Film Review: Faraaz [Ascent]

Starring: Zahan Kapoor, Aditya Rawal, Juhi Babbar, Palak Lalwani, Aamir Ali

Director: Hansal Mehta

Director Hansal Mehta attempts to fight bigotry with poignant storytelling in this real-life incident that shook Dhaka in 2016, which remains one of the deadliest terror attacks in the history of Bangladesh.

'Faraaz' narrates the story of a hostage situation that unfolds inside a café, where Faraaz Ayaaz Hossain (Kapoor) stands against the terrorists and dies while trying to save his friends.

The story starts on the backdrop of an apparently peaceful day in Dhaka, where people are thronging shopping malls, trains, kids playing gully cricket and so on. Holey Artisan Bakery, a high-end café, becomes the target place for five brainwashed youths. They take on terrorism under the misguided notion that 'Bangla Muslims' must protect Islam.

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Nibras (Rawal) leads this group of extremists and enters the café to kill the non-Muslims. To filter them out, the café guests are asked to recite verses from the Quran. At this moment, Faraaz, the son of a multi-millionaire industrialist, decides to stay back and support his Hindu friends. What happened to him and the rest of the café visitors that night is what the story is about.

The film depicts the horrors of terrorism and its impact on innocent lives. It also shows the power of humanity, selflessness, and courage in the face of adversity. Debutant Kapoor, the grandson of Shashi Kapoor and Rawal, son of Paresh Rawal, are noteworthy for the potential they have shown. Babbar, as a desperate and influential mother who leaves no stone unturned to save son Faraaz, registers a memorable performance.

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Overall, the Netflix offering is a must-watch film that shines a light on the goodness of humanity and the bravery of ordinary people in the face of evil. It is a moving tribute to the real-life hero, Faraaz Ayaaz Hossain, and a reminder that courage and selflessness can triumph over hate and violence.