Faraaz review:- Aditya Rawal and Jahaan Kapoor starrer manages to keep you hooked, but in parts

By:- Aakruti Bagla

Directed by:-Hansal Mehta

Star cast:-Aditya Rawal, Zahan Kapoor, Juhi Babbar Soni, Aamir Ali, Pallak Lalwani

Duration:- 110 minutes

Rating:- 3/5

Story

Faraaz is based on the real-life terror attack on a Dhaka Cafe in 2016. The film showcases how on a claustrophobic night, customers at Dhaka’s Holey Artisan café were held hostage by a group of 5 young boys who were on a killing spree towards the Non-Muslim citizens. It mainly revolves around Faraaz Ayaaz Hossain, a 20-year-old Bangladeshi Muslim, who was among the hostages killed during the 12-hour siege. He was allowed to leave as he was a Bangladeshi Muslim, but the terrorists refused to let his friends go. Faraaz chose to stand by his friends, including an Indian and was subsequently shot dead.

Review

The film opens with a bunch of young boys getting ready for what turns out to be a fairly lethal mission. After vehemently refusing to go Stanford University for further studies, Faraaz arranges to have dinner with his pals at the Holey Artisan restaurant on a fateful night, where the attack is being prepared. Librus (Aditya Rawal) is leading the group of five militants whose aim is to shoot down just those who don’t belong to Islam. What unfolds ahead is a series of gruesome events. But is it captivating enough? Let’s find out.

The film, like every Hansal Mehta project, keeps it close to reality and raises questions to the audience about religion, culture and identity. In the crisp runtime of 1 hour 50 minutes, the filmmaker makes sure the tension-laden moments are chalked out well to keep the viewers hooked. One of the major highlight of the film overall is the thrilling climax. It also boasts of nuanced representation of ideology of a ration and an irrational Muslim without glorifying either.

Well, the film was not free of drawbacks. The proceedings were at a slow place and some developments were so convenient and predictable that it turned out to be unconvincing. When such a story is presented, a gist of what provoked the central to go on a killing spree was required. The film lacked that. The feeble writing banal dialogues was another underwhelming point of the film. There were also not enough conflicting moments between Jaahan Kapoor and Aditya Rawal which was quite disappointing. Also, the dialogues uttered by the characters were not hard-hitting.

When it comes to performances, Aditya Rawal steals the show as Librus. He has performed the character with utmost gumption. Zahaan Kapoor makes a promising debut, however he has a limited screen presence. One wished to see more of him. Rest of the cast, Juhi Babbar Soni Aamir Ali, Pallak Lalwani, and Reshham Sahaani lend support but have nothing much to do. 

Talking of other technical aspects, the cinematography and sound departments deserve special mention. The grit and tension are captured effortlessly. While the background score and sounds of guns blazing are equally gut-wrenching creating an apt atmosphere.

Overall, the film is to be watched for fine performances and if you are oblivious of the dreadful attacks.