We Are Faheem & Karun

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.

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" is a beautifully crafted film directed by Onir that resonated deeply with me, especially as someone who spent part of my childhood in Kashmir. Set in the breathtaking Gurez Valley, the film tells the tender love story between Faheem, a local college student, and Karun, a security force man from Kerala. Their relationship unfolds amidst the stark realities of conflict and societal challenges, highlighting the complexities of love in a region often defined by turmoil.

Having lived in Kashmir, I found the film's portrayal of the landscape and culture to be both nostalgic and authentic. The cinematography captures the stunning beauty of the valley, evoking memories of my own experiences there. The film's exploration of friendship, duty, and the quest for connection amid adversity struck a chord with me, reminding me of the warmth and resilience of the people in the region.

Onir's masterful direction combined with heartfelt performances from the cast, create an emotional journey that is both relatable and profound. The themes of love transcending boundaries and the pursuit of happiness in the face of conflict are universal, yet they hold a special significance for anyone who has called Kashmir home. Overall, "We Are Faheem & Karun" is a moving tribute to the spirit of Kashmir and a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the human side of this complex region.

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.