Director's Cut: Faruk Kabir gets candid about his passion project Khuda Haafiz Chapter 2 Agnipariksha

Faruk Kabir’s upcoming directorial venture, Khuda Haafiz Chapter 2 Agnipariksha, is all set to hit screens on July 8. The film stars Vidyut Jammwal and Shivaleeka Oberoi. The Free Press Journal caught up with the filmmaker for an exclusive interaction.

When asked if he is nervous about Khuda Haafiz Chapter 2 Agnipariksha releasing in theatres after the success of Khuda Haafiz Chapter 1, Faruk shares, “I will choose faith over fear. I don’t want to entertain the nervousness inside me but rather entertain the faith and belief inside me. I believe in miracles. Also, there’s no end to nervousness. Every time a film will come out, you’ll be nervous. I am just being hopeful, and I feel no trade expert can assume the box office collection. People will walk out with respect.”

Faruk and Vidyut associated together on Khuda Haafiz Chapter 1, and with the kind of appreciation the film received, the two became a popular pair in the industry. On this, Faruk reveals, “Vidyut is my muse. He is my friend and co-collaborator. The film franchise has evolved with our ‘jugalbandi’. We both have an egoless process while working together on a project. We both say or advise things for the betterment of the project. He is the most treasured relationship that I have found in the industry.”

Khuda Haafiz is probably the only Indian franchise whose first part saw a digital release, and the second one will release on the silver screen. “The film offers a visual spectacle backed with good content. After the pandemic, things have changed completely. A film needs to be backed up by visual dynamism to draw you out from your laptop to the theatres. I have even shot the film in cinemascope just the way Sholay was shot,” Faruk explains.

Elaborating further, he adds, “I believe certain films are meant for the theatres and Khuda Haafiz Chapter 2 Agnipariksha is one of those. It was the sheer conviction of my producers, Kumar Mangat and Vidyut, who is also distributing the film. The budget of the film might not be that of Thor: Love And Thunder, which is clashing with our film, but the heart is at the right place.”

As per Shivaleeka, Khuda Haafiz Chapter 1 was a game-changer in her career. “I write my female characters who always break the convention. I wanted her with no make-up look throughout the film. Initially, she wasn’t okay with it, but when she saw the playbacks on the monitor, she was blown away. She is brave enough to follow my conviction. I am proud of her. She will be a surprise in the film,” Faruk signs off.