works bruise religious feelings and belittle people. CBFC, deny certification; citizens, reject divisive reels.’
Political voices amplified the criticism. Congress veteran Anshu Awasthi decried ‘Godaan’ as a divisive plot. ‘It cultivates prejudice between communities—time for a nationwide ban,’ he insisted. Fellow leader Poonam Pandit objected to the film’s twist on Indira Gandhi, painting her as a cow cruelty enabler despite her Bharat Ratna status.
As theaters buzz with debate, ‘Godaan’ tests India’s cinematic boundaries. Does it protect cultural values or propagate discord? The censor board’s response could redefine film oversight.