We Are Faheem & Karun

Onir's surprisingly hopeful film WE ARE FAHEEM AND KARUN was spellbinding from the get go - the timeless landscape of Kashmir, the uncertainty etched on the faces of the young and old, the excited visitors... and in the middle of everyday life in Gurez are Faheem and Karun. Wide-eyed Karun is new to Kashmir and falls deeply in love with radiant Faheem. Their tragic love story unfolds slowly but surely without ever feeling balanced on the tropes of a queer romance set in an occupied land. Faheem smiles and shares his dreams with his dad, Faheem's mum laments but for a second about her dreams, and Faheem's brother dreams of release from his sense of desperation and enslavement. Stellar performances by Kashmiri actors Sana Javed (Faheem's mum), Mir Salman (Faheem's brother Zaid), and Tawsif Mir (Faheem) power this Kashmiri/Urdu film as it hurtles towards its inevitable ending. I'm left wondering what next as I stare at Faheem's stoic face, which is about to crumble under the weight of a love lost.

Onir is masterful storyteller and skilled filmmaker, but rarely do we find inspiring humans at the helm of films - he is someone who is able to carve a human story, a story of longing, of pain, and of hope in the face of insurmountable odds. This was not just a queer love story, it was a love story. I was proud to see Kashmiri talent shine on the silver screen. Thank you. Thank you, Onir.

The story is really unique and beautiful and the way it is portrayed is excellent. The characters are limited but everyone has an internal story and are real, funny and their relationships with their family are completely pure. The border place and village is like a painting (included with mountains, river, trees and beautiful houses).

Which will take you easily to the different world.

Thank you so much Sir making this kind of cinema where Life is not a race and flows at a natural pace.

I have written some lines for the story.

I hope you like it !

Kadam sarhad ka pehra kiye, Nazaron me mohabbat ki chamak liye, Dil me armaanon ka ghoont piye, Ek hath hathiyar, doosre me Seb diye,

Intzaar me ho sukoon ki aas, barsa hai badal boondon ke sath,

Mehkane lagi mitti, khilne lage fool, Watch it ! Kyunki ye Rishta bhi hai cool.

Lots of Love !!!

"We Are Faheem & Karun" is yet another remarkable creation by Onir; this movie, like others before this, deal with the relatable realities of the queer community and also an insight of the lives's experiences here in India. The protagonists Faheem and Karun, depicted the love, strife and conflict with absolute brilliance; Mir Tawseef and Akash Mennon remarkable work you two, loved it.

This movie also helped me gain perspective of the acceptability affecting the queer persons in Kashmir; to a most welcome surprise this movie showed Faheem's family to be accepting of their son's "queerness" - the brother with his care and concern, the mother (played by Sana Javeid) filled with sorrow for her son's broken heart and the father who never spoke about it, but the expressions spoke silently in volumes.

Mir Salman playing the role of Zaid, Faheem's brother, was amazing with his rather angry albeit loving character. Hats off to him. The duality of his character portrayed in this movie was such a reality check of the complexities of human emotions: his own internal conflicts, his anger, his demons while simultaenously showing worry and concern for his brother and family.

I want to take a moment to especially mention the appreciation of Deep Pradhan with the beautiful background music.

And I can't get the location out of my thoughts - simply surreal; Gurez is beautiful! Nostalgia struck me often while I sat there watching the movie.

Onir, Thank You! Thank you for sharing this story; eagerly awaiting the next chapter.

All Of You, Cast & Crew, You Are Awesome! Stay Awesome!

This feature will feel personal if you are a human who has been in love amidst chaos. The story takes you on a beautiful journey of two humans who fall in love only to realise it's not their time. It's not because they are two men, but because of the lives they are living.

With Akash and Tawseef effortlessly becoming karun and faheem, you smile with them when they look at each other, are happy at any chance to see or meet each other. Two boys who are bound the minute they first meet and how their hearts keep pulling the strings taking them through each phase of their story and bringing them together. Moving with them you will feel like a teen who has found love and there is a happy skip to your feet and you cry with them when you see the two lovers grow up to the reality, theirs and the people around them.

This movie is not just a love story of Faheem and Karun, it's also a beautiful love letter to Kashmir and it's people. You can feel the joy, warmth, pain, anger and helplessness of the people.

Mir Salman, who plays Zaid, has also given a great performance bringing to life the youth which is raw and even scary at times, still bringing a softness of an elder brother who is protective of his young gay sibling.

Onir has captured the air, water, the landscape, the people who brilliantly as if the essence is bottled and comes to life when on screen. You are there, you are with them and you feel everything.

Brilliant!

"We Are Faheem & Karun" offers a refreshing and authentic portrayal of queer love, a welcome departure from the often stereotypical and sensationalized depictions seen in Indian cinema. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Gurez Valley in rural Kashmir, the film delicately unfolds the tender love story between Faheem, a Kashmiri youth with aspirations of opening a restaurant, and Karun, a young Malayali security officer stationed in Kashmir.

The film's strength lies in its nuanced storytelling and the skillful craftsmanship of its crew. It beautifully explores the complexities of love, trust, dependence, and sibling relationships through simple yet powerful scenes. "We Are Faheem & Karun" also provides a poignant glimpse into how life in a conflict zone shapes individuals, impacting their upbringing, family dynamics, and the very nature of love itself. The cast delivers exceptional performances, bringing depth and authenticity to their characters.

This tender and moving love story is a must-watch for any film enthusiast. It's a film that stays with you long after the credits roll.