Filmmaker Hansal Mehta‘s next is titled ‘Faraaz’ and is based on the 2016 terror attack in Bangladesh. The makers just announced that it will feature an ensemble cast led by late actor Shashi Kapoor’s grandson and Kareena Kapoor’s cousin Zahaan Kapoor and Aditya Rawal (son of actors Paresh Rawal and Swaroop Sampat), who made his acting debut last year with the ZEE5’s ‘Bamfaad’. Touted to be action thriller, the film will depict the Holey Artisan Cafe attack that shook Bangladesh. Among those who died were 9 Italian, 7 Japanese, 5 Bangladeshi and one Indian citizen.
The film is jointly produced by Sinha’s Benaras Mediaworks, Bhushan Kumar’s T-Series along with Mahana Films’ Sahil Saigal, Sakshi Bhatt and Mazahir Mandasaurwala. Filming for the movie began in June this year. The film will depict the events that took place on the night of 1st July 2016, in Dhaka, where five young militants ravaged the upscale cafe and held over 50 people as hostages for nearly 12 dreadful hours. The 23-second-long teaser starts with a bomb blast at a cafe and ends with a voiceover saying, “Insaan jab mazhab ke naam pe maarega na, woh mazhab ko maarega, insaniyat ko maarega”. The stunning graphics with heavy firing and intense background score really sets the tone of the film.
Many actors including Emraan Hashmi, Ayushmann Khurrana, Taapsee Pannu, Manoj Bajpayee, Pratik Gandhi and Pooja Bhatt took to social media to announce and share the first look of the film. Actress Kareena Kapoor also took to Instagram to share the first look of the film, with the caption, “When the night is darkest, faith shines brightest! Here’s the first look at #Faraaz, a film on Bangladesh’s 7/16 attack, by maverick filmmakers @anubhavsinhaa, @hansalmehta, and #BhushanKumar which is an incredible true story of a hero who will restore your faith in humanity!
All the best @zahankapoor, super proud of you and can’t wait to see you on the big screen!”
Excited about his film, Aditya Rawal said in an interview with Hindustan Times, “As far as the increased eyeballs and scrutiny are concerned, that is bound to happen. There are many advantages to having a parent in the same field you are in.” While he agreed that it has its share of disadvantages too, he said that it’s a fair share bargain. “I don’t feel the pressure perhaps because my father is so ahead in this game. He has achieved so much that I don’t even worry about being compared to a legend like him”.
“Faraaz” is a story of deep humanity and its ultimate triumph in the face of violent adversity. While it is based on true events, it is also a deeply personal story that I’ve held close to my heart for nearly 3 years. I’m glad Anubhav and Bhushanji are backing this story and enabling me to make this thrilling drama exactly the way I envisaged. It is exciting to collaborate with such diverse young talent on this labour of love. I can’t wait for the world to see this film,” Hansal Mehta said in a statement.
Producer Anubhav Sinha also added, “This film is a human story based on one of the darkest days in modern history. It is a film that is close to our hearts. From launching new actors to getting the gaze of the film right, we have done our best to imbue this story with ingenuity while keeping it suspenseful and thrilling. It’s a film that will give the audience a deeply intimate look into what happened that night”.