Faraaz movie review: Hansal Mehta’s gut-wrenching tale of love and loss with excellent performances

Faraaz is not a simple movie to look at, neither would it not have been simple to make. This Hansal Mehta directorial is predicated on the 2016 Dhaka terror assault, when 5 armed younger males stormed into the Holey Artisan Bakery, and killed as many as 20 individuals — most of which had been international nationals — and took a number of others hostage which largely included Bangladeshi Muslims. The movie depicts the bigotry the system has been lengthy combating with. A gut-wrenching story coupled with some stellar performances, Faraaz hits laborious. It is ugly in components and emotional at some locations. Additionally learn: Faraaz director Hansal Mehta says solely method to counter bigotry is thru tales: ‘I’ll preserve combating by way of cinema’

Faraaz narrates the story of Faraaz Ayaaz Hossain (debutant Zahan Kapoor), who put up a courageous face and stood in opposition to the hate, with out giving in to what the terrorists wished. He refused to desert his two feminine buddies on the time of assault and was shot lifeless together with them. The scenes which were recreated contained in the cafe carry again the horror and worry, leaving a lump in your throat. By means of a sequence of conversations between Faraaz and Nibris (debutant Aditya Rawal), we’re advised that that they had attended faculty collectively and even performed a pleasant soccer match. That is if you realise the quantity of brainwashing concerned, and the way these males are pressured into spiritual wars and violence with out having any regret in taking harmless lives.

Whereas the tragedy shook Bangladesh and stays one of many deadliest Islamic assaults within the historical past of the nation, Mehta ensures he handles this poignant topic with excessive sensitivity. The story, co-written by Ritesh Shah, Kashyap Kapoor and Raghav Kakkar grips you tight and retains you engaged for many components. Pratham Mehta’s cinematography is on-point the best way it captures the stunning violence and exhibits how a high-end cafe bought ravaged in a matter of minutes. The movie exhibits simply the correct quantity of bloodshed however has immense shock worth with closeup pictures of bullet wounds.

One other factor that makes Faraaz value a watch are some fantastic performances. Juhi Babbar Soni, who performs Faraaz’s mom is terrific as a helpless lady who desires to avoid wasting her son at any price. Hailing from an influential and highly effective household, she pulls all strings, however terror strikes and all goes in useless. Even in scenes the place she panics, she brings a way of calm to all of the chaos round her. Zahan Kapoor, grandson of late veteran actor Shashi Kapoor, makes his appearing debut enjoying the titular Faraaz. He delivers a restrained efficiency and emotes fantastically – be it his calm posture, aggression or a way of worry. The introduction scene the place Faraaz is speaking to his mom and brother about sending him overseas for greater research, establishes his character however that is about it. I actually wished the movie advised me somewhat extra about Faraaz and the ideologies he believed in.

Whereas Zahan makes an honest debut, it is the antagonist Aditya Rawal’s brutal portrayal because the brainwashed youth that leaves you in awe. He delivers a formidable act. Be it dialogue supply, the boldness he exudes whereas enjoying a terrorist or moments of compassion and emotional turmoil, his character is way extra layered than anybody else within the movie. Different boys who play terrorists are all newcomers and have picked up the proper nuances of their respective characters.

All being mentioned, the spotlight of Faraaz stays the soulful, transferring lyrics of the music Musafir Ko Ghar Hello Jaana Hai. Written and composed by Sameer Rahat, it makes you are feeling the ache of the households who misplaced their family members and instils a way of hope. Faraaz would not got down to ship you residence with an ethical lesson but places throughout its level very subtly.

Faraaz
Solid: Juhi Babbar Soni, Zahan Kapoor, Aditya Rawal, Aamir Ali
Director: Hansal Mehta