Insha'Allah Democracy

Insha'Allah Democracy is a documentary film released in 2017. Directed and produced by Mohammed Ali Naqvi, it becomes a visceral examination of democracy in a post-military rule Pakistan. The documentary primarily focuses on the turbulent political scenario of the country, particularly the imminent election and the influence of the key political figures such as former Prime Minister, the late Benazir Bhutto, and former President Pervez Musharraf.

With a runtime of approximately 85 minutes, Insha'Allah Democracy portrays a complex narrative of the nation’s attempt to establish a democratic structure amidst long-rooted political instability. Teeming with personal and political insights, this documentary seeks to address macro-cosmic issues through a micro-level perspective. A testament to this approach is Naqvi's own journey as the film’s protagonist and a Pakistani citizen on a quest to comprehend his nation's evolving political framework.

The documentary introduces us to Mohammed Naqvi, who in his pursuit to understand democracy and political franchise, decides to cast his first-ever vote in the upcoming elections. To contextualize this personal endeavor, Naqvi acquaints us with his own family's history, contributing to a deeply personal storyline that eventually converges with the overarching theme of the film.

Insha'Allah Democracy triumphs in the way it chronicles Benazir Bhutto's and Pervez Musharraf's political journeys. Musharraf, a military dictator who assumed power through a coup, finds himself facing a problematic transition of coming back to power democratically after getting exiled. Contrasting him is Bhutto, the first woman to head a democratic government in a Muslim majority nation and a popular political figure, whose tragic assassination shakes the nation and its political landscape.

Through the untangling of these gripping political tales, Naqvi portrays the complicated connection between the military and democratic institutions in Pakistan, examining what democracy means in a nation that shows a persistent interplay between these entities.

As he delves deeper into this socio-political exploration, Naqvi doesn’t shy away from addressing controversial topics. He takes a nuanced approach to speak about Islamic accountability, military dominance, dictatorship, political corruption and other crises plaguing the nation. Essential to this narrative is the people's voice— showcased through expert interviews and real-life reactions from citizens, which adds an authentic layer to the storytelling.

The documentary serves as an immersive reality check as it raises pressing questions about democracy. Is democracy a universally applicable concept? Can western-style functional democracy prevail in a nation besieged by different social, religious and political nuances? And more importantly, how do the citizens perceive this idea in an atmosphere marked with historic corruption and military interventions?

The visual treatment of Insha'Allah Democracy deserves a special mention. Poignant frames that encapsulate bustling streets, political rallies, peaceful landscapes, and ordinary Pakistani citizens conjure a compelling visual narrative that seamlessly aligns with the film's tonality.

Insha'Allah Democracy is a significant addition to the genre of political documentaries. Handling an imperative geopolitical narrative, it shows Naqvi's careful maneuvering between personal experience and large scale concerns. It is an audacious yet skeptical commentary on Pakistan's democratic transition, one that resonates with anyone invested in global political dynamics.

In its essence, Insha'Allah Democracy is an exploration of how a nation wrestles with the concept of democracy and the related challenges. It probes hard, asks pertinent questions and stirs thought, making the audience ponder the complexities of establishing a democratic rule. By taking us on this personal yet sociopolitical journey, Mohammed Naqvi provides an in-depth look at what it means to seek democracy amidst political turmoil and uncertainty.