Firaaq

An elderly Muslim classical vocalist whose quiet optimism is tested by the devastation around him. He grapples with the trauma of communal vulnerability and maintains a gentle, humane outlook as he witnesses the violence's consequences in his city.

Khan Saheb's loyal servant who tries to warn him about rising tensions and street danger. He embodies practicality and caution, offering a grounded counterpoint to the poet's idealism as fear tightens its grip on daily life.

A Hindu housewife haunted by guilt for not helping a Muslim woman in danger. She seeks moral atonement and connection through acts of kindness to Mohsin, highlighting conscience and the possibility of redemption.

A Muslim orphan wandering the city in search of his family. His vulnerability underscores the human cost of violence and the longing for belonging amid chaos.

A Hindu neighbor whose trust is strained by suspicion after the carnage. Her interactions with Muneera challenge stereotypes and illustrate the fragility and potential renewal of neighborly ties.

A young Muslim woman who returns home to find it looted and burnt. She faces loss, resilience, and the burden of navigating communal hatred while seeking connection with her husband and husband’s circle.

Muneera's husband who contemplates retaliation with other men. His arc reveals how anger and fear can push towards vengeance, yet also the possibility of restraint and critical choices.

A wealthy Muslim whose store is burnt; he and his wife contemplate a move to Delhi to escape the violence. His struggle reflects the impact of identity and safety on personal decisions.

Sameer's Hindu wife, whose experiences of loss and cross-faith love deepen the film's exploration of belonging and acceptance. She weighs leaving Gujarat behind while confronting ingrained prejudices and expectations.

Sanjay, who tries to bribe police to shield his brother Deven from arrest for gang rape. His actions expose moral compromise and fear-driven choices under pressure.

Sanjay's brother, involved in the attempted cover-up of the gang-rape, whose arrest signifies the consequences of violence and the complexities of culpability.