Afwaah – Unraveling the Web of Whispers

Director: Sudhir Mishra

Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Bhumi Pednekar, Sharib Hashmi, Sumit Kaul, Sumeet Vyas, Appurv Gupta, TJ Bhanu, Eisha Chopra, Rockey Raina, Kaviraj Laique, Krishan Bhargav

Rating – 3

In Sudhir Mishra's latest creation, "Afwaah" meaning rumour, the narrative delves deep into the societal intricacies woven around misinformation and its harrowing consequences, particularly in the age of social media. The film follows the lives of Rahab (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), a seasoned advertising professional, and Nivi (Bhumi Pednekar), a political heiress, as they find themselves ensnared in a vicious rumour that threatens to dismantle their existence.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of Rajasthan, the movie unveils a political labyrinth when aspiring politician Vicky Singh (Sumeet Vyas) engineers an attack on his own rally. The aftermath, captured and broadcast across news channels, triggers a catastrophic downfall for Vicky, affecting not only his political aspirations but also his personal life. Nivi, appalled by the dirty politics associated with Vicky, decides to escape the clutches of an impending marriage, setting the stage for an unexpected encounter with Rahab.

A simple act of kindness shared between Nivi and Rahab sets off a chain of events, leading to a rumour that spirals out of control, threatening to ruin their lives. The film intricately weaves through their attempts to establish innocence amid a hostile town determined to condemn them.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui, with his masterful subtlety, once again steals the show, offering a restrained yet impactful performance. Bhumi Pednekar impresses with her bold and assertive portrayal, providing a compelling contrast to Nawazuddin's character. Sumeet Vyas skillfully embodies the power-hungry politician, while Sharib Hashmi and Sumit Kaul deliver outstanding performances as sinister characters in the narrative.

The film's first half maintains a brisk pace, deftly exploring the influences of social media, ingrained prejudices, and the complexities of navigating a society turned against the protagonists. Cinematographer Mauricio Vidal captures the essence of Rajasthan, adding visual richness to the storytelling.

However, the post-interval segment tends to feel stretched, and the climax, though somewhat predictable, could have left a more resonant impact. Despite occasional predictability, the film excels in delivering a thought-provoking narrative that prompts reflection on the consequences of unchecked information consumption and dissemination.

"Afwaah" serves as a relevant commentary on the societal repercussions of unfounded stories and idle chatter. The movie urges audiences to contemplate the veracity of information before blindly accepting and spreading it—a crucial message in an era dominated by the rapid dissemination of news and gossip through social media. Sudhir Mishra, in his signature style, crafts a compelling narrative that keeps viewers engaged while imparting a critical lesson about the power of rumours in our interconnected world.