Directed by Hansal Mehta and starring Rajkumar Rao, ‘Shahid’ is a 2013 biographical drama movie inspired by the life of Advocate Shahid Azmi.
From being arrested on the charges of terrorism under the ‘Terrorism and Disruptive Activities Act’ (TADA) for spending time in Kashmir at a terror training camp to being a messiah for the people who are accused of false terrorism charges, this movie traces the entire journey of Advocate Shahid Azmi. After facing a trial and spending 7 years in Tihar jail on terror charges, he is finally acquitted by the Court. Shahid studies law after an inmate inspires him to study rather moving down into the completely adverse side and become a criminal or probably a terrorist. After his education, Shahid starts working with a senior advocate for a few months but soon starts his own practice. He fights cases of many people, mostly the muslim youth, accused on the charges of terrorism. In his short life span of 33 years and brief advocacy career of 7 years before he is assassinated, Shahid manages to successfully defend 17 clients in court accused of the terrorism charges.
This 125-minute movie is crisp, interesting and binds your attention from the starting till the very end. As a lawyer and also a common person, this movie will make you think about the necessity of a free and fair trial. The entire cast has done an amazing job.
The movie is available to watch on the SonyLiv app.