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Naqaab

Name: Naqaab
Director: Mustan Alibhai Burmawalla, Abbas Alibhai Burmawalla
Released: 2007
Duration: 115 min

Representation Score

3.8/10

Limited

2007

Director

Mustan Alibhai Burmawalla, Abbas Alibhai Burmawalla

Runtime

115 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Naqaab is a commercial thriller that emphasizes traditional romantic themes and high-stakes drama. While the female lead rejects a wealthy partner for personal desires, the narrative remains tied to conventional dramatic elements. The film relies on standard formulas, such as criminal victimization, to advance the plot without delving into deeper social issues. Ultimately, it stays within mainstream cinematic conventions.

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Category Breakdown

Does Naqaab have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film follows a traditional storyline focused on straight relationships, excluding any queer narratives.

How does Naqaab portray gender?

Fair

Sophia chooses emotional connections over financial security, showing strong ability to act. However, the plot uses gendered violence as a key driver for character development.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Naqaab?

Fair

The film shifts from Goa to Dubai, suggesting a multicultural setting despite a primarily Indian cast.

How does Naqaab represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story centers on individual morality and the tension between stability and passion, focusing on personal growth rather than societal critiques.

Does Naqaab include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no discernible focus on visible or invisible disabilities within the character descriptions or plot.

Present on Screen

The female protagonist rejects a wealthy partner for personal desires, showing strong ability to act.
The international setting offers a diverse, cosmopolitan backdrop through its movement between India and Dubai.

Limited or Absent

Gendered violence is used as a primary catalyst for character development.
The film lacks representation for LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth characters.
It does not address systemic power dynamics or social frameworks.

Official Synopsis

The story revolves around the life of Sophia (Urvashi Sharma) who lives in Goa. When she is stalked and then attacked by a rapist named Rakesh, Sophia re-locates to Dubai. Here she rents a room in a villa near Jumeirah Beach, owned by wealthy star Karan Oberoi (Bobby Deol). Six months later he proposes to her, and she accepts. Shortly before the marriage, she meets with an unemployed actor, Vicky Malhotra (Akshay Khanna), and is attracted to him, but decides to go ahead and marry Karan. At the altar, she changes her mind, ditches him and decides to move in with Vicky. But things take a turn for the worse.

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