T-Series Films, Benaras Mediaworks and Mahana Films’ Faraaz (A) is the story of a young man of Bangladesh who doesn’t buckle under the pressure of terrorists. The film is inspired by a true story.
Faraaz (Zahan Kapoor) lives in Bangladesh and belongs to a very influential family. He is reluctant to go abroad for further studies. His mother, Simeen (Juhi Babbar Soni), is keen to send him abroad but accepts his wish. One day, Faraaz is with his two friends, Ayesha (Resham Sahani) and Tarika (Pallak Lalwani), in a restaurant when terrorists strike. They gun down some innocent customers, mostly foreigners, while sparing Bangladeshis. Faraaz and his two friends are spared but, like the others alive, they are held captive. The police try to negotiate but to no avail. Faraaz’s mother, Simeen, reaches the restaurant but is stopped like all others, by the police officers. What happens finally? Does Faraaz come out safe? Do his two friends survive? What about the others held captive?
Ritesh Shah, Kashyap Kapoor and Raghav Raj Kakker have penned a good story (based on a story idea by Surhita Sengupta) which keeps the audience’s interest alive. Unfortunately, however, the story and the trio’s screenplay, although engaging, reminds one of the several films made on the terrorist attacks in India on November 26, 2008. Also, once the terrorists strike, the writers have concentrated almost wholly on the drama inside the restaurant. Yes, they do take the viewers outside to show how the police and army as also family members of those trapped inside, are reacting but those scenes are few and not very lengthy. Climax ought to have been better. The trio’s dialogues are interesting.
Juhi Babbar Soni does a fine job as Simeen. She looks beautiful and is especially fantastic in the scenes of tension and anxiety. Her diction is superb. Zahan Kapoor is confident in the title role. He looks handsome. Aditya Rawal makes an impressive mark as terrorist Nibras. Sachin Lalwani is impactful as terrorist Rohan. Resham Sahani and Pallak Lalwani have their moments as Ayesha and Tarika respectively. Aamir Ali makes his presence felt as Sudhir. Danish Iqbal leaves a superb mark as police commissioner Acchadujjaman. Kaushik Raj Chakraborty shines as Rab officer Benazir. Nitin Goyal is wonderful as senior inspector Farooq. Aditya Mahajan is nice as deputy police commissioner Mushtaq. Rohan Roy is natural as SWAT officer Manirul. Jatin Sarin (as Mobashir), Harshal Pawar (as Bikash) and Ninaad Sahaunak Bhatt (as Khairul) lend very able support. Ankur Shrivastava (as chef Sarkar) is lovely. Gordan Kumar (as Rajiv), Pooja Mihija (as Rabia), Amir Shoeb (as Faraaz’s brother, Zaraif), Prem Jhangiani (as Dr. Mujahid), Ashish Bhatt (as Tamid), Abhirami Bose (as Tahana), Shivani Dubey (as Fairuz), Amit Singh (as Hassnat), Nida Sheikh (as Sharmina), Pia Gandhi (as Safa), Mann Gandhi (as Rayan), Manusudhan Naik (as Nanabhai) and the rest do as desired.
Hansal Mehta’s direction is good. He keeps the narration crisp. Sameer Rahat’s music is appealing. Lyrics (by Sameer Rahat and Alok Ranjan Srivastava) are very appropriate. Sameer Rahat’s background score is quite effective. Pratham Mehta’s cinematography is lovely. Sunil Rodrigues’ action and stunt scenes are thrilling and exciting. Nikhil Kovale’s productoin designing is in synch with the drama. Amitesh Mukherjee’s editing is sharp.
On the whole, Faraaz is a well-made film with good performances. It will win critical acclaim. But at the box-office, its chances are slim — and not just because awareness about the film is poor.
Released on 3-2-’23 at Inox (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay thru AA Films. Publicity & opening: poor. …….Also released all over.