Watch Filmistaan

Filmistaan is a 2012 Indian comedy-drama film written and directed by Nitin Kakkar. The movie features Sharib Hashmi, Inaamulhaq, and Kumud Mishra in lead roles. The film takes place during the tense Indo-Pak relationship and revolves around the themes of cinema, friendship, love, and human emotions. The story of the movie begins with Sunny (Sharib Hashmi), an aspiring actor and Bollywood buff, working as an assistant director on a Hollywood movie based on the Indo-Pak conflict. During a shoot in Rajasthan, Sunny gets kidnapped by a group of terrorists who mistake him for an American. He wakes up in a rundown village in Pakistan which is situated right next to the Indo-Pak border. The villagers welcome him with warmth, and he is taken in by Aftaab (Inaamulhaq), who works as a local schoolteacher.

Sunny's only way of communication with the outside world is a small transistor radio that he found in his pocket. Here, he discovers that the villagers are huge fans of Bollywood and soon start bonding with them over movies. Despite being held captive, Sunny manages to make the best of his situation by putting up a one-man theatre show on legendary Indian actor Amitabh Bachchan for the village kids.

As Sunny spends more time with Aftaab and gets to know the village, he uncovers a deep-rooted love for Indian movies amongst the locals. He also learns how their life has been affected by the long-drawn conflict between India and Pakistan. The villagers' hospitality and warmth make Sunny question his own belief in the enmity between India and Pakistan.

The film covers a wide range of emotions and themes, including the love for cinema, friendship, and humanity. The film uses an engaging narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The robust script is well supported by the performances of the lead cast. Sharib Hashmi, in particular, delivers a stand-out performance, and his effortless acting makes you feel sympathetic towards his character.

The direction by Nitin Kakkar is sharp and effective in delivering the intended message of the film. The cinematography by Subhransu Das is subtle and plays a crucial role in setting up the mood and tone of the film. The background score and music by Arijit Datta is delightful and matches the movie's theme.

The movie is a comedy-drama that is laced with humor, yet it is not superficial, and the humor does not undermine the seriousness of the topic. It is delicately balanced and never loses sight of its primary aim. It drives home the point about the far-reaching effects of the divide created by the India-Pakistan conflict and how it has impacted the lives of ordinary people.

To conclude, Filmistaan is a heartwarming, engaging, and entertaining movie that manages to strike a chord with its audience. The well-crafted script, excellent direction, and outstanding performances create a wholesome experience that leaves a lasting impression. The movie has won several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi, and it is a must-watch for anyone who loves cinema or is interested in exploring the themes of friendship and humanity in the backdrop of Indo-Pak relations.

Filmistaan is a 2012 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 57 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.