Filmmaker Onir has long explored themes of ‘identity’ in his work, particularly LGBTQ+ issues and complex human relationships, subjects largely neglected by mainstream Hindi cinema.

Their latest film, ‘We Are Faheem and Karun’, which was shot in the breathtaking Gurez Valley of Kashmir, had its world premiere at the Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF) recently.

The film features a largely local cast and tells the story of Karun, a young security officer from southern India posted in the remote Gurez Valley, and Faheem, a Kashmiri man who meet at a checkpoint.

The film depicts a doomed romance between two individuals.

However, Onir laments that strange stories often do not get the attention they deserve.

“In this heteronormative world, these stories are sidelined. Finance becomes a major issue, and there is a clear divide – ‘our’ stories versus ‘their’ stories. While some major studios are token “There is still a lack of maturity in the decision-making arena and among the audiences, it is no wonder we have to send our films to strange festivals,” he told IANS.

The National Award winning director, who is known for films like ‘My Brother…Nikhil’, ‘I Am’, ‘Bas Ek Pal’, ‘Shabd’ and ‘Kuch Bheege Alfaaz’, has revealed his talent for his latest film. Insurance amount also invested. The film, which is presented by filmmaker Deepa Mehta.

Sharing that his desire to make a sequel to ‘I Am’ – titled ‘We Are’ to celebrate the Supreme Court’s landmark 2018 verdict decriminalizing homosexuality, ultimately led to ‘We Are Fahim And Karun’, he recalls that the film was originally conceived as an anthology containing four stories – gay, lesbian, trans and bisexual.

However, the director found that each story worked better on its own, leading to his current project.

Shot in the stark but stunning Gurez Valley, Kashmiri actors were deliberately chosen in this film.

“Representation matters. For queer stories, we need more queer voices behind the camera. Similarly, in this film, it is important that the community is represented by people from there. In Hindi cinema, non-Kashmiri Often portraying the people of the region, not to mention the one-dimensional portrayal, the film is in Kashmiri because I did not want to indulge in symbolism, adding a few words in accented Kashmiri to show authenticity,” says Onir. , who believe There is immense untapped talent in the valley, although it may be challenging to get women in front of the camera.

Reflecting on the role of ‘identity’ in his work, he emphasizes that when one’s identity is ignored, one becomes more aware of other marginalized communities.

He says, “Being queer doesn’t limit your empathy – it expands it. Even in ‘I Am,’ not all the stories were just about queer identity.”

Now, the filmmaker, who has written his memoir (with his sister) ‘I’m Onir and I’m Gay’, hopes to explore more Kashmiri stories that are not necessarily linked to the region’s conflict .

Mir Salman, who plays the lead role, believes that the film will help break the stereotypes about Kashmiri actors.

He says, “I am confident that this film will challenge perceptions. Also, Kashmiri actors need to expand their range, improve language skills and work harder to break barriers.”

Sana, who plays Mir’s mother, relates to her character’s instinct to protect her child.

“I have two sons of the same age, and a mother’s first instinct is always to protect her children. Many people asked whether a mother in rural Kashmir would react like my character if her son turns out to be gay. My The answer is yes – geography does not define a mother’s instincts,” she concluded.

(This report has been published as part of an auto-generated syndicated wire feed. Apart from the headline, there have been no edits to the copy by ABP Live.)