Bharat: Two decades after the explosive release of Bangla Crescent — ISI, Madrasas & Infiltration, filmmaker Mayank Jain returns with a bold and unsettling sequel titled Crimson Crescent — The Last Quarter. Released amid rising global anxieties about radicalisation, immigration, and ideological conflict, the 105-minute documentary has ignited fresh conversations on the perils of totalitarian ideologies across continents.
Jain’s latest film builds upon the foundations of the 2005 documentary, which had exposed Pakistan and Bangladesh’s roles in spreading Islamist extremism in South Asia. Launched back then by senior IPS officers including Late Shri KPS Gill and Prakash Singh, the original film had served as a wake-up call. Crimson Crescent, however, warns that the threat has not only persisted — it has evolved and intensified.
Beyond Borders: From the Subcontinent to the World Stage
While Bangla Crescent was focused on South Asia, Crimson Crescent expands its investigative lens to Europe and the Middle East. Jain explores how mass immigration from Middle Eastern, African, and South Asian regions has triggered social unrest and ideological tension in Europe. The film captures street-level conflict, state confusion, and growing polarisation—linking these to unchecked radicalisation and imported extremist ideologies.
The documentary also provides an unflinching look at the Middle East. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Syria, and Israel are scrutinised for their internal ideological battles and roles in exporting radical thought. Jain, however, highlights emerging voices of reason among the political elite, suggesting a potential shift toward rational governance.
A Dark Parallel: Nazism, Communism, and Jihadism
In a controversial yet thought-provoking comparison, Crimson Crescent draws parallels between three of the most destructive ideologies of the modern era — Nazism, Communism, and Jihadism. Jain argues that all three share common DNA: authoritarianism, the destruction of dissent, and an obsession with absolute truth. The film suggests that when belief is weaponised and dialogue is replaced with dogma, societies unravel.
Targeting the Root: Indoctrination in Educational Institutions
One of the film’s central themes is the role of madrasas and similar ideological institutions in fostering extremism. It accuses these establishments of creating mental silos where critical thinking is suppressed and violence is normalised. Jain criticises governments and societies that have failed to challenge these systems in the name of cultural sensitivity or religious freedom.
Muslims as Victims of Islamist Terror
Breaking from common narratives, the film underscores that Muslims themselves are often the first victims of jihadist violence. Whether it’s Shia minorities in Pakistan or other sects across the Islamic world, Crimson Crescent highlights the internal rifts within Islam and the suffering inflicted by extremist groups on their own communities.
Hope on the Horizon: Reform Movements from Within
Despite its grim analysis, the film offers a glimmer of hope. Jain points to emerging reformist voices within the Islamic world that are pushing back against violence and calling for rational discourse. These brave individuals, often at great personal risk, are slowly carving out space for dialogue and reform. The film urges global civil society and policymakers to empower these voices instead of appeasing extremists.
A Global Wake-Up Call
“This is not just a film. It’s a call to action,” says Jain. He advocates for education systems that prioritise critical thinking and policies that reject ideological absolutism. At its core, Crimson Crescent — The Last Quarter makes a compelling case for defending intellectual freedom and embracing global unity over sectarian division.
Watch the Trailer
The official trailer is now available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/A4z_JIW6eYc
More details at CrimsonCrescent.in
About the Filmmaker
Mayank Jain is an award-winning filmmaker with a 27-year career spanning over 50 documentaries. Known for tackling tough subjects like national security, public health, and political reform, Jain rose to prominence with India Tomorrow – The Gujarat Miracle in 2007. His contributions as Content Head of NaMo TV during the 2012 Gujarat elections demonstrated his influence on political communication.
His portfolio includes acclaimed titles like Gujarat Fast Track, No to Terror, and The Evidence—Meat Kills, endorsed by Smt. Maneka Gandhi. With documentaries on addiction, caste unity, and leprosy in collaboration with IGNOU and The Leprosy Mission, Jain continues to fuse cinematic storytelling with deep social purpose. (Pr)