Bangistan (2015)

Bangistan (2015): A Hilarious Comedy Addressing Serious Themes

Introduction

"Bangistan" is a 2015 Indian comedy movie that uniquely blends humor with poignant social commentary. Directed by Karan Anshuman and penned by Karan Anshuman and Aseem Arrora, the movie courageously tackles the hot-button topics of terrorism and religious extremism, but does so through a light-hearted comedic lens that encourages audiences to laugh while also reflect. As a Hindi language film, it manages to strike a balance between entertainment and delivering a powerful message about humanity and coexistence.

Plot Summary

The story revolves around two young men — Hafeez Bin Ali (played by Riteish Deshmukh), a devout Muslim, and Sanjay Qureshi (played by Pulkit Samrat), a devout Hindu — who come from different religious backgrounds and share the same goal: to become committed terrorists who will carry out missions assigned to them by their respective extremist groups. Hafeez is a custodian of his mosque and belongs to a group rigid about their beliefs, while Sanjay works for his Hindu extremist organization.

Both men are sent on a mission to the same destination as suicide bombers, but their plans go hilariously awry. Along their journey, they encounter numerous comic situations and slowly start questioning the dogmatic views that have been ingrained in them through their upbringing. The movie's storyline cleverly underlines how religious extremism stems from misunderstandings and social conditioning rather than through any genuine enmity between people.

The narrative takes the audience through a series of satirical and absurd incidents that lead both Hafeez and Sanjay to realize that the two communities they represent are not that different after all. The film closes on a message of tolerance and brotherhood, reminding viewers of the futility of hate and violence.

Main Cast

• Riteish Deshmukh as Hafeez Bin Ali: Riteish brings his characteristic flair for comedy to the role of Hafeez, a Muslim man caught up in extremist propaganda but whose inherent goodness shines through. Riteish's performance offers both laughs and warmth, making Hafeez a sympathetic character.
• Pulkit Samrat as Sanjay Qureshi: Pulkit's portrayal of Sanjay, the Hindu extremist, is equally engaging. He captures the confusion and vulnerability of a man rigidly loyal to a cause but ultimately searching for meaning beyond religious fanaticism.
• Jacqueline Fernandez as Ayesha: Jacqueline plays a pivotal female role adding charm and substance to the movie. She represents the voice of reason and adds layers to the storyline.

Director and Writers

Bangistan is directed by Karan Anshuman, who also co-wrote the film with Aseem Arrora. Karan Anshuman is known for tackling edgy and topical subjects with a unique voice. His direction in this film stands out as he manages to make a daring comedy that questions intolerance in a manner accessible to a broad audience.

Music and Songs

As a Bollywood film, music plays an important role in Bangistan. The soundtrack was composed by Ram Sampath, with lyrics penned by Amitabh Verma. The songs complement the film's theme of unity and humor, adding an additional layer of entertainment to the experience.

• "Har Allah" – Sung by Shalmali Kholgade, this song beautifully merges spirituality with the film’s unifying message.
• "Gangster Baby" – Performed by Aditi Singh Sharma, this energetic number adds vibrancy and a trendy feel to the movie.
• "Mundey Ware" – A lively track lending a youthful exuberance to the narrative.

The music, while not the traditional romantic Bollywood fare, plays a crucial role in supporting the movie's narrative and enhancing its overall tone.

Reception and Impact

Bangistan received mixed to positive reviews, with many critics appreciating its attempt to use humor to confront a difficult subject — religious extremism and terrorism. While the satire and comedy worked for some, others felt that the movie could have delved deeper into its core themes.

Nonetheless, the film stands out for using comedy to expose the absurdity of communal hatred and for fostering a message of tolerance. Bangistan encourages viewers to look beyond religious differences and recognize shared humanity, a message that is as relevant today as ever.

Conclusion

In summary, Bangistan (2015) is a brave cinematic attempt to address the sensitive and volatile topic of terrorism and religious conflict through the medium of comedy. With strong performances by Riteish Deshmukh, Pulkit Samrat, and Jacqueline Fernandez under the deft direction of Karan Anshuman, it invites audiences to both laugh and reflect. Its engaging storyline, supported by a meaningful soundtrack from Ram Sampath, makes it a noteworthy film in modern Bollywood cinema. Bangistan is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, humor and humanity can prevail.

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