Audiences Strongly Condemn Raza Murad’s ‘Shahenshah Abu Lahaab’ Look from The Battle of Shatrughat

Veteran actor Raza Murad has landed in controversy after unveiling his first look from the upcoming historical drama The Battle of Shatrughat. The actor is essaying the role of Shahenshah Abu Lahaab, and ever since the pictures surfaced, the internet has been buzzing with sharp criticism and backlash.

Why the Name "Abu Lahaab" Sparked Outrage

For Muslims, the name Abu Lahaab carries an extremely negative association. Historically, Abu Lahaab (real name ‘Abd al-‘Uzzā ibn ‘Abd al-Muṭṭalib) was the Prophet Muhammad’s paternal uncle, who fiercely opposed him during the early days of Islam. His hostility was so notorious that an entire chapter in the Qur’an — Surah Al-Masad (Chapter 111) — directly condemns him and his wife.

That is why the name evokes strong emotions. For many believers, seeing “Abu Lahaab” glorified as a Shahenshah (emperor) in a film feels highly inappropriate, even insulting.

Audience Reactions: From Shock to Condemnation

Social media users didn’t hold back their words:

• “Abu Lahaab? Is that cursed name deliberate?” asked one user.

• Another questioned, “Hope it’s not a propaganda movie.”

• A comment read, “Raza saab, aapne izzat aur naam banaya… ab Abu Lahaab ban gaye? Quran padha hota toh samajhte kaun tha yeh. Yeh bahut sensitive cheez hai.”
  

Several pointed out that portraying a historically cursed figure as a powerful emperor risks hurting religious sentiments.

The Film and Its Cast

Titled The Battle of Shatrughat, the movie is currently under production. Alongside Raza Murad, the film also stars Zarina Wahab as Malika Laila Khatoon. While details of the plot remain under wraps, the casting announcement alone has already created waves — and not in a positive sense.

Why This Matters

Bollywood has often been accused of misrepresenting religious and cultural history, and this controversy has reignited that debate. The choice of naming a royal character after one of the most reviled figures in Islamic history is being seen as either careless or provocative — both of which have sparked widespread discussion online.

With the film still in production, it remains to be seen if the makers will address the growing backlash or stand by their creative choices.

Aapke Sawal, Hamare Jawab! (FAQs)

Q1. Who was Abu Lahaab in Islamic history? Abu Lahaab was Prophet Muhammad’s uncle who opposed him from the beginning. He is condemned in Surah Al-Masad of the Qur’an and remembered as a symbol of hostility toward Islam.

Q2. Why are people upset with Raza Murad’s role? Because Abu Lahaab is considered a cursed figure in Islam, many believe portraying him as an emperor in a film is deeply disrespectful and insensitive.

Q3. What is The Battle of Shatrughat about? The full plot is not revealed yet, but it’s a historical drama featuring Raza Murad and Zarina Wahab. The choice of character names, however, has already attracted controversy.

Q4. Has Raza Murad responded to the criticism? As of now, no official statement has been issued by Raza Murad or the filmmakers regarding the backlash.

Q5. Will the film’s title or character names be changed? It’s unclear. Sometimes filmmakers alter such details after public outrage, but no confirmation has been given yet.