Diasporic and Cross-Cultural Identities in Pakistani Film Khuda Ke Liye (In the Name of God)

Abstract

Purpose: The study aims to identify the various diasporic identities, hybrid identities, and identity crisis analyses of a Pakistani film, ‘Khuda Kay Liye’ released on July 20, 2007, written, directed, and produced by Shoaib Mansoor. 
 Method: The present study is qualitative by nature and interpretive by approach. The researchers collected the primary data from the film watching it profoundly. The secondary data was collected from the various relevant articles published in periodicals/journals to build the theoretical argument—analyzing the data utilizing the thematic analysis technique. 
 Main Findings: This qualitative analysis enlightens more significant issues about diaspora and identities in the focused film. Individuals in the film represent themselves distinctive living in another society, culture, or religion, practicing their native (Pakistani) cultural norms and ideologically. Moreover, as a subordinate ethnic group, specifically Muslim characters in the film, face discrimination and oppression. Through qualitative discussions based on excerpts dealing with socio-cultural behavior, the researchers concluded that diasporic identities constitute the core thematic content of the film.
 Application of the Study: The study would be significant for understanding diasporic and hybrid identities. The academic researcher may adopt the theoretical framework of the present research to employ it on the other genres of Pakistani literature to find the diasporic identities and identity crises. The teachers of Pakistani literature would also seek help to understand and teach the concepts analyzed in the research.
 The Study’s Originality: The study is contemporary as it employs conceptual, theoretical frameworks to explore the diasporic features in a film.