Firaaq(2009)
'Firaaq' (2008) is a Hindi-language drama film written and directed by Nandita Das. The cast includes Naseeruddin Shah, Deepti Naval, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Paresh Rawal, Sanjay Suri, and Shahana Goswami. Set one month after the 2002 Gujarat violence, the film follows ordinary people dealing with the aftermath of the riots. It focuses on the emotional and psychological impact on victims, bystanders, and perpetrators. The film won two National Film Awards and the Best Film award at the Asian Festival of First Films. It was released in India on 20 March 2009.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Amazon Prime Video, ZEE5, ShemarooMe, Plex, Airtel Xstream Play
- Theatrical Release
- 20 March 2009
- Director
- Nandita Das
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 1h 45m
- Rating
- 6.8/10
Storyline
One month after the 2002 Gujarat riots, ordinary people struggle to rebuild their lives. A guilt-ridden Hindu housewife tries to protect a lost Muslim boy. A young Muslim man seeks revenge for his destroyed home. An elderly singer refuses to see the truth. Their lives intersect in a single day of pain, hope, and difficult choices.
“Separation. Quest. Hope.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Firaaq
Cast reunions in this film: Paresh Rawal & Naseeruddin Shah (11 films together), Naseeruddin Shah & Deepti Naval (7 films together), Nassar & Ravi K. Chandran (3 films together), Paresh Rawal & Nawazuddin Siddiqui (2 films together), Paresh Rawal & Ravi K. Chandran (2 films together), and Deepti Naval & Raghubir Yadav (2 films together).
Trivia
- The film was Nandita Das's directorial debut, and she also wrote the screenplay.
- It was shot in just 29 days on a modest budget, using real locations in Gujarat.
- The ensemble cast includes both well-known actors and many non-professional first-time actors.
- The film premiered at the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival before its 2009 India release.
- It won two National Film Awards, including a Special Jury Award.
- The title 'Firaaq' reflects the characters' dual experiences of loss and searching for answers.
- Nandita Das has said the script was inspired by real incidents and testimonies she collected.