We Are Faheem & Karun

"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.

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!

I, Ms. Nitika Vohra, had the pleasure of watching "Faheem and Karun" at the Jagran Film Festival in Dehradun, Uttarakhand Region City, on 22nd February 2025, screening at SilverCity Screens.

"Faheem and Karun" is a poignant and thought-provoking short film that explores the complexities of human relationships with remarkable depth and sensitivity. Shot on location in the breathtakingly beautiful city of Kashmir, the film's stunning backdrop adds to its emotional impact.

With a runtime of just 1 hour and 21 minutes, the film packs a powerful emotional punch that will resonate with viewers long after the credits roll. The storytelling is nuanced and masterful, with well-developed characters that draw you in and invite empathy.

The dialogue is natural and authentic, revealing the intricacies of the characters' inner worlds. The cinematography is stunning, capturing the essence of the characters' emotional journeys through a thoughtful balance of light, color, and composition.

Each frame is carefully crafted to evoke a specific mood or atmosphere, fully immersing the viewer in the world of the film. The performances are outstanding, with the cast delivering authentic and heartfelt portrayals that bring depth and complexity to the narrative.

Overall, "Faheem and Karun" is a must-watch for fans of character-driven drama. It's a beautifully crafted film that explores themes of love, loss, and human connection with remarkable sensitivity and nuance.

The film's thoughtful pacing allows viewers to absorb the emotional depth of the story, making it a truly unforgettable experience. If you're looking for a film that will touch your heart and linger in your thoughts, "Faheem and Karun" is an absolute must-see.

I highly recommend this film to anyone who appreciates meaningful storytelling, outstanding performances, and stunning cinematography. "Faheem and Karun" is a true masterpiece that will leave you spellbound and inspired.

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 !!!

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.