Watch Firaaq

Firaaq is a gripping Indian series available on Eros Now that takes you on a journey through the aftermath of one of the most controversial events in Indian history - the Godhra riots of 2002. Set in the city of Ahmedabad, the series chronicles the lives of several individuals belonging to different religions and socioeconomic backgrounds and how their lives get intertwined in the aftermath of the riots. The show explores the themes of communalism, religious extremism, and the human cost of political polarization.

The opening scenes of the series set the tone for what's to come. The camera pans over a city that looks like it's been hit by a storm - burnt-out shops, charred vehicles, rubble strewn across the streets, and the sound of sirens in the distance. The first episode introduces us to the main characters and sets the stage for their storylines, which slowly intertwine as the series progresses.

The first character we meet is Jannat, a young Muslim girl who's distraught after losing her parents in the riots. She's taken in by her uncle who's a devout Muslim and feels that it's his duty to make Jannat embrace her religion fully. But Jannat's conflicted - she's in love with a Hindu boy who's been her best friend since childhood, and she doesn't want to lose him.

Next, we meet Sameer, a successful businessman who's also a Muslim. Sameer's world turns upside down when he's wrongly accused of orchestrating the riots and finds himself behind bars. His wife, Ayesha, fights to clear his name, but the odds are stacked against her.

Then there's Devika, a Hindu woman who's a social activist and runs an NGO that works with the minority community. She's trying to reconcile her role as a mother with her work and her marriage that's hit a rough patch. Devika's character is intriguing - she's someone who genuinely cares about the people she works with but struggles to understand the violence that engulfs her city.

There's also Sartaj, a Hindu man and a former army officer who's traumatised by the events he's witnessed. He's lost his faith in humanity and sees violence as the only way to avenge the wrongs done to his community.

Finally, we meet Mohsin, a Muslim man who's a victim of the riots and loses his wife and child. He's consumed by the desire for revenge and becomes a pawn in the hands of the extremist groups that are active in the city.

As the series progresses, we see these characters grappling with their identities, their beliefs, and their place in a world that's been shattered by violence. The performances by the actors are excellent, and the writing is nuanced, exploring the shades of grey that exist in a world torn apart by communalism.

The series also delves into the political and social factors that contribute to the rise of extremism in a multicultural society like India. The riots of 2002 were a turning point in Indian politics and society, and Firaaq gives us a glimpse of what it was like to live through that period.

The cinematography is excellent, and the use of light and shadow adds to the tense atmosphere of the show. The music by Rajat Dholakia is haunting and complements the visuals perfectly, adding to the emotional impact of the show.

Firaaq is not an easy watch - it's an intense show that deals with heavy themes. However, it's a show that needs to be seen, especially in the current political climate, where communalism and religious extremism are on the rise. It's a reminder that the human cost of political polarization is too high, and we need to do better as a society.

Firaaq is a series that ran for 1 seasons (17 episodes) between September 6, 2014 and on Eros Now