AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): The film Kalki Sambhal, based on the unrest of 1978 and 2024 in the city of Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh, has drawn widespread criticism as the latest example of Islamophobic production in Indian cinema, a trend that has intensified particularly since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in 2014.
The film’s first poster depicts two Muslim antagonists named “Abajan” and “Bhaijaan.” Critics say the character “Abajan” is an indirect reference to the late Lok Sabha lawmaker Shafiqur Rahman Barq, who in the film’s narrative is accused of instigating the 1978 unrest. On social media, speculation has also emerged that the character “Bhaijaan” is inspired by Ziaur Rahman Barq, a current Samajwadi Party MP, portrayed as being responsible for the 2024 violence, incidents that resulted in the police shooting deaths of five young Muslim men.
The film’s producer, Amit Jani, has previously faced accusations of producing anti-Muslim content. His earlier work, Udaipur Files, sparked protests from the Muslim community and, although courts did not block its release, the film was screened only after controversial scenes were removed.
Critics argue that segments of Indian cinema have for years portrayed Muslims through stereotypes such as “terrorists,” “extremists,” or “villains.” Films including Fanaa, Kurbaan, and New York are cited by analysts as examples that contributed to distorted representations of Muslims.
More recently, productions such as The Kashmir Files, The Kerala Story, and Dhulandar have also come under fire for allegedly promoting Islamophobia and fueling sectarian tensions. Commentators say such narratives influence public opinion beyond the cinema screen and contribute to the polarization of Indian society.
By contrast, some films have attempted to present more realistic portrayals of Muslims. Works such as The Great Shamsuddin Family and Single Salma depict Muslims, particularly women, as educated and independent. Likewise, films including Bombay, Jodha Akbar, and My Name Is Khan focus on coexistence and shared humanity, offering alternative narratives about Muslim communities.
Even so, critics warn that the release of films like Kalki Sambhal risks reinforcing dangerous stereotypes and deepening religious and social divides across India.
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