Alif(2017)
Alif is a 2017 Indian Hindi-language drama film written and directed by Zaigham Imam. The film stars Pawan Tiwari, Neelima Azim, Bhavna Pani, and Danish Husain, with narration by Jaya Bachchan. The story follows a young Muslim boy named Alif who is pulled out of his madrasa and enrolled in a convent school by his father, who dreams of him becoming a doctor. Alif struggles with the cultural and linguistic gap, facing bullying and loneliness, but finds help from a kind teacher. The film explores themes of education, tradition, and father-son love. It was praised for its honest storytelling and emotional depth. Alif was released in 2017 and is available on streaming platforms.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- VI Movies and TV, JioHotstar
- Theatrical Release
- 3 February 2017
- Director
- Zaigham Imam
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 2h
- Rating
- 6.5/10
Storyline
A young Muslim boy named Alif is taken out of his madrasa and sent to a convent school by his father. He struggles to fit in, faces bullying, and feels torn between two worlds. With the help of a kind teacher, he must find a way to succeed without losing his identity.
“Two worlds, one dream.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Trivia
- The film was shot in real locations in Delhi, including a functioning madrasa and a convent school.
- Director Zaigham Imam also wrote the screenplay, drawing from his own observations of educational divides.
- It was produced independently on a small budget and premiered at the International Film Festival of India.
- The child actor playing the lead, Mohammad Samad, was praised for his natural performance as a first-timer.
- The title 'Alif' refers to the first letter of the Arabic alphabet, symbolizing a new beginning.
- Unlike many Bollywood films, it avoids musical song sequences to maintain a realistic tone.
- The film highlights the contrast between Urdu and English education systems in India.