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Zee-i-stan: Pak Showbiz
l Zeeshan Ghayur
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Jinnah
Written By: Zeeshan Ghayur
Wednesday, April 28, 2006
Pakistani film industry once in a blue moon does arrive with spectacular masterpieces leaving ever lasting impressions. One such fabulous creation is the life of Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, captured in the cinema scope ‘Jinnah’. Directed by Jamil Dehlavi of ‘Dehlavi Films Production’ and produced by Professor Akbar Ahmed it showcases the detailed life history of Mohammad Ali Jinnah and his dedication that led to the creation of Pakistan.
“Few individuals significantly alter the course of history. Fewer still modify the map of the world. Hardly anyone can be credited with creating a nation. Mohammad Ali Jinnah did all three.” (Professor Stanley Wolpert)
The film begins with Jinnah being escorted by air and then road ambulance to the hospital. To the hospital by road the ambulance’ engine ceases. Time in the bottle begins to end and his doctor puts him on oxygen. Jinnah is then witnessed walking through a library corridor reaching the man responsible for the judgment of heavens or hell. Played by Shashi Kapoor he brings into the film humor to keep the audience magnetized to this epic tale of facts.
Facts that are adhered to be true by India and Pakistan, ‘Jinnah’ speak of the creation of Pakistan from a neutral perspective. A few of the sequences in the film that leave a mark in the minds and deserve applauds are mentioned below.
Jinnah (played by Christopher Lee) is accused in a press conference, held after him meeting with Lord Mount Batten (played by James Fox) during the ‘Pakistan Demand’ and attended by the supporters and opposes, by a Muslim religious leader ‘You call yourself Muslim and you parade your respected sister in front of crowd shamelessly?’ Jinnah replies pointing out his finger to the person ‘Islam stands for equality for men and women Maulana Sahib. Women in the family of the Holy Prophet (peace. be. upon. him) were active in public life’.
An attack on the mosque by a mob of Hindus. An attack on a village chanting ‘kill the cow murderers’.
In the sequence where the Congress supporters demand for the release of imprisoned Bhagat Singh, Jinnah saves the crowd from ‘latthi charge’ by asking the superintendent the magistrate orders for using force.
During a Congress rally headed by Gandhi (played by Sam Dastor) and Young Jinnah (played by Richard Lintern), the representative of the Muslim minority community Jinnah opposes Gandhi’s resolution ‘Members of Congress, I beg to oppose this hasty resolution’. Interrupted loudly by the crowd Jinnah speaks in a louder tone ‘no one’s desire for independence is greater than mine. Yet I wish to point out these methods this dragging in of religious symbols, this radical marchism, provocation are now beginning to split the movement. Method and goal proposed by Mr. Gandhi’s resolution’. Interrupted again by the crowd insisting on addressing Gandhi as ‘Mahatama Gandhi’ Jinnah shouts ‘Mr. Gandhi’s resolution. At this moment the destiny of this nation is in the hands of two men and one of them is Gandhi. Therefore standing on this platform I appeal to him to pause to cry halt or it is too late.’ Jinnah resigns from Congress and moves back to his business of advocacy.
The sequence of Jinnah’s wife’ (played by Indira Varma) funeral and his shedding of tears at her grave.
Jinnah’s victory in yet another case back in Britain since his resignation from Congress. The Judge poses a question before wrapping up with the case during the court room drama ‘Tell me Mr. Jinnah in another place I have heard you argue that India is not part of this Empire’. Jinnah replies ‘That is as it may be my lord. However I am not in that place now. And I’m conscious of my humble role of advocacy in this your court’.
Jinnah’s meeting with Allama Mohammad Iqbal, the famous poet and philosopher, after he wins the case in the court back in Britain. Iqbal persuades Jinnah to go back to India and represent the Muslims of India into creating a separate homeland for them. Reluctant Jinnah is convinced by Iqbal putting forth the argument that there is no other person who could perform this duty.
Lahore, 1946. Old Jinnah (played by Christopher Lee) giving a speech to the supporters of the Muslim League ‘The will of the people has put Pakistan within our grasp. The Muslim League has proved in the eyes of the world our right to represent the Muslims of India. The nation that has found its identity and as today declared its will’. Followed by supporters chanting Pakistan Zindabad and Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad slogans.
Nehru’s visit (played by Robert Ashby) of the Frontier province where Congress lost elections. Nehru stops the car to speak to the Muslim League supporters demanding Nehru to leave the land at once with guns in their hands and banners against the Congress. ‘My friends and comrades, my fellow citizens of India. Throughout my troll of the North West Frontier I have been dismayed and saddened by the demonstration of violence and opposition directed against the Congress party in this great province’. ‘Congress is a party with no religious boundaries. It is for Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Christians without distinction of caste or creed’. The crowd begins to shoot stones towards Nehru when one hits his face and the car speeds him out of the crowd.
During an attack to kill Jinnah by a gang of Muslims when the gang gets arrested on spot; one of the attackers is stopped and Jinnah raises to him the question ‘Who are you and why do you want to kill me?’ The man replies ‘You are a traitor Jinnah. If there is to be a Pakistan it must be a Muslim state’. Jinnah replies ‘Pakistan will be a Muslim state’. The man continues ‘Yes but you as a leader you speak of the rights of Christians, of Hindus, you talk of the right of women’. Jinnah replies pointing out his finger to him ‘You are an ignorant fool. I have fought for your mother, your sister and your children’s children to live in dignity. Islam doesn’t need fanatics like you. Islam needs men of vision who would build the country. Now grow up and serve Pakistan.’
During a meeting with Lord Mount Batten (played by James Fox), Batten informs Jinnah ‘Let me get straight to the point. They have invited me to be the first Governor General of India’. Jinnah replies ‘there is no doubt that you deserve the honor’. Batten continues ‘And Mr. Jinnah what that is in Pakistan’s position?’ Jinnah replies ‘Lord Mount Batten I can’t say I didn’t anticipate that question. It’s quite clear to me one man cannot possibly be the head of the state of both countries.’ Batten continues ‘Surely it would be a great symbol of friendship between the two countries’. Jinnah replies ‘If we were at war Lord Mount Batten you couldn’t order one side to attack and another to defend’.
The shocking news that Fatima Jinnah (played by Shireen Shah) gives to Jinnah about Firdospur, the main military arsenal allocated to Pakistan, being handed over to India leaving the newly born state without any military arsenal. Vulnerable to attacks was the conspiracy that the newly born state wouldn’t be able to handle any invasion.
The first train of refugees arriving into Pakistan with nothing but dead bodies. The counter attacks on Sikhs leaving Pakistan for India.
The list of notable sequences continues till the culmination of the film.
The film portrays the deteriorating Jinnah’s personal life because of his dedication to the Pakistan movement. The perceptions his wife received from his dedication to work that slipped her into depression and cancer. Providing several glimpses into his deteriorating health that he kept secret of but Fatima knew and portrayed as if she didn’t. His respect for Gandhi is notable in the film. His ignorance to the affair Nehru has with Edwina Mountbatten that rooted several of the favors Mount Batten committed for the creation of India.
Acts portrayed by the talented and experienced Christopher Lee, Richard Lintern, Shashi Kapoor, Indira Varma, James Fox and Robert Ashby impresses the audience to an extent that at the culmination one wishes to watch the entire film again.
Crew to the film Jinnah has put forth a splendid effort that magnetizes the audience to the motion pictures captured in Pakistan and London with catchy dialogues. Nigel Clarke & Micheal Csany-Wills’ music is appealing to the ear, editing of Robert Reitano and Paul Hodgson is smooth throughout the film, Nic Knowland provided his best efforts as the director of photography, and the marvelous screenplay by Akbar Ahmed and Jamil Dehlavi leave a lasting impression.
Jinnah is a film that scraps out the answers to several questions that one might have. From the entertainment to the academic to the historical point of view; it’s the best source to knowledge. Why Pakistan? Watch Jinnah.
Rating: 5/5
Strongly Recommended!
Purchase 'Jinnah':
US $ 50
Master Print
Money Transfer: Western Union
Shipment: 45 Days
Contact: zeeshanghayur@gmail.com
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Zee-i-stan: Pak Showbiz
l Zeeshan Ghayur
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