The release of ‘Godaan’ on February 6 has swiftly morphed from celebration to controversy in Aligarh. Billed as a poignant exposé on cow trafficking and protection, the film is now accused of fostering religious discord by targeting Muslims.
Objections center on sequences depicting aggression toward a cap-clad man and loaded remarks, seen as inflammatory. Maulana Chaudhary Iffrahim Hussain led the condemnation, formally requesting the film board to pull the plug.
‘News of ‘Godaan’ inciting hate against Muslims—gun to a capped man’s head, distasteful dialogues—deserves outright rejection,’ he told reporters. Endorsing Maulana Ishak, Hussain faulted the industry: ‘Profit-driven makers inject poison that splits society and dishonors groups, castes, religions—without a second thought.’
His plea was unequivocal: ‘Restrain these toxic producers. Films that offend faiths and demean must be stopped at the source. CBFC, withhold approval; public, boycott societal saboteurs.’
Congress leaders piled on. Anshu Awasthi, UP heavyweight, called it a ‘hate-mongering agenda breeding community bias—ban it fully.’ Poonam Pandit slammed the negative spin on Indira Gandhi, the steel-willed ex-PM and Bharat Ratna, linking her falsely to cow abuses.
‘Godaan’s’ debut amid boycotts raises alarms about cinema’s influence. Filmmakers defend artistic license, but critics demand sensitivity. As legal challenges loom, the saga spotlights the clash between expression and harmony in modern India.