The recently released film ‘Afwaah,’ directed by Sudhir Mishra and co-produced by Anubhav Sinha, has sparked intense debates. Starring Bhumi Pednekar and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, the film delves into the world of politics and the perils of viral fake news, commonly referred to as “afwaah” in Hindi. Despite receiving positive reviews from critics, the film’s box office collection fell short of expectations.
One aspect that has added to the film’s controversy is the accusation of a left-leaning bias. ‘Afwaah’ has been deemed by some as a reflection of the filmmakers’ ideological stance, leading to divided opinions among viewers and critics alike. While the movie aims to shed light on the dangers of fake news and its impact on society, its messaging has drawn criticism from certain quarters who perceive it as having a “liberal agenda.”
Despite generating positive reviews for its nuanced storytelling and strong performances, ‘Afwaah’ faced a disappointing outcome at the box office. The film’s financial underperformance, especially in contrast to critical acclaim, underscored the challenges faced by movies with a politically charged narrative in an increasingly polarized society.
The OTT (Over-The-Top) release of ‘Afwaah’ on Netflix India marked a turning point for the film. The online platform provided a new avenue for audiences to discover and engage with the thought-provoking content, resulting in a resurgence of interest. Filmmaker Sudhir Mishra took to Twitter, expressing his disappointment over the lack of support from self-proclaimed liberals.
Liberals complain about Kashmir Files. Why? Vivek Agnihotri made a film and his audience came to theatres and saw it. But when we make films our audience who criticise Vivek sit on their arse and don’t come to the theatre. Sorry, I had to say it. #afwaah
— Sudhir Mishra (@IAmSudhirMishra) April 28, 2023
The journey of ‘Afwaah’ from its initial release to its current success on Netflix India has shed light on the challenges faced by politically charged films and the impact of online streaming platforms on audience reach. The film’s exploration of fake news and its implications resonates strongly in today’s world, where misinformation continues to proliferate. The resurgence of support for ‘Afwaah’ after its OTT release serves as a reminder of the power of alternative distribution channels in amplifying important stories, bridging ideological divides, and encouraging meaningful dialogue.
Will those who said a film like this cannot be made in India, now stand up in its support? It’s not important that they like it, but I think it merits discussion. @vinodkapri @radhikabordia pic.twitter.com/4P2p6cgRWg
— Sudhir Mishra (@IAmSudhirMishra) June 29, 2023
देश को झूठ से बचाना है तो #Afwaah देखिए
समाज को नफ़रत से बचाना है तो #Afwaah देखिए
हमारे समय की बेहद ज़रूरी फ़िल्म #Afwaah अब @NetflixIndia पर है। देखिए और दिखाइए। @IAmSudhirMishra https://t.co/UQXYr3ikhc
— Vinod Kapri (@vinodkapri) June 30, 2023
Dekhke khushi hui ☺️❤️ #Afwaah on @netflix_in ❤️ @IAmSudhirMishra @anubhavsinha @BenarasM @bhumipednekar @Nawazuddin_S @RelianceEnt @AAFilmsIndia @vyas_sumeet @sharibhashmi @sumitkaul10 @tjbhanuofficial #DhrubDubey #SagarShirgaonkar @CastingChhabra @EishawithanE… pic.twitter.com/Jt20nzQD8f
— Sharib Hashmi (@sharibhashmi) July 1, 2023
#Afwaah on #netflix One of the most relevant film of our times .. EXPOSING how the communal agenda has
emboldened the bigots to play theire politics and how We will end up as VICTIMS.. a must watch film ..please share n spread the word .. if you love INDIA .Salute to the team… pic.twitter.com/obSUFVijJg— Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) July 2, 2023
The film that is currently #2 on @NetflixIndia should be #1 on your must watch list. Do yourself a favour. Watch #Afwaah. An urgent drama of our times about our times told in the inimitable style of @IAmSudhirMishra who keeps his storytelling thrilling enough, focused and… pic.twitter.com/xbgKQftVkI
— Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) July 2, 2023
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