In light of Pahalgam attack, Hansal Mehta says these films by him point out where the problem lies

IANS April 28, 2025 261 views

Acclaimed filmmaker Hansal Mehta has spoken out about the recent Pahalgam terror attack, drawing parallels with his powerful films. His movies 'Shahid', 'Omerta', and 'Faraaz' are more than cinematic narratives, serving as critical examinations of systemic radicalization. Mehta argues that these films expose how young minds are systematically brainwashed into violence across different ideological boundaries. His powerful statement calls for confronting uncomfortable truths about societal divisions and the machinery of hate.

"These stories are about a system -- a machinery of hatred and fear -- that cuts across faiths and borders" - Hansal Mehta
In light of Pahalgam attack, Hansal Mehta says these films by him point out where the problem lies
Mumbai, April 28: Filmmaker Hansal Mehta, who is known for 'Aligarh', 'Shahid', 'Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story', is mulling over the recent deadly Pahalgam terror attack.

Key Points

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Mehta's films reveal societal mechanisms of terrorism

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Cinema as a mirror to systemic radicalization

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Urgent narratives about youth vulnerability

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Challenging social divisions through storytelling

On Monday, the filmmaker took to his Instagram, and said that his films 'Shahid', 'Omerta', and 'Faraaz' go beyond the realm of cinematic storytelling, and are the mirrors to society, and state how terrorists are bred by a system.

He shared pictures from these films, and penned a long note in the caption, "I hate having to say this. But it needs to be said, again. 'Shahid', 'Omerta', and 'Faraaz' were not just films. They were urgent conversations about the times we live in".

The director said that these films spoke about state-sponsored terror, about radicalisation, about young minds being systematically brainwashed into violence.

He further mentioned, "The events we depicted in 'Omera' and 'Faraaz', chillingly, find echoes today in what happened in Pahalgam. 'Omerta' gave a raw, unsparing look into the sinister powers that enable and nurture such heinous acts. 'Faraaz', heartbreakingly, showed how violence targets innocence in the name of belief. 'Shahid' was a plea for reform, for reclaiming our youth before they fall prey to hate".

He shared, "At the time, especially when 'Omerta' and 'Faraaz' released, I remember being targeted, 'Why this story? Why this focus? Are you targeting a community?. No. These stories are about a system -- a machinery of hatred and fear -- that cuts across faiths and borders. A system that thrives on breeding division. A system that brainwashes the young, glorifies the bloodshed, and normalises the terror".

"It is easy, comfortable even, to indulge in moral grandstanding every time a difficult truth is told. But... Is it really woke to deny the disease? To look away because confronting it is hard? I believe it is cowardice. And it is dangerous. We must stop looking away. We must look this hatred -- this sickness -- straight in the eye. Only then can we even begin to heal", he added.

Reader Comments

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Sarah K.
Hansal Mehta always makes us think with his films. It's brave to keep pointing out uncomfortable truths when others want to look away. More filmmakers should have this courage! 👏
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Rahul P.
While I appreciate Mehta's intentions, I wonder if these films actually reach the people who need to see them most. The art house crowd already agrees with these messages. How do we get this conversation into mainstream spaces?
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Anika T.
Saw 'Faraaz' last year and it still haunts me. The way he shows how ordinary young people get radicalized is terrifying but important to understand. More power to filmmakers who tackle these tough subjects.
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Vikram S.
Respectfully disagree with Mehta here. While his films are well-made, focusing only on one side of radicalization misses the complete picture. Extremism exists across all communities and needs equal examination.
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Priya M.
That line about "a machinery of hatred that cuts across faiths" really hit me. We're so quick to point fingers at "the other side" when the problem is much bigger. Art that makes us uncomfortable is often the most important kind.
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Karan J.
'Shahid' changed how I see these issues. It's not about good vs bad people, but about how systems fail individuals. More nuanced storytelling like this could help bridge divides. #FoodForThought

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Tags:
Hansal Mehta Pahalgam Attack Terrorism Bollywood Film Commentary Social Issues Shahid Omerta Faraaz
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