Hanif Chunawala

Hanif Chunawala isn’t exactly a household name, but if you’re into Bollywood films that actually pack a punch, you’ve probably stumbled into his work without even realizing it. The guy’s got a knack for weaving stories that stick with you long after the credits roll. Take Airlift (2016), for example—set during the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, the movie follows a savvy businessman who suddenly finds himself responsible for rescuing over 170,000 stranded Indians. It’s tense, emotional, sometimes even funny in that dark, “what else can go wrong?” kind of way. The stakes keep climbing, and Hanif’s writing pulls you right into the chaos, making you feel every bit of that desperation and hope. Then there’s Only One Man Is Enough (2023), which couldn’t be more different. This one’s a gritty, slow-burn drama about obsession and the cost of ambition. It doesn’t shy away from tough questions or moral ambiguity—nobody’s wearing a halo here. The characters are messy, real, and driven by the kind of motives that make you question your own choices. Hanif’s touch is all over the narrative, twisting it just enough to keep you guessing but never losing that raw human element. And let’s not forget Shootout at Lokhandwala (2007). This film’s basically a bullet-riddled rollercoaster, inspired by real-life police encounters in Mumbai. It’s loud, brash, and totally unfiltered, with dialogue that crackles and action scenes that don’t hold back. Hanif Chunawala’s work shows he’s not afraid to dig into the gritty, complicated corners of life—and he does it with style.