Gul Makai traces the journey of a teenager's fight
for the Right of Education
The bravery of Pakistani activist Malala Yousufzai came to light when, at the age of 17, she became the youngest person to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Her courage to fight against the Taliban, who had banned education for women and children in her native Sawat Valley in Northwest Pakistan was lauded by many. Her fight to receive the education continued even after the local Taliban had shot her in the head in 2012.
Inspired by her struggles, Director H.E. Amjad Khan took it upon himself to bring forward her story through Gul Makai, starring Reem Shaikh. Talking about the same he shared, “What Malala and her family went through for a chance at education is really commendable. It’s really hard for a person to stand strong and continue to work for the betterment of humankind after the things she went through as a child. Education is an integral part of a child’s life and it’s an honour to make a movie on one such lionhearted soul who literally cheated death.”
After receiving so much appreciation from the audience for the recently released trailer, the makers of Gul Makai are all set to release the first song of the movie ‘Gudda Guddi’. The trailer, as well as the upcoming song, talk about how, for a child, education matters more than the luxuries and even the basic necessities, like eating, bathing or playing, of life.
The song plucks at your heartstrings as it showcases the struggles of a family that are being oppressed against their will. The lyrics of the song clearly convey what Malala felt when she was forced to stop her education so that she wouldn’t oppose the local Taliban and challenge their ideologies.
Through all the bloodshed caused by the group of terrorists, the song showcases how a child yearns for an opportunity at a good education so that they can have a better life for themselves as well as their family. The strength of the family, their hope and positivity never deter as the harsh reality of life tries to bring them constantly.
When asked about the motive behind producing this project, producer Preeti Vijay Jeju revealed that in today’s time, when most of the kids, especially teenagers are surrounded by social media and the internet, it is important for them to be reminded of the role models who fought with their fate for proper education and a chance at a better life. They must be informed about their challenges as well as their victories, in the best way they know.
Talking about how stories like Malal need to be showcased more, producer Sanjay Singla says, “The biopic on Malala Yousafzai is a perfect debut for my company, to begin with, and it makes me very proud that our first project is Gul Makai. Such stories deserve to be told on the big screen as it will draw in more crowd. We hope our endeavour highlights the courage of a young girl who fought against the evil of patriarchy, for her simple right to education."
To which, Dr Jayantilal Gada (PEN) adds, “The story of Gul Makai is very inspiring as it talks about the very important subject of the right to education. I am sure the movie will inspire the majority of the audiences as a teenage Malala has motivated millions across the world with her dedication and courage.”
Presented by Dr Jayantilal Gada (Pen) Gul Makai is produced by Sanjay Singla and Preeti Vijay Jaju. Directed by H. E. Amjad Khan the film is set to release on 31st January 2020.
