You are here:

In the Name of God

Name: In the Name of God
Director: Anand Patwardhan
Released: 1992
Duration: 75 min

Representation Score

3.9/10

Limited

1992

Director

Anand Patwardhan

Runtime

75 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Anand Patwardhan’s documentary is a sophisticated investigation into the intersection of religion and politics. It excels at deconstructing how religious institutions can drive social fragmentation and violence, providing a nuanced view of a multi-ethnic society under pressure. The film's strength lies in its refusal to present nationalist institutions as benevolent. Instead, it frames them as complex actors that leverage identity to disrupt social cohesion and secularism. However, the narrative's focus on institutional religious movements results in a lack of representation for LGBTQ+ identities and a limited exploration of gendered power dynamics, as the subject matter remains centered on patriarchal political structures.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does In the Name of God have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The documentary focuses on communal religious tensions and sectarian politics. There are no LGBTQ+ characters or narratives addressing queer identities.

How does In the Name of God portray gender?

Fair

The film centers on male-dominated hierarchies within religious organizations and political mobilization. It does not explicitly address gender hierarchies or gendered power dynamics.

How racially and ethnically diverse is In the Name of God?

Excellent

The film explores ethnic and religious identity in India, focusing on Muslim minority perspectives to challenge monolithic portrayals of national identity.

How does In the Name of God represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The documentary critically examines religious institutions and the weaponization of faith, highlighting how identity politics can undermine secular democratic frameworks.

Does In the Name of God include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no specific evidence regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the documentary's focus.

Present on Screen

Provides a deep, nuanced exploration of ethnic and religious identity within the Indian subcontinent.
Effectively critiques the weaponization of faith and the erosion of secular democratic frameworks.
Highlights the significant role of underrepresented religious communities navigating systemic nationalism.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ characters or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.
Does not explicitly analyze or prioritize the subversion of gender hierarchies.
Provides no discernible evidence regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

The film explores the campaign waged by the Hindu right-wing organisation Vishva Hindu Parishad to build a Ram temple at the site of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, as well as the communal violence that it triggered. A couple of months after Ram ke Naam was released, VHP activists demolished the Babri Masjid in 1992, provoking further violence.

How are these scores produced? →