Scholars and political leaders say scenes in the film are hurtful and unfair to Muslims, who have long faced bias in popular cinema
NEW DELHI – The teaser of the film Godan, directed by Amit Prajapati, has led to sharp protests from Muslim leaders and opposition politicians, who say the film shows Muslims as villains and feeds social hatred.
Soon after the teaser was released, voices of protest grew across social media and public platforms. Religious scholars and political leaders said the scenes were hurtful and unfair to Muslims, who have long faced bias in popular cinema.
The film is set to be released today (February 6).
Maulana Qari Ishaq Gora, patron of Jamiat Dawatul Muslimeen and a respected cleric, strongly objected to the portrayal shown in the teaser. He said a Muslim man wearing a cap is shown at gunpoint by a police officer, along with remarks that many have called insulting.
Maulana Ishaq Gora said, “Films are now being used to spread hate. The Muslim community is being shown again and again as criminals. I appeal to Muslims and peace-loving people to boycott the film Godan.”
He said Indian Muslims have always stood for peace and brotherhood and such films damage social trust. “This kind of cinema poisons young minds and creates fear against one community,” he added.
Congress leader and party spokesperson Anshu Awasthi also opposed the film and demanded a ban on its release. He said the film sends the wrong message to society.
“Godan is a hate-driven film. It targets one community and presents them as enemies. Such films should not be allowed to be released,” Awasthi said.
The film claims to promote the message of cow protection. On this point, Awasthi questioned the political narrative behind the film. He said Muslims are blamed again and again, while facts are ignored.
“India has become number one in beef export under the BJP government. Uttar Pradesh also leads in beef export during the Yogi Adityanath government. What is the fault of Muslims in this?” he asked.
He further alleged that leaders linked to the ruling party are involved in the meat trade. “This is why the demand to declare the cow as the national animal, raised by Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand, is ignored by the BJP leadership,” Awasthi said.
Leaders said films should educate and promote unity, and not spread anger. They said showing only one group in cases like cow slaughter creates division and deepens social wounds.
“Cinema should teach values, not hate. Targeting one class again and again only divides society. Such films are used to distract people from real issues,” Awasthi said.
Muslim scholars also said Indian Muslims are patriotic citizens who respect the law and the Constitution. They pointed to recent Republic Day scenes from madrasas and mosques, where students and teachers were seen celebrating the day with honour and pride.
“Our children study, work, and serve this country. Showing us as villains is an insult to our identity as Indians,” a local community leader said.
Protesters have urged the censor board to review the film carefully. They said freedom of expression must not become a shield for spreading hate.
Calls for a boycott continue to grow, with many urging people to reject films that target Indian Muslims and weaken social peace.
