2002 communal riots film peacefully released in Gujarat

A film based on the aftermath of the 2002 communal riots, has been greeted peacefully in Gujarat.

Ahmedabad (Gujarat), Aug 3 : A film based on the aftermath of the 2002 communal riots, has been greeted peacefully in Gujarat.

The film tilted "Kya Hum Zinda Hain-The Heartless Life" (translated as- "Are We Alive"), deals with the lives of victims and the transformation they faced after one of the most brutal of communal riots.

Inspired from real-life incidents and experiences, the film delves into the life of a Muslim girl who was separated from her father during the riots, and how her life changed after that.

The film received a good response from viewers, some of whom felt that films dealing with sensitive issues should be made more often.

"It's a really good movie, as it is different from the movies we usually see," said Hemant, a viewer.

The film revolves around protagonist Shayra, who seeks shelter with a Hindu boy, and how her life takes a turn when she is gang-raped by some fanatics, leading to her taking to the flesh-trade to survive.

The film does justice to the mental trauma experienced by the girl.

Rafique Pathan, the director of the film, picked up the issue of women and how vulnerable they are as they come to terms with loss and tragedy in their lives after such an incident.

The film surprisingly did not incite any opposition like the previously released 'Parzania' which also dealt with the riots.

"I am telling the people directly, without putting allegations on any particular community, not to allow riots. I am showing them a life after the riots and asking them a question that are we still alive, are we responsible for this girl's life?," said Pathan.

The most remarkable factor about the film is that the entire crew, including the actors, has spent time with riot victims, experiencing their trauma and sufferings.

Shot across the length and breadth of Gujarat, the film was completed in two-and-a-half-years, and is slated to be showcased at various film festivals, including the 'Indian Panorama 2008' and the 'Digital Film Festival-USA'.

Made on a budget of 5.5 million rupees, the film was passed by the Censor Board after reducing its length to 71 minutes out of the original 124 minutes, after a gap of 18 months.

In February 2002, 59 passengers, many of them Hindu pilgrims, were killed when two coaches of the Sabarmati Express caught fire in Godhra. The incident sparked off a state-wide communal violence that claimed at least 1,000 lives, mostly Muslims.

ANI