The Blood of Hussain (1980)

The Blood of Hussain, ultimately, is the story of two brothers (both played by the same actor) whose lives take very different paths. When the elected government of Pakistan is overthrown by the military, westernized bureaucrat Selim accepts the position of finance minister, and starts about negotiating a loan with the World Bank. Selim is stuck in a loveless and unhappy marriage with the British expat Katherine, who is cheating on him with the General's second-in-command Zahid. His brother, Hussain, however, is a devout Muslim, and when he was young, a holy man prophesied that like the historical Hussain, he would sacrifice his life fighting against tyranny and injustice. Though Hussain is a wealthy landowner, he identifies more with the peasants of his village, and marries the daughter of his stablehand. When the army forcefully evicts the peasants from their land and destroys their homes, Hussain launches an uprising against the military dictatorship. The film is anchored by Salmaan Peerzada's performance as the two brothers (I was not even aware he was playing both roles until the end). He brings an old-fashioned passion and fury to the screen, and commands the audience's attention. The other star of the film is director Jamil Dehlavi's direction. His use of color is rich, and lends the film a rather magical realist air; some scenes, like Hussain's wedding recall Paradjanov's exotic tableauxs. He was not afraid to make bold stylistic moves, the massacre of Hussain's followers only being shown as a literal river of blood is an example, but without sacrificing the film's political message. Sadly, the only copy available is a horrible VHSrip made from what is most likely a third generation tape. It is easily one of the worst prints of a film I have seen, and this film deserves much better. In a case of life imitating art, three months after shooting was finished, Zia-ul-Haq seized power and declared martial law. The film was banned, and the ban has never been lifted. An eerie reminder of the power art holds.