We are not anti-nationals, cries Rishi Kapoor in an intense Mulk teaser

In Mulk (2018), director Anubhav Sinha has chosen to show the plight of a Muslim family that is accused of indulging in anti-national acts. The teaser of the film was released today (29 June).

While the film is said to be inspired by true events, the teaser gives away the prime plot quite easily. Rishi Kapoor looks the part as Murad Ali Mohammed, a man seeking justice. The shot of 'Pakistan jao. Go to Pak' written on the walls of his home particularly highlight the family's plight in their own neighbourhood. A worried Murad Ali strongly states, "We are not anti-nationals".

Manoj Pahwa, Rajat Kapoor, Prateik Babbar seem to be part of the Mohammed family.

The poster of the film, released yesterday (28 June), featured actress Taapsee Pannu’s character, Aarti Mohammed. She is Murad's defence lawyer. While Murad claims innocence, it is Aarti who delivers the most poignant message in the teaser. “Ek mulk, kaagaz pe nakshon ki lakeeron se nahi bat ta. Mulk batta hain hai rang se, bhasha se, dharm, zaat se [A nation is not divided by lines on a map. A nation is divided on the basis of color, language, region, caste],” she asserts in court.   

The subject of the film cannot get any more relevant for today's time. The country is paving towards divisions based on religion, and Mulk, from the very onset, gives out a clear message. Its tagline — ‘When your own disown you’ — too points towards a setting that is familiar from the current affairs.

Apart from the Murads, another character to watch out for is that of Ashutosh Rana. He plays the public prosecutor fighting against the Murads.

Director Sinha has carved a gripping teaser that spells out its story clearly. Through the teaser alone, Sinha brings out the ordeal of the Mohammeds. The director should be given credit for picking such a subject.

India's Constitution says one is not guilty, until proven. Looks like Mulk is playing with this very belief. Murad Ali Mohammed is treated as guilty even before he is heard.

The film will compete with Fanney Khan, starring Anil Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Rajkummar Rao, and Karwaan, starring Irrfan Khan and Dulquer Salman, on 3 August.

Watch the Mulk teaser below: