Bhonga trailer: Movie on use of loudspeakers for call to prayer tackles a sensitive issue

Director Shivaji Lotan Patil’s Bhonga was released on Zee5 last year. But the film will now be released in theatres on 3 May. It tackles the issue of the use of loudspeakers for the Islamic call to prayer or azaan.

Earlier this month, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leaders Ameya Khopkar and Sandeep Deshpande came on board as presenters of the film. his is no coincidence. MNS founder and chief Raj Thackeray has been speaking out against the use of loudspeakers in mosques since his Gudi Padwa speech, which was delivered on 2 April. On top of that, the film will be released on Eid, which falls on 3 May. It is extremely rare for a film to be released on a Tuesday. The trailer of Bhonga, which was recently released, gives special thanks to Thackeray. 

Bhonga is set in a village where loudspeakers are used for azaan as well as for Hindu festivals and common occasions like weddings. But the villagers are particularly bothered by them when it comes to the call to prayer, which is a daily occurrence. The loudspeakers also seem to be impacting the health of a child with a condition.

The preacher at the local mosque is requested several times to lower the volume or change the direction of the loudspeaker. However, each time he angrily refuses as he believes nobody should interfere in religious matters. 

Bhonga is a thought-provoking tale that is relevant in today’s times. It will be interesting to see how such a sensitive subject is handled.

Produced by Amol Kagne Films, Bhonga stars Amol Kagne, Kapil Kamble Gudsurkar, Shripad Joshi and Dipti Dhotre.

Check out the trailer and let us know if you are keen on watching the film.