Watch Shahid

Shahid is a biographical drama film that tells the story of Shahid Azmi, a criminal lawyer who fought for justice for those who were falsely accused or trapped in terror-related cases. Directed by Hansal Mehta and released in 2012, the film stars Rajkummar Rao in the titular role, along with Prabhleen Sandhu and Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub in supporting roles.

The film begins with young Shahid witnessing the Bombay riots of 1992-93, which later shape his political beliefs and desire to fight for justice. After spending his early years in a village in Kashmir, Shahid moves to Mumbai to start a new life. His life takes a turn when he gets arrested for his alleged involvement in terrorist activities. While in jail, Shahid realizes the injustices faced by Muslims in the country and decides to enroll in law school to fight for their rights.

Upon his release, Shahid starts working as a lawyer and takes up cases of those who are falsely accused and tortured in custody. His relentless pursuit of justice leads him to take up the cases of Fahim Ansari and Sabauddin Ahmed, who were accused of planning the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks. Despite facing resistance from the establishment and even death threats, Shahid continues to fight for his clients' rights.

As the film progresses, we see Shahid's personal life also being affected by his commitment to his profession. He falls in love with Mariam (played by Prabhleen Sandhu), a fellow lawyer, but their relationship is strained by the constant danger and stress of Shahid's work. Meanwhile, Shahid's brother (played by Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub) becomes increasingly radicalized and starts sympathizing with extremist groups, leading to further conflict within the family.

The film is a powerful portrayal of the struggles of marginalized communities in India, as well as the strength and courage required to fight for justice in a flawed system. Rajkummar Rao delivers a stellar performance as Shahid, capturing the nuances of his character's evolution from a traumatized youth to a fearless lawyer. Prabhleen Sandhu provides strong support as Mariam, who struggles to balance her love for Shahid with her own safety concerns.

The film also showcases the nuances of the Indian judicial system and the systemic hurdles faced by those accused of terrorism. It highlights the prejudices faced by Muslims and the need for representation to counter the narrative that all Muslims are terrorists. While the film is emotionally heavy and tackles difficult themes, it also offers moments of hope and inspiration as Shahid refuses to give up on his clients, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Overall, Shahid is a must-watch for anyone interested in thought-provoking cinema that challenges stereotypes and offers a glimpse into the complexities of contemporary India. Hansal Mehta's direction and Rajkummar Rao's powerful performance make this film a memorable and important addition to Indian cinema.

Shahid is a 2013 drama. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.2.