#firaaq

Firaqq (2008)

Chronicles the devastating impact on vulnerable Muslims in Gujarat after riots.

Another gem of a film I discovered in the ‘International’ section of Netflix. I think India has some incredible writers, actors and filmmakers. This film is set right after the Gujrat Riots of 2002. It’s intense and a thought provoking story. It really makes you see what hate can do to a person. Hate really leads to more hate and nothing else. Do check it out. It’s not an easy watch, but it is a very good film.

The piercing reality of racism: ‘Firaaq’

In the last 25-30 years, the ghost of communal strife has taken over our Indian society.  Hindus and Muslims look at each other with suspicion.  Apart from Hindus and Muslims, elements like Brahmins, Marathas, and Dalits in Hindu society are also seeing each other in the water.  It is unfortunate that our society is falling prey to the machinations of politicians and the politics of votes.  What…

Film: Firaaq (2008) Language: Hindi Subtitles: English

Director: Nandita Das Producer: Percept Picture Company Writer: Nandita Das, Shuchi Kothari Screenplay: Nandita Das, Shuchi Kothari Cast: Naseeruddin Shah, Sanjay Suri, Raghubir Yadav, Deepti Naval, Paresh Rawal Music: Rajat Dholakia, Piyush Kanojia Cinematography: Ravi K. Chandran Editor: A. Sreekar Prasad Production Design: Gautam Sen Costume: Vaishali Menon

Production: Percept Picture Company Distributor: Daxar Multimedia, Suraya Filem, Shemaroo

Description: Firaaq (Separation) is a Hindi political thriller film set one month after the 2002 violence in Gujarat, India and looks at the aftermath in its effects on the lives of everyday people. It claims to be based on "a thousand true stories". Firaaq means both separation and quest in Arabic. Firaaq won three awards at the Asian Festival of First Films in Singapore in December 2008, the Special Prize at the International Thessaloniki Film Festival, and an award at the Kara Film Festival in Pakistan. It won two National Film Awards at 56th National Film Awards.

Firaaq follows the life of several ordinary people, some who were victims, some silent observers, and some perpetrators one month after the 2002 violence in Gujarat. It focuses on how their lives are affected and (irrevocably) changed.