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.

It was indeed a wonderful experience watching this movie on a special screening. Although movie was about same sex relationship but issues like pollution , Caste related issues etc were also shown very subtly and artisticly. The way director showed kashmir , its beauty , culture and people are very raw and realistic. Actors have done their work very well. Im presonally impressed by the performance of Akash Menon and Mir Tawseef. As an Actor and theatre artist I can say movie is very artistic and I recommend that it must be available on some ott asap. Wish to see more movies like this in mainstream cinema and ott!!

"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.

Romance is in the nuances - giving a small chocolate to your lover, keeping an apple for him, sitting with him at the doorstep, gazing at him without saying anything.

Onir sets the movie in a background of a conflict zone - how it affects love, especially a queer one. How it manifests in real life - through the mundane and ordinary. At check posts, at small eateries. It's not in grand gestures, it is in small conversations and waiting. While a sense of dread and strain always persists because of the background, the butterflies don't go away.

The last scene of the movie with no dialogues, says so much, I wish more people watched it and talked about it.

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 !!!