The 2008 thriller Firaaq explores the fallout from the Godhra riots of 2002 and how they affected people’s lives. The movie chronicles the effects of the Godhra atrocity on the lives of four distinct families.
Another real life documentary? Well what makes it more impactful is the stellar cast it has. Naseeruddin Shah, Paresh Rawal, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Sanjay Suri, Tisca Chopra are just a few names which are a part of this thriller.
With three Filmfare awards and one National Award under its name, the film did impress the critics showcasing raw and brutal side of the riots. The simplicity of the film also makes it emotional to watch as things get worse with time.
For example, shedding some light on Naseeruddin Shah’s character, the impoverished musician Khan Sahab (Naseeruddin Shah) thinks that good is still present in the world. That is, until the day he learns that the dargah he used to frequently visit had been destroyed in the riots, he does not believe his caretaker when he informs him that there is widespread hostility between Hindus and Muslims.
Showcasing such a sensitive topic with optimum excellence without hurting any sentiments is what Nandita Das aims to do with this film. Few filmmakers can truly ignore the pull of financial success when crafting a film, instead focusing entirely on the subject matter and producing something that freely expresses their inner calling.
Nandita Das does it bravely and without hesitation in Firaaq. From a stellar cast to a sensitive and important topic which needs to be showcased, Firaaq is truly an eye opener for the audience which needs to be watched. You can stream this film on Prime Video and ZEE5 right now.
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