“These protests are nothing but Talibanization of cinema” - Arsala/Sabrina

Director duo of Arsala Qureishi and Sabrina Louis aren’t quite pleased with the welcome that they have received when it comes to the release of their debut venture THE UNFORGETTABLE. They are in a state of shock after receiving hate mail/comments from certain factions of society who believe that Arsala should be punished for making a bold film like THE UNFORGETTABLE in spite of being a ‘Muslim Girl’. Not just that, apparently there has also been a severe hate campaign which is going against them.

Objections to THE UNFORGETTABLE have been quite ironical considering the fact that Censors Board in India doesn’t seem to be having much problem with it’s theatrical release. Also, with the Censors slowly but steadily getting much more liberal, external forces trying to jeopardise a project seems to be completely uncalled for.

"Exactly", says Arsala, "If you want to watch a film, you watch it. You don’t want to watch it, then sit at home. It’s as simple as that. This nothing but Talibanization of cinema. There are far more amusing things that happen in this world and such objections are just a prelude to them."

What hurts them further is that in the times when industry is hardly seeing any film releasing in theatres and there are only a few film makers who are trying to ‘make things happen differently’, such so-called concerns being raised is the last thing that any creative person would expect.

"True. We did not think that at this time and age people would react like this. We still live in a country where love is eternal, but love-making or even the slightest talk of if it taboo", chips in Sabrina, "And to top it all, it is so uncalled for to hit someone or single them out because of religion, or what they think women of their religion should or should not be doing. This is like being a proxy dictator. It is simply disgusting."

Pitched as a film about two extreme characters (played by Raji James and Sofia Hayat), THE UNFORGETTABLE is touted as a film that defies rules and stereotypes. While the man completely believes in control of all desires, the woman feels that one should just surrender to the desires if need arises.

Screened at The Berlin Film Festival last year, THE UNFORGETTABLE is aiming for a 8th May release in India. - SAMPURN