Review of movie screening on ‘Reluctant Fundamentalist’

Review of movie screening on ‘Reluctant Fundamentalist’

      ‘The Reluctant Fundamentalist’ is a novel by Pakistani writer, Mohsin Hamid, published in 2007. It also turned into political thrilled drama film in 2012, directed by Mira Nair; staring at Riz Ahmed and Kate Hudson as lead actors. The Reluctant Fundamentalist is a post 9/11 story about the impact of the Al Qaeda attacks on one Pakistani man and his treatment by Americans in reaction to them. (Wikipedia)

        The novel (movie) uses the technique of ‘frame narrative story’ (story within the story). In which one Pakistani bearded man call Changez Khan, tells to one nervous American stranger about his love affair with one American woman (Erica); while seating in one outdoor Lahor Café.

The story went ten years back to America; where Changez was satisfy with his love life and his job. Then one terrible incident happened about 9/11. American Civilians were under the threat of terrorist attack.  Every Muslim people of America came under the watch of American securities. They were publically and privately offended by American cops. Changez also became the part of that. In very rude way he was investigated. Now he finds his fellow mates who are having their sight with doubt towards him. Even his personal life with Erica became disturbed. Somewhere he finds himself being objectified in case of Erica. All of sudden he feels alone as well lonely. He finally decided to come back to Pakistan; his homeland. In Pakistan also, he was constantly hideous way chased by as well inquired by one American Journalist call Bobby Langton. He was working for CIA. At the end of the movie, it is revealed that Bobby was CIA agent. And CIA too found that they have done great mischief for they have doubted on Changez. Bobby feels guilty for what he did and decided to write Changez’ real story.

In this novel or movie the word ‘Fundamentalism’ used in two different senses, while Jim (Changez’ American boss) uses this word in context of ‘Corporation world’. Whereas the same word later used by a Pakistani man Fazil, it simply suggest the ‘Terrorism’.

At last to conclude I opines,  

                Why we have problem with Muslims and not with the White people? Why we have deep respect for Whites and hatred for Muslims? Why we have sight of doubt towards them and not with others?     

Thank you…

Work cited:

·       Wikipedia

·       Class-notes