Nakkash trailer: Art at the stake of religion in this serious drama

In an era of divisive politics, Zaigham Imam's Nakkash is set in a city that occupies the political headlines these days. Nakkash is the story of Allah Rakha, an artisan who makes metal carvings for temples in Kashi aka Varanasi.

Featuring Inaamulhaq, Sharib Hashmi and Kumud Mishra in the lead roles, the film is set for a theatrical release on 31 May 2019.

The trailer of Nakkash revolves around the cracks that appear in the life of Muslim artisan Allah Rakha (Inaamulhaq), who works as a craftsman at a temple in Kashi.

While the temple priest (Kumud Mishra) appreciates Allah Rakha's work and his contribution, increasingly intolerant political and religious elements question a Muslim working in a Hindu temple.

As politics finds an unwitting tool in Allah Rakha, the two communities in the city are fractured and tensions rise. While Hindu politicians drive Allah Rakha out of the temple, Muslim extremists deny his child admission into a traditional madarsa or school, thus abandoning them.

The trailer captures the elements of a long tradition of Muslim artisans working in the Hindu temples of Kashi, a city that was renowned for the late shehnai maestro, Ustad Bismillah Khan, who would play morning raga at the ancient Kashi Vishwanath temple.

Kumud Mishra and Inaamulhaq create touching portraits of two persons who understand the art and beauty of craft despite belonging to different religions. Sharib Hashmi plays the other side of the coin as the Muslim who turns into a hatemonger after enduring the divisive politics around.

Nakkash has been directed by Zaigham Imam and is set to be released in theatres on 31 May.