User Reviews

There's a lot of irony and symbolism in this movie.

Afwaah is an intriguing drama film that delves into the impact of rumors and gossip on the lives of ordinary people. Directed by a promising newcomer, the movie attempts to explore the consequences of spreading falsehoods and the subsequent chaos it can create in society. While the film has its moments of brilliance, it falls short in certain aspects, preventing it from reaching its full potential.

The storyline of Afwaah revolves around a small town where a baseless rumor about a prominent figure spreads like wildfire. The rumor quickly takes a life of its own, leading to a series of events that disrupt the lives of the characters involved. The film effectively captures the escalating tension and the palpable fear that grips the community as the rumors spiral out of control.

One of the movie's strongest aspects is its ensemble cast, featuring talented actors who bring depth and authenticity to their respective roles. Their performances are commendable, with each actor delivering a convincing portrayal of their characters' emotional turmoil and struggles. The film benefits greatly from their nuanced performances, creating a sense of empathy and connection with the audience.

Moreover, the film's cinematography deserves praise for its beautiful visuals and effective use of lighting and color palettes to enhance the mood of different scenes. The director displays a keen eye for capturing the essence of the small town setting, presenting it as a character in itself. The rustic charm and the cultural nuances are artfully portrayed, immersing the audience in the film's world.

However, despite its strengths, Afwaah suffers from a lack of narrative focus and pacing issues. The storyline, while initially gripping, loses its grip in the second half of the film. The pacing slows down considerably, leading to a sense of repetition and predictability. The narrative could have benefited from tighter editing and a more streamlined approach to maintain the tension and engagement throughout.

Additionally, the film fails to fully explore the societal impact and broader implications of rumor-mongering. While it effectively depicts the immediate consequences on the characters' lives, it misses an opportunity to delve deeper into the themes of truth, trust, and the power of collective responsibility. A more profound exploration of these themes would have elevated the film to a more thought-provoking and impactful level.

Afwaah is a decent drama film that tackles the repercussions of rumors in a small town setting. It benefits from strong performances, captivating visuals, and an engaging premise. However, the film falls short in terms of narrative focus, pacing, and depth of exploration. While it may not be a cinematic masterpiece, it still offers an intriguing story that highlights the dangers of gossip and the fragility of truth.

The story is quite good as it reflects the current state of society which believes on an "afwaah" just like that. It shows how innocent people are brainwashed just for political bigotry. But the story is not well-knit. Some of the scenes are shot and arranged so haphazard that the audience may feel what the f just happened. There are glaring loopholes in the story which are not addressed by the creators. The cast does a good job. However, I think that the casting choices could have been better. Specially, the role of Sumeet Vyas could have been done by somebody else since he is so sweet that he does not fit the role of a villain. Still, I would say that this is a one time watch, mainly because of Sudhir Mishra.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Bhumi Padnekar are always amazing in their acting: all-out, blending into the soul & chemistry of the characters and the story.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui is bringing out his honest and restrained performance yet naturally delivering the much-needed important impacts for the story to flow.

Even though the background is only in one small area, it must be admitted that this film as a whole depicts the atmosphere, condition and true colors of India at this time.

Indian society tends to prefer not to speak up to point out injustice. There are many stories about injustice that are not even exposed, and -ironically- human lives are taken by this fake news propaganda.

This film depicts the behavior of rotten politicians who spread news for their own political interests. Granted, we hear news like that all the time, and we all know who the people who benefit from the bogus mess are. But no one raised their voices.

This film reflects that kind of situation in a very good shape.

Unfortunately, the cultivation of the storyline seems to focus too much on the conflict of the story itself, so that the important messages to be conveyed from the story itself cannot be communicated properly by the director.

This movie started out very good. The story is very watchable and there was alot of political tensions that were well represented in the movie (even though Hindu-Muslim drama seemed a bit exaggerated). Nawazuddin Siddiqui did a great job and the heroine beside him did good as well (some overacting was there). However towards the end of the movie (after 75%) the movie completely falls off a cliff. It feels like the writer did not know how to resolve the conflicts that were presented and started doing typical Bollywood drama that was too much and makes no sense. This really ruined the feel for the movie and affected the rating I gave as Im sure it did for many others.

Afwaah explores the dark side of social issue that's incredibly relevant today's India, highlights on how rumours impact our lives weirdly also tranquils the caution and thought process in a world driven by misinformation ... Bhoomi & Nawaz give their best and metallic performance capturing the essence of the plot with brilliance and in-depth analysis ... Each and every character carries the responsible act of making the screenplay clear and adding value to the plot... The whole team deserves an applause for their responsive act and maturity in handling the sensitive topic... Being an avid movie buffi can't digest the blunt propaganda that leaves a scar in ur soul...

"Afwaah" is a disappointing and forgettable film that fails to live up to its potential. With a weak plot, shallow character development, and inconsistent execution, the movie struggles to engage and resonate with its audience. While the concept of exploring the consequences of gossip holds promise, "Afwaah" ultimately falls short, leaving viewers longing for a more captivating and meaningful cinematic experience."Afwaah" struggles to find a consistent tone throughout the movie, swinging between attempts at comedy, drama, and social commentary without effectively blending them together. The humor falls flat, relying heavily on slapstick gags and predictable jokes that fail to elicit genuine laughter. The dramatic moments lack depth and emotional resonance, leaving viewers unaffected by the characters' struggles.

Furthermore, the film's technical aspects, including cinematography and editing, leave much to be desired. The visuals are uninspired, lacking creativity or innovative storytelling techniques. The editing feels disjointed, with abrupt transitions and a lack of narrative flow, further exacerbating the movie's overall lackluster quality.

Kudos to Netflix for trying to show Indians a mirror. The politics of infighting and communal violence is portrayed very well here, in a world where middle and lower classes are just trying to get by. Good performances, good story and they bring everything together. It takes courage to watch this movie and accept what monsters we have become. I hope Manipur violence and the politicians' apathy can be made into a movie too.

All those dumb andhbhakts trying to vote the movie down to bring down its rating, you really are that apathetic to violence in the name of religion?? Have you never thought about what issue's actually matter???

Sad to see the waste of such talented starcast with such poor storyline and illogical representation of events. They slaughtered the concept of the movie in first 15 mins and kept stabbing it until the movie was over.

The movie shows some incidents that have happened in past and try to convince the audience that rthe truth is something else. The movie has been made with bias to one community and shows them as hard working, sincere folks, while the other community consists of corrupt power hungry politicians, corrupt cops, and treacherous goons who are ready to slaughter at the behest of their masters.

Pity on the actors and everyone involved in making such a bogus and fake film.

Totally biased movie defending a certain population. It shows that everything is black&white when we all know that there's always grey area and you're talking about a land of 1.4 billion people! All the sequences are biased and seem too forced. Surprised to see Nawaz stoop so low to be a part of such a propaganda movie. It's clearly shown that it's made to please some folks. Movies used to be a refresher but from last decade or so, such biased movies are being made one after the other. Smart people will be able to see the game that's being played, others will give it 10 stars. Two thumbs down!!!

'Afwaah,' Sudhir Mishra's 2023 Indian Hindi-language mystery thriller, is a cinematic tour de force that offers a stark commentary on our society. This film delves into the depths of the moral decay that has crept into our society, prompting us to confront the 'rise of noise,' the shrinking space for debate, and the growing susceptibility of the masses in the face of rising intolerance.

The performances by Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Bhumi Pednekar, and Sumeet Vyas are nothing short of stellar, bringing to life the multifaceted characters crafted by Sudhir Mishra, Nisarg Mehta, and Shiva Bajpai with impressive finesse. The dialogues, natural and authentic, add a captivating layer to the interactions between characters.

'Afwaah' is an audacious thriller that fearlessly explores the damaging impact of rumor-mongering and the exploitation of the public's confirmation bias towards the underprivileged. It's a movie that couldn't be more relevant in our digital age, where misinformation spreads like wildfire on social media platforms.

However, it's worth noting that the film's bold stance on these societal issues might not resonate with everyone. The movie's critique of politics that fosters divisions among communities might not find favor with those aligning with right-wing ideologies and supporters of party currently in power.

The film sends a potent message, pushing viewers to scrutinize the information they consume online. It promotes critical thinking and responsible information dissemination. 'Afwaah' stands tall as a meaningful film that stimulates thought, urges viewers to ask the right questions, and possibly inspires them to play their part in effecting positive social change.

Overall, 'Afwaah' is more than just a film; it's a thought-provoking discourse on the state of our society, brought to life by exceptional performances, natural dialogues, and a compelling narrative. This movie is a must-watch for those who appreciate cinema that is driven by substantial content. It's not just entertainment - it's an education.

The movie is all about small town politics and how people suffer due to political agendas and rumours

The trailer was very promising which forced me to watch this movie but the deliverance was very low and was lost..the main content was rumours which spreads through social media for personal gains but the whole movie cannot be run only on small contexts so they added another elements like murders riots which failed to give a strong effect to the movie

Nawaz was wasted but his character was good and Bhumi for a change was good.

Iam a follower of Sudhir Mishra anubhav sinha and Nawaz..the combination was very strong but they failed hoping to see a super strong movie next from these guys.

"Afwaah" takes viewers on an intense and thought-provoking journey, masterfully capturing the tumultuous atmosphere of communal tensions and political machinations during a crucial election period. With a captivating storyline and strong performances, this film offers a timely reflection on the fragile fabric of society and the personal struggles that arise amidst chaos.

Director Sudhir Mishra skillfully weaves together multiple narrative threads, delving deep into the repercussions of communal riots between the Hindu and Muslim communities. The tension is palpable from the opening scenes as the government's imposition of Section 144 reveals the gravity of the situation. The pacing is well-crafted, maintaining a sense of urgency and never losing its grip on the audience's attention.

The film's ensemble cast delivers stellar performances that breathe life into complex characters. Sumeet Vyas Impresses as Vikram Singh, a political figure torn between his ambitions and moral dilemmas. His portrayal beautifully captures the inner conflict and the consequences of his choices. Equally compelling is Bhumi Pednekar as Nivi, whose escape from an oppressive situation becomes a catalyst for her personal growth and determination.

The movie effectively explores the dichotomy between personal relationships and political aspirations. The relationship between Nivi and Rahab Ahmed, portrayed with authenticity and chemistry, adds an emotional layer to the narrative. Their evolving bond serves as a symbol of hope amidst the chaos, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit.

The film tackles pertinent issues such as social media manipulation, religious polarization, and political opportunism. Through Vikram's spreading of the love jihad rumor, "Afwaah" shines a light on the dangerous consequences of misinformation and the impact it can have on communities already teetering on the edge. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of responsible media consumption and critical thinking.

Visually, "Afwaah" captivates with its evocative cinematography, skillfully capturing the city's unrest and the characters' emotional turmoil. The use of color and lighting heightens the tension, effectively reflecting the growing societal divide.

While "Afwaah" excels in its exploration of these relevant themes and delivers a gripping narrative, there are moments where the complexity of the story may overwhelm some viewers. However, this can be seen as a testament to the film's ambition in addressing multiple layers of social and political dynamics.

In summary, "Afwaah" is a compelling and timely cinematic experience that delves into the depths of communal tensions, personal struggles, and political maneuvering. With its strong performances, impactful storytelling, and relevant themes, the movie holds up a mirror to society, leaving audiences contemplating the delicate balance between truth and perception.

The story revolves around a young politician who wants to make it big. There is a side story also which doesn't help. It just reduces interest Nawaz is wasted he doesn't do anything Bhumi is good in bit and pieces . Ending is too poor and not believable It is a poor effort to portray politician as villain and Bhumi as winner but it fail It is too unpractical Actor and his female assistant have done better acting than the lead pair and.l their story is more interesting Direction is poor Mid way only you loose interest in movie Looks like a attempt to malign a particular community it is obvious that one community is portrayed as villain and other as forgiving victim.

A 3rd class religion biased movei which comes with an agenda of showing a specific religion as villain and another as victim. Completely biased, blinded by hate towards a certain religion, a sorry state of affairs how the mindset of these bollywood writers work. Then they say the movies are getting flopped.

There is a loose screenplay, loosely tied ends and characters are shown kf a poor IQ. Wonder when the film writers will learn to write something which grips the audience

Nawazuddin Siddiqie and Bhumi Penderkar have given average performances. A mother's guidance to her police officer daughter to act as a mistress for someone does not digest.

Sudhir Mishra saab's filmmaking is ageing like an old wine. The story is extremely well written, doesn't slack, and the climax is amazing. Movie is under 2 hrs runtime, so doesn't allow for characters to form too well as you would see in a longer film, but it never shows in the midst of the fast paced flow of the film. All performances are great. And although it feels one sided at times, it is as true a reflection of the times we live in as one can get. Mishra saab doesn't hold any punches and shows it the way it is. As Anurag Kashyap has aptly put, which I won't try to improvise, an absolute banger of a film!

Like many other movies that are accused of propaganda (Tashkent files, Kashmir files and the recent kerala story) this is also a propaganda movie, but from the opposite side(same side of the makers of Jogi)

Screenplay and direction is amateur. Acting by the cast is excellent except for nawaz. Not his fault tho, probably bounded by his character, director and/or script.

Sudhir mishra and Co are trying hard to get browny points from a certain segment of the audience, joining the bandwagon that's already occupied by the Akhtar siblings and excel entertainment (for your perspective- mind you they still make the best movies of indian cinema-DCH and ZNMD are my No 1 and No 2 most fav movies of all time). But it's also obvious they wanna be in the good books of the woke gen..

Understand that a check and balance is needed to counter certain propaganda movies, but this is stooping to a lower level.

Impatiently waiting for a movie that'll be smart enough to depict two sides of the coin instead of making a completely biased story where one group is completely good/innocent and the other group completely bad (barring the lone good soul that was portrayed by bhumi). Hopefully a team of good filmmakers go in that unbiased/neutral direction. Sick of one sided movies..

Ps, it may seem hard to believe but I am a neutral person.. 😅

The film is thought provoking about the phase of a city currently experiencing. Many scenes were gut wrenching and almost made me throw up coz they were realistic. This movie is the filmmakers attempt to make it a mirror for the society. Though I have scored it 10, I won't be surprised that the ratings won't go up beyond 6 or 7. That because bigotry is very much liked in India in today's time and anything which abhors it is criticized. Nawaz looked a misfit for the role, though he could have been used as "Vicky bana" instead. It's just that nawaz being USA return is not so his style. The movie talks about existing hate crimes against women and minorities. It's a good watch for those who like to search their soul once in a while.

The direction in 'afwaah' was severely lacking, failing to establish any connection between the audience and the actors. Despite having talented actors like Nawaz Bhai, Bhumi, Summet, and Sharib, the movie fell short of capturing the audience's attention. Numerous scenes felt unnecessary and irrelevant, as if the filmmakers were attempting to convey a message to society but failed to do so convincingly. Nawaz Bhai's performance was commendable throughout the movie. However, Bhumi's portrayal seemed forced, displaying instances of overacting. The potential of Sharib's talent was unfortunately wasted, as the filmmakers failed to utilize him effectively. Overall, 'afwaah' is a complete disaster and not even worth a single viewing.

First of all i am wondering how can sensor board approved such inappropriate movie !! I can understand director have very bad imagination level which he use to make such piece of dirt !

Below are the points you should know : 1. Movie storyline is unrealistic pure creation of unconscious director who should be retired after making such worthless movie 2. This movie does not deserve your time and money because director want to waste your both.

3. Most important point is THIS IS NOT REALITY, this movie not belong to the reality, just a dirty imagination of a antisocial men

At the end i just want to say don't waste your money and time on this movie isse to kisi garib ko kuch khila pila do dua to milegi ye movie sir dard hai, Jai Shree Ram.

Defaming demeaning ,the message they wanted to convey was literally missing (dont know what they were doing ,writer sir sorry but it was poorly crafted ) , storyline is worthless all the actors did justice to what they were provided , but the movies completely shitt ,sorry to say Afwaah i a complete disaster ,Nawaz bhai bhumi mam and all the casting was good they played their role to the fullest ,but movie is ridiculously ridiculous. The message should have been conveyed differently and should do justice to what has to be delivered ,i prefer not to say these words like propaganda and all but after watching this movie i really feel this movies was a complete disaster . Was expecting something good.

Well, if you see the N logo before a production, safe bet that it's going to be garbage 9/10 times. Nothing new there. But this is filled with so much propaganda that i wonder if these people have ulterior motives or are just devoid of any touch with reality in the first place and I am not sure which one is worse.

Nothing new, such dumpster fire masquerading as "mUh ArT" is pretty common on Netflix and Prime. But one should also be glad that these people are out in the open due to OTT. How else would you know what to protect your children from?

But what would you really expect from Netflix which also brought in "cuties" and ended up defending it? After seeing that happen, this doesn't surprise me one bit.