CAST: Bhumi Pednekar, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Sumeet Vyas, Sharib Hashmi, Sumit Kaul

DIRECTOR: Sudhir Mishra

With subtlety and strength, the film emerges as a thought-provoking social commentary, touching upon various themes. It delves into the prevailing political landscape of the country, the controversial love jihad debate, the impact of social media rumors on the impressionable youth, and the corruption they can breed. Afwaah presents realism and relatability that are characteristic of a Sudhir Mishra film.

The story unfolds in Sawalpur, a small town in Rajasthan, where the film introduces us to Vikram Singh (Sumeet Vyas), the aspiring deputy leader of the ruling party, who becomes the target of an attack during a political rally. In an attempt to settle the score, one of his loyal aides, Chandan (Sharib Hashmi), ends up killing a local resident. However, a video capturing Vicky’s conversation with Chandan, giving certain orders, goes viral on the social media platform called Qwitter (which rings a bell, doesn’t it?), and reaches Nivedita, also known as Nivi (Bhumi Pednekar), who happens to be engaged to Vicky.

Nivi is taken aback and angered by the revelation of Vicky’s bigotry. While she confronts him and urges him to change his ways, she ultimately decides to flee. However, things spiral out of control when Vicky’s party workers, who are nothing short of hooligans, track down Nivi’s location. In her attempt to escape, Nivi crosses paths with Rahab Ahmed (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), who happens to be on his way to Nahargarh Fort to meet his wife and coincidentally passes through the location where the drama unfolds. Rahab bravely offers to help Nivi, putting his own life at risk. The two manage to escape in his car, but their picture soon goes viral on Qwitter, leading to an onslaught of hatred associated with the term ‘love jihad.’

Mishra fearlessly portrays the unyielding presence of communalism and feudalism, particularly in small towns, showcasing how social media can be manipulated by the wealthy and powerful to spread rumors. Afwaah is a poignant and impactful film that manages to captivate the audience with its sharp dialogue and focused narrative. What sets it apart is its ability to convey multiple significant messages through its characters and unfold events without ever becoming preachy. It strikes a perfect balance between being hard-hitting and heart-wrenching, leaving a lasting impact on the viewer.

Featuring talented actors like Pednekar, Siddiqui, Hashmi, and Vyas, Afwaah boasts a stellar cast, with each delivering a nuanced performance that will leave you awestruck. Vyas, in particular, is a revelation, showcasing remarkable skills in his dialect, body language, mannerisms, and the way he conveys emotions ranging from anger to love, strength, and vulnerability—it’s truly a delightful surprise. Pednekar continues to prove her expertise in selecting scripts that suit her perfectly, consistently bringing out the best in her performances.

Afwaah presents Siddiqui in a quietly powerful role, surrounded by a world of intricacies. Hashmi once again shines, delivering his best in every moment on screen.

Mishra, along with co-writers Nisarg Mehta and Shiva Bajpai, crafts a story with a heartfelt message that remains steadfast throughout. While there are instances where one might desire more insight into certain character backstories, the scenes themselves are crafted, performed, and shot in a manner that offers a fulfilling experience. Credit must be given to editor Atanu Mukherjee for his sharp editing skills and experimental juxtaposition of different scenes, which adds a unique dimension to the film. Cinematographer Mauricio Vidal does a commendable job of capturing the streets of Sawalpur, effectively portraying the tension and chaos. Additionally, the breathtaking aerial shots of Nahargarh Fort are visually captivating, and Vidal’s skilled play with lighting enhances the depth of the storytelling.

If you have a craving for content-driven and thought-provoking cinema that prompts introspection, Afwaah is a film worth watching.

It challenges you to ponder and ask important questions, while also inspiring you to contribute towards positive societal change. By taking the film seriously, you may even find yourself applying newfound wisdom when encountering rumors on social media, questioning whether you truly want to believe them. Afwaah offers a valuable opportunity to engage with meaningful storytelling and encourages viewers to play an active role in shaping a more informed and discerning society.