Couple of weeks ago, a Mumbai based religiosity fundamental Muslim group Raza Academy issued fatwa against the musical genius AR Rahman and world renowned Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi for making a biopic, Muhammad of Prophet Muhammad. To this, Rahman replied in utmost love and warmth, requesting to spread peace and not negative feelings.
Now, the Iranian film board has selected Muhammad: The Messenger of God as their entry to compete for the Best Foreign Language Film award in the upcoming Oscar awards. Muhammad is the costliest film ever made in Iran, with $40 million budget (close to Baahubali budget). The film was partly funded by the government and it was a box-office success too.
This will be yet another attempt for AR Rahman after his double Oscar winning Slumdog Millionaire, 127 Hours, Water, Million Dollar Arm and The Hundred-Foot Journey. On the other hand, even Majid Majidi gave Iran its first Oscar nomination with the classic Children of Heaven in 1998.