The recent unveiling of the first teaser for the movie "Hamare Baarah" has caught the public's attention, not only for its compelling storytelling but also for the controversy it has stirred. Directed by Kamal Chandra, the teaser presents a stark narrative focused on the severe societal challenges faced by Muslim women. These women, portrayed in the film as being treated as lesser beings and akin to "baby-making machines" within their families, highlight the oppressive conditions faced in the name of religious practices.

This bold portrayal has sparked significant interest and discussion among viewers, indicating the teaser's impact and its success in highlighting sensitive issues. However, this has also led to severe backlash from certain extremist groups, which have connections with the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI). These groups have issued grave threats against the movie's crew, specifically targeting director Kamal Chandra and actors Annu Kapoor and Aditi Dhiman with ISIS-style beheading threats.

The situation escalated when an online user, known by the handle "Error 404," escalated these threats. They not only reiterated the violent messages but also called upon the Mumbai Police and Thane Police to intervene promptly.

The escalating threats against the filmmakers of "Hamare Baarah" have taken a more severe and coordinated turn, with multiple extremist groups leveraging social media to incite violence. Notably, followers of the radical Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), a group founded by the late Khadim Hussain Rizvi, along with Indian extremist Mufti Salman Azhari, are at the forefront of these threats. These individuals have taken to Instagram, a platform widely used for its broad reach, to disseminate their menacing messages.

These threats are not just verbal warnings but are visually represented through videos that depict brutal beheadings similar to those historically associated with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). These videos are chillingly enhanced with Islamic hymns and verses, aiming to instill fear among the movie's crew. The origin of these threats has been traced back to users located in Mumbra, within Maharashtra’s Thane district. These individuals are linked to the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), known as the political wing of the outlawed Popular Front of India (PFI).

Further exacerbating the situation, there is a deliberate attempt to provoke the Muslim community against individuals like Annu Kapoor, who are associated with the movie, urging them to ‘show them their place’. This campaign of intimidation includes the posting of additional videos that feature Islamic slogans mixed with the sounds of gunfire. In a particularly alarming development, the personal phone number of the movie’s producer has been made public. Following this breach of privacy, the fundamentalists have escalated their threats to a personal level, sending direct threats to kill him over WhatsApp.

The situation concerning the movie "Hamare Baarah" continues to deteriorate as radicals intensify their campaign of intimidation against the cast and crew. Recently, these extremists escalated their threats by posting footage of actual beheadings, prominently featuring ISIS flags and chants of "Allah hu Akbar". These graphic and horrifying images are clearly intended to instill fear, with direct warnings that the director, Kamal Chandra, could meet a similar fate if the movie is released. Additionally, pictures of the film's makers have been manipulated and used within these disturbing videos.

The threats have extended into the digital realm, with cyberattacks being threatened against Zee Music, which is associated with the movie's trailer. The level of harassment has reached a concerning peak as the film producer's personal and digital privacy has been severely compromised. Details such as his phone number, email address, IP address, MAC address, and even tower details have been exposed and shared on Instagram by these radicals. This dissemination of private information is being used to facilitate online raids, further amplifying the threats and harassment faced by those involved with "Hamare Baarah".

What is Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan

Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) is an extremist group that transformed into a political party within the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Founded in August 2015 by the late Khadim Hussain Rizvi, the TLP is notorious for its radical views and actions. Rizvi was infamous for his dehumanizing rhetoric towards non-Muslims, often comparing them to faecal matter in his speeches. An ardent admirer of Mahmud Ghaznavi, he openly justified attacks on Hindu temples and celebrated the desecration of temples and idols.

Khadim Hussain Rizvi's Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) is a religious group known not only for its extreme views but also for its readiness to engage in violent actions. The group has been consistently involved in protests and riots across Pakistan, particularly in instances they perceive as offenses to Islam or the Prophet Muhammad. One notable example of such extreme reactions occurred in 2017, following a minor legislative change in Pakistan. The alteration involved a slight modification to the oath taken by election candidates, concerning a declaration about Prophet Muhammad. This change was perceived by Rizvi and his followers as favorable to the Ahmadiyya community, which is frequently targeted and persecuted in Pakistan.

The response to this legislative adjustment was immediate and severe, with Rizvi orchestrating large-scale protests that escalated into violence, resulting in 200 injuries and the deaths of at least six individuals. The Pakistani government, recognizing the severity of the backlash from these protests, quickly attributed the change to a "clerical error" and reverted it. Despite the retraction, the demonstrations continued, only coming to an end when the then-law minister resigned under the pressure of ongoing unrest.

The influence of Rizvi and the TLP extended beyond national issues. For instance, the TLP organized rallies under Rizvi's leadership following the Pakistani Supreme Court's acquittal of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman who had spent eight years on death row after being wrongfully accused of blasphemy. Additionally, Rizvi was a vocal opponent of international figures and events that he believed disrespected Islam. He protested vehemently against Dutch politician Geert Wilders over a proposed "Prophet Muhammad cartoon competition," demanding the cessation of all diplomatic ties with the Netherlands and the expulsion of the Dutch ambassador.

Rizvi's actions and the movements he led did not limit themselves to protests against local issues. In 2020, he was at the forefront of protests against France, ignited by the publication of Prophet Muhammad cartoons by the French satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo.

The influence of Khadim Hussain Rizvi and his organization, Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), extends far beyond the borders of Pakistan, resonating with Islamist groups in neighboring India as well. Adherents of his fundamentalist teachings frequently invoke the phrase "Gustakh-e-Rasool ki ek hee saza Sar tan se juda Sar tan se juda" during protests, which translates to "the only punishment for the blasphemer of the Prophet is beheading." This slogan, often heard during significant protests like the one against former Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Nupur Sharma, underscores the deep-seated radical sentiments that are propagated by Rizvi's teachings.

Who is Mufti Salman Azhari

In the same vein of religious extremism, Mufti Salman Azhari has become a prominent figure in India, known for his incendiary and radical rhetoric. Earlier this year, Azhari made headlines with his speeches that not only inflamed tensions but also threatened violence. In a rally held in Maharashtra’s Jalna district, just days before the much-anticipated inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Azhari made a controversial statement, declaring, "It was a Masjid and it will always remain a Masjid for us. We are facing the heat today, but one day they (Hindus) will face the heat of their decision." His speech did not end there; he continued to provoke and incite, stating, "A day will come when people will solely follow Islam and no other religion. We are struggling. Increase our power to such a level that no one will ever be able to trouble us. Aaj kutto ka waqt hai kal hamara ayega (Now these dogs are celebrating, tomorrow we will celebrate)," as he derogatorily compared the Hindu community to dogs.

The repercussions of Mufti Salman Azhari's incendiary remarks swiftly came to a head as law enforcement intervened following the widespread online dissemination of his speech. The controversial statements caught the attention of the police, resulting in a case being filed against Azhari at the Junagadh B Division Police Station. The situation escalated when Azhari was apprehended by a Gujarati police squad in Ghatkopar, Mumbai. His arrest triggered a significant response, as a large group of his fanatical supporters gathered outside the Ghatkopar police station, illustrating the deep divisions and the high tensions that such speeches can provoke.

In contrast to the turbulent scenes unfolding in the realm of religious and political activism, the film industry is preparing for an eagerly anticipated release. The movie “Hamare Baarah,” featuring a stellar cast with notable actors such as Annu Kapoor, Ashwini Kalsekar, and Manoj Joshi, is set to premiere on the 7th of June. The film has already garnered international attention, having premiered at the prestigious 77th Cannes Film Festival. Originally titled “Hum Do Humare Baraah,” the film underwent a name change following a directive from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). This alteration reflects the often delicate balancing act that filmmakers must navigate in responding to regulatory standards while also pushing the boundaries of storytelling and social commentary.

“Hamare Baarah” aims to shed light on pressing social issues through its narrative, juxtaposing its artistic ambitions against the backdrop of real-world controversies and debates stirred by figures like Azhari. The film's release not only represents a significant cultural event but also a moment of reflection on the power of cinema to influence and reflect societal values amidst ongoing societal tensions.