ZEE5 is set to welcome a deeply human story with the OTT premiere of Safia/Safdar, streaming from Friday, January 16. Directed by celebrated cinematographer-turned-filmmaker Baba Azmi, the film brings together an impressive ensemble cast including Kanwaljit Singh, Naseeruddin Shah, and rising talent Aditi Subedi. Much like Azmi’s earlier directorial venture Mee Raqsam, this drama explores a young woman’s fight against societal limitations while balancing personal dreams and family responsibilities.
Story
Set in a modest small-town backdrop, Safia/Safdar follows Salman, a debt-laden barber who struggles to provide a decent life for his daughter Safia, an engineering student in Delhi. When Salman’s health deteriorates and financial woes intensify, Safia makes the unconventional decision to disguise herself as a man — taking on the identity of Safdar — to run her father’s saloon and pay off debts.
Her journey intertwines with a local music band, where her hidden talent for lyric writing becomes both a creative outlet and a source of hope. The film balances themes of gender identity, family bonds, and small-town camaraderie, depicting relatable everyday struggles with sincerity.
Performances
Aditi Subedi shines in the lead role, delivering a convincing portrayal of both Safia and her male alter ego. Her seamless transformation — aided by subtle styling — adds authenticity to the narrative. Siddharth Menon plays Aman, a spirited musician, with moderate impact, while Mehrin Saba and Neetu Pandey have limited scope. Despite their stature, Kanwaljit Singh and Naseeruddin Shah feel underutilized, leaving viewers wishing for more screen time from these veterans.
Behind the Scenes
Baba Azmi’s visual sensibilities, honed through classics like Dil, Mr India, and Pukar, are evident in Safia/Safdar. Thomas A. Xavier handles cinematography effectively within the constraints of the setting, while Ripul Sharma’s soundtrack, unfortunately, lacks the punch the story could have benefited from. The background score fares better, adding emotional weight to key moments. Editing keeps the pacing tight, though the writing occasionally leans on dated melodrama and convenient resolutions.
Final Verdict
While Safia/Safdar doesn’t reinvent the genre and suffers from a few predictable narrative turns, its heartfelt approach, relatable characters, and compact storytelling make it a pleasant one-time watch. It may remind some viewers of Gully Boy, albeit on a smaller scale, but it succeeds in tugging at heartstrings thanks to its sincerity and grounded performances.
If you enjoy intimate dramas that explore identity and resilience within the fabric of small-town India, Safia/Safdar deserves a spot on your watchlist.
Also Read:
