A Mumbai-based Sunni Muslims' group, Raza Academy, has accused music composer AR Rahman and Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi of blasphemy in connection with the upcoming film "Muhammad: Messenger of God". The Oscar-winning musician has composed the background score of the film.
AR Rahman Responds to Blasphemy Controversy Over 'Muhammad: Messenger of God' Movie
The group has reportedly accused the makers of violating Prophet Muhammad's words on not to use any visual or picture of him. They have also been criticised for casting non-Muslims in the lead roles.
Reports suggest that the group has urged all the Muslims involved in the making of the film to recite kalma and solemnise their marriage again, especially Rahman and Majidi. As per the rules, a Muslim cannot be married to a person indulging in blasphemy.
They also demanded a ban on the release of the film, which is the first of the trilogy on the life of Prophet Mohammad.
The film set in the sixth century tells the story of Prophet Muhammad and has Mahdi Pakdel, Alireza Shoja Nouri, Mohsen Tanabandeh and Dariush Farhang in key roles. It was specially screened for filmmakers and journalists at Cinema Farhang in Iran on 12 February, 2015.
