Khuda Haafiz (transl. May God be your protector) is a 2020 Indian Hindi-language action thriller film. The film was written and directed by Faruk Kabir and produced under Panorama Studios by Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak. Featuring Vidyut Jammwal and Shivaleeka Oberoi in lead roles, the film also stars Annu Kapoor, Aahana Kumra, and Shiv Panditt in supporting roles. Set amidst the financial crisis of 2007–2008, the film revolves around Sameer Chaudhary, who embarks on a desperate quest to rescue his kidnapped wife, Nargis, from flesh traders. The film premiered on Disney+ Hotstar on 14 August 2020 and received mixed reviews, yet achieved success on the platform.
Plot Summary
Setting The Stage
The story kicks off in 2007 when Sameer Chowdhary, a software engineer, falls in love with Nargis. The two tie the knot but find themselves jobless due to the 2008 financial crisis.
The Turn of Events
Three months later, they secure jobs in a fictional Middle Eastern country named Noman, thanks to Nadeem, an employee at an overseas recruitment firm. Nargis leaves first, while Sameer stays back to wait for his documents. Soon after her arrival, Nargis calls Sameer, panicking, saying she’s being kidnapped.
The Rescue Mission
Sameer immediately flies to Noman and befriends a taxi driver named Usman Hamid Ali Murad. Sameer’s pursuit of his missing wife takes him from misleading addresses to shady characters involved in human trafficking. He eventually finds her but not without enduring a car chase, an arrest, and battling corrupt elements.
The Climax
With the help of Nomani cop Faiz Abu Malik and officer Tamena, Sameer continues his quest to rescue Nargis. A series of twists and betrayals ensue, leading to an action-packed confrontation with the villains. In the end, justice prevails, with Sameer rescuing his wife and the culprits facing retribution.
Cast
- Vidyut Jammwal as Sameer Chaudhary
- Shivaleeka Oberoi as Nargis Rajput Choudhary
- Annu Kapoor as Usman Hamid Ali Murad
- Shiv Panditt as Faiz Abu Malik
- Aahana Kumra as Tamena Hamid
- And many more
Production
The film was officially announced in April 2019, and shooting began in Uzbekistan on 14 October 2019.
Soundtrack
The film’s music was composed by Mithoon, featuring tracks like “Jaan Ban Gaye” and “Khuda Haafiz – Title Track.”
Reception
The film received mixed reviews from critics but gained a sizable audience on Disney+ Hotstar. Bollywood Hungama gave the film 3 out of 5 stars, praising the script, direction, and performances.
Sequel
Due to the film’s success, a sequel titled Khuda Haafiz: Chapter II – Agni Pariksha was announced. The sequel is set to hit the floors in March 2021 and aims for an October 2021 release in cinemas.
Khuda Haafiz combines elements of action, suspense, and emotion to create a gripping narrative. While it may have faced mixed reviews, its commercial success and forthcoming sequel prove that it found its audience. The film serves as a thrilling watch that portrays love, desperation, and justice against a backdrop of global economic unrest.
