Mar. 20, 2009|India|101 Min.|Not Rated
Genre: Bollywood;Drama
Description: “Firaaq,” a 2009 film, explores the lives of various individuals—victims, silent witnesses, and perpetrators—in the aftermath of the 2002 Gujarat violence. The story unfolds over a single day, one month after the tragic events that claimed the lives of over 900 Muslims and 300 Hindus, displacing hundreds of thousands from both communities.
The narrative highlights how these characters’ lives are deeply and irreversibly impacted. Khan Saheb, an elderly Muslim classical vocalist, remains optimistic despite the chaos around him, only realizing the gravity of the situation after witnessing the destruction of a Sufi shrine. Aarti, a middle-aged Hindu housewife, grapples with guilt for failing to help a Muslim woman during the violence and seeks redemption by caring for a lost Muslim orphan. Meanwhile, her husband, Sanjay, and his brother, Deven, attempt to bribe police to avoid Deven’s arrest for gang-rape.
The film also delves into the lives of Muneera and Hanif, portraying the struggles and resilience of those affected by the sectarian violence. Through these interconnected stories, “Firaaq” sheds light on the profound and lasting consequences of communal conflict.
Cast director: Nandita Das
Cast actor: Naseeruddin Shah, Paresh Rawal, Inaamulhaq, Nassar, Shahana Goswami, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Honey Chhaya, Deepti Naval, Dilip Joshi, Kavan Antani
Original name: फ़िराक