Rumor spreads faster than lightning. In the era of social media, the market of rumors becomes very hot. A large amount of information is exchanged through social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, but without knowing which is true and which is not, people keep on forwarding that information. This is the reason why lies spread fast. This lie gives birth to violence in the form of rumour. The film ‘Afwah’ directed by Sudhir Mishra is based on this topic. Sudhir is a well known film maker. He is known for films like ‘Serious Men’, ‘Inkaar’, ‘Chameli’, ‘Arjun Pandit’, ‘Dharavi’, ‘Khamosh’ and ‘Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron’. The producer of the film is Anubhav Sinha. The choice of his films is different. His nature can be understood through films like ‘Bheed’, ‘Thappad’, ‘Article 15’, ‘Mulk’ and ‘Gulaab Gang’.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Bhumi Pednekar, Sumit Vyas, Sumit Kaul, Sharib Hashmi, TJ Bhanu, Rocky Raina and Isha Chopra are in important roles in the film ‘Afwah’. Nawaz plays an advertising professional, Bhumi plays the daughter of a political party leader, Sumit plays a politician and Sharib Hashmi plays a police officer. The story of this film is written by Sudhir Mishra, while the screenplay and dialogues are by Nisarg Mehta, Shiv Shankar Bajpai and Apoorvadhar Badgaiyan. People are praising the film ‘Afwah’ on social media. Calling it a good and important film. But this film has been buried in the noise of Sudipto Sen’s film ‘The Kerala Story’. In every way ‘The Kerala Story’ is being discussed. This is the reason why people are talking very little about this film. However, it has been termed as a watchable film by the audience and film critics.
People are giving positive feedback about this film on social media. One user Namrat Joshi wrote on Twitter, “Good morning, today is Friday. Go and watch Sudhir Mishra’s film Rumored in theatres. While watching it, you will definitely think about the definition of a good person.” Prateek has written, “Many thanks to Sudhir Mishra ji for this film. The last 20 minutes of the film are very exciting. Please don’t watch this movie if you just got your manicure done. For everyone else, a must-watch film. It is a very good film.” Radhika writes, “Do watch the film Rumaana. It very simply expresses the complex horror of our times without being preachy. This is its specialty. Captivating plot, great writing and acting. Director Sudhir Mishra’s ability to capture the reality of Indian politics is unmatched.
Film critic Rekha Khan wrote, “The first half of the film is a bit sluggish, but the story gallops in the second half.” It has been the specialty of Sudhir Mishra to show the events in thriller style. Along with fake news, the film also highlights issues like patriarchal thinking, sexual exploitation, communalism. The climax of the film seems predictable, but gives relief. Cinematographer Mauricio Vidal has depicted the horrors of the night and Rajasthan very well. In terms of performance, all the actors of the film are excellent. While Nawaz wins hearts with his beautiful performance, Bhumi’s character as Nivi is layered. Sharib Hashmi is seen doing wonders as Chandan. They are constantly climbing the ranks. The audience, accustomed to seeing Sumit Vyas in sweet and gentleman roles till now, will see him in a brutal, power-hungry and masochistic character. T Bhanu has lived the character of a policewoman who is a victim of sexual abuse in a memorable way. Must watch this film to know the real truth of fake news.
Senior film journalist Pankaj Shukla writes in his review, “Afwah is a film focused on the dangerous use of mobiles. Like Sudhir Mishra’s film Is Raat Ki Subah Nahi, its story mostly takes place in one night only. The basic premise of the story is also somewhat similar that a person from the corporate world comes under the target of the people of the world of crime due to an unknowingly act. The hero of the film is Nawazuddin Siddiqui. His character keeps narrating a fabricated story in his stage productions. But, what is this character really, how much truth is there in his words and how strong he is from within, all these Sudhir Mishra tries to create in half of the film. Technically the film is not very amazing. Mauricio Vidal has presented Rajasthan in a very average way. Atanu Mukherjee’s editing is successful in trying to maintain the pace of the film. But, the effect of what Sameer Tandon and Dr. Sagar together have tried to create something touching in the film does not emerge.
Film journalist Mubarak has written, “The film is very slow in the beginning. Can’t connect right away. There is apprehension that it might become another heartless social commentary. But by the time the interval comes, things start coming back on track. Moving on to its central theme, the film continues to talk about more important issues. Patriarchy, Communalism, Sexual Harassment at work place, Fake news. It is horrifying to see how organized the system of spreading fake news is. You cannot escape from its clutches even if you want to. In the film, there are frank comments on all issues ranging from love jihad to cow slaughter. The film itself tells how easy it is to trigger the public. Along with this, it also tells that controlling such triggered public often becomes something out of control. An incited group can anytime turn into that Bhasmasur, who himself will devour you. Those who have a blindfold of hatred on their eyes, they don’t even spare their creators. Don’t hold back from erasing them too. This film is successful in establishing this point strongly. This is the biggest success of this film. Rumor is not just a thriller film, but also a wake up call. Everyone should attend. Have a look.
