Category: Feature Length Films

A review on Pakistani Rom-Com feature length film, Balu Mahi (2017). The Production House is HKC Entertainment and Distributed by Cinestar.

 

 
+ Crew
I. Directed by Haissam Hussain
II. Cinematography by Saleem Daad
III. Written by Saad Azhar
IV. Music by Sahir Ali Bagga
V. Produced by Sadia Jabbar, M. Ashraf Chaudry & M. Arshad Chaudry

 

 

 

+ Note
Balu Mahi is similar to the fame Bollywood film, Veer Zaara (2004) that is the names of the two lead characters of this film.

The dances are choreographed by Pappu Samrat while art direction by Waqas Saleem. The makeup & hair styling is done by Sumayya Majeed and production design by Iqbal Mughal. The film is edited by Rizwan A.Q.

International Distributor is Grand Showbiz Media. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan sang a Qawwali titled ‘Rang De Chunar’ as well as the film stars such as Javed Shaikh & Adeel Hashmi have cameo appearances.

 

 
+ Main Cast
1. Osman Khalid Butt as Bilaal “Balu”
2. Ainy Jaffri as Mahi Jahangir
3. Sadaf Kanwal as Sharmeen
4. Shafqat Cheema as Baba / Daada
5. Durdana Butt as Daadi

 

 

 

+ Plot
When a young man crashes the wrong wedding, the bride seizes the opportunity to make a run for it and together they attempt to evade her overbearing grandfather.

 

 

 

+ High Points
i – Osman Khalid Butt performance as Balu was very appealing on-screen. He unquestionably raised eye brows of many people due to his naturalistic performance. As far as Ainy Jaffri is concerned, she attracted the majority of the audience to herself. Ainy Jafri as Mahi would blow you away with her charming performance. Other Honorable Mentions: Sadaf Kanwal, Durdana Butt, Shafqat Cheema and Javed Shaikh.

ii – The chemistry between the two lead stars was simply magical on big screen. The blazing chemistry between them would make the audience to ask for more. This is one of the key points for success of the film.

iii – The audience is in for a ride due to great ‘Visuals Treat’ with terrific lighting and foggy background that made us believe perhaps we live in a fantastical world. Lahore looked stunning to feast your eyes on.

iv – The art direction is mind blowing! We are able to see such etiquette art work, luxurious furniture with colorful backgrounds and scenery.

v – As for makeup & hair styling, they did an incredible job for adorable looks with their stars, especially Sadaf Kanwal and Ainy Jafri.

vi – Although, the songs are good to listen to but their dances were well choreographed comparable to Bollywood style.

vii – Sex based humor with representative meaning which are not vulgar for the family audience and can be enjoyed easily.

viii – The comic relief by respected Durdana Butt and Shafqat Cheema was well put.

ix – The costume design department did a superb job in representing desirable wardrobe for Sadaf Kanwal and Ainy Jaffri according to the theme of the film.

x – The locations shown in the film, especially northern areas is a good promo to attract tourists and audience alike by watching the real beauty of Pakistan.

 

 

 

+ Low Points
i – The 1st half is basically Jab We Met (2007) Bollywood film while the 2nd half is Dil Bole Hadippa (2009) another Bollywood film. The film entire concept and story is heavily influenced by these two Bollywood films as mentioned above.

It is really sad to see that the writer has failed to come up with their original concept and story for this film. Even the characters written of Osman and Ainy are almost the same that of Shahid & Kareena from the film, Jab We Met.

ii – Balu Mahi shows that in a realistic world, we have several unrealistic and highly unlikely situations that the two lead actors face such as offered to do music dance video unexpectedly while trying to hide away from some people who are after them.

The lead characters already knew their dance steps to perform with group in the music video that very moment.

iii – Why do you need to do toilet humor in a film like this? Though, the gross-out humor does not take leverage to make the film an enjoyable one.

iv – Throughout the film, it is filled with clichés including the end.

v – It was a huge turn off to see such a beautiful actress in manly facial hair in second half of the film.

vi – People who were in extras, seemed to be concerned with their lives only as the viewers do not see any reactions from them when a young couple running away in panic / doing awkward activity / shouting in such a crowded area.

 

 

 

+ Overall
Balu Mahi has enough charm to mark a successful entry in Pakistani film industry for the times to come.

 

 

Rate: 3.50 out of 5 stars

A review on Pakistani Rom-Com feature length film, Maan Jao Naa aka Believe Then (2018). The Production House is The Crew Films & Crew Motion Pictures while its Distributors are Hum Films and Eveready Pictures.

 

 

 

+ Crew

• Directed by Aabis Raza
• Written by Asma Nabeel and Ahsan Raza Firdousi
• Cinematography by Asraad Khan
• Edited by Faisal Hussain and Sharp Image
• Produced by Muhammad Khalid Ali

 

 

 

 

+ Note

Maan Jao Naa stars Elnaaz Norouzi, a German-born Iranian model, as the lead actress as her debut Pakistani film as well as her first film in her acting career. Adeel Chaudhry has debut in the film as the lead male opposite Norouzi.

The music is composed by Shuja Haider, Asim Raza and Vicky Haider. Pakistani stand-up comedian, Ali Gul Pir has a cameo in it.

 

 

 

 

 

+ Main Cast

1. Elnaaz Norouzi as Raania
2. Adeel Chaudhry as Faris
3. Ayaz Samoo as Asim
4. Hajra Yameen as Sara
5. Ghana Ali as Selina

 

xxxxxxx

 

 

+ Supportive Cast

1. Naeem Haque as N/A
2. Asif Raza Mir as N/A
3. Asma Abbas as N/A
4. Nayyer Ejaz as N/A

 

 

 

 

+ Plot

A group of four friends find themselves in conflict with their feelings for each other or simply because of forced marriages. Only the matter of time and patience would make them realize the value of their long, last friendship.

 

 

 

 

+ High Points

i – We have some good punchlines. Next!

ii – The opening song is a bit catchy. And, that’s about it.

 

 

 

 

+ Low Points

i – In short, the film is very boring and has an overused plot.

ii – The entire writing needs a very careful thinking redo.

iii – The first half of the film made me snooze off several times till it reached the interval.

iv – Almost all of the songs are below average to listen to.

v – As for the ‘Twist’ in the end… it made me decide to walk out from the cinema hall before I have brain hemorrhage.

vi – Naeem Haque should improve his acting craft and work on his voice control, have exercises on it.

vii – The use of interior cultural language accents, for such people to speak Urdu was turn off. I didn’t enjoy it at all.

viii – If this is a good comedy film then I guess Parchi (2018) and Chupan Chupai (2017) should be considered as ‘Classics’.

 

 

 

 

+ Overall

On a serious note, Maan Jao Naa should have been a spoof of different Pakistani Rom-Com movies. By doing it, they would get a recognition of being an actual feature length film.

 

 

 

Rate: 0.25 out of 5 stars

 

A review on Pakistani Rom-Drama feature length film, Dobara Phir Se (2016). The Production House and Distributed by ARY Films.

 

 

 

+ Crew

• Written, Directed & Produced by Mehreen Jabbar
• Director of Photography by Andreas Burgess
• Co-Written by Bilal Sami
• Music by Haniya Aslam & Justin Gray
• Co-produced by Salman Iqbal & Mohammad Jerjees Seja

 

 

 

+ Note

Dobara Phir Se consists of seven songs altogether. This film is greatly inspired / influenced by the popular Hollywood romantic comedy film, When Harry Met Sally (1989) where the Bollywood film Hum Tum (2004) inspired from.

 

 

+ Main Cast

1) Adeel Hussain as Hammad

2) Sanam Saeed as Samar

3) Hareem Farooq as Zainab

4) Ali Kazmi as Vassay

5) Tooba Siddiqui as Natasha

6) Atiqa Odho as Ammi

 

 

 

+ Plot

Zainab is a divorcee and has a young son, is still having troubled relationship with her ex-husband Asim but is in good terms with her ex-mother-in-law, Ammi. One night in a friend’s party she happens to meet Hammad with whom she feels safe and happy with.

 

 

+ High Points

i – Andreas’s cinematography has given a Top-Notch quality of work, made the audience to pay attention towards it.

ii – Ali Kazmi’s performance is the only one who I would consider good of the lot.

iii – Thorough detailed work art direction, which is especially apparent in its Mehdi song.

iv – The makeup & hair styling department made sure to make Hareem Farooq, Tooba Siddiqui and Atiqa Odho glamorous on-screen.

v – The screenplay is sound and works well with its lead characters.

vi – The songs are pleasant to listen to, and are well placed in the film.

 

 

+ Low Points

i – The first half of the film looked promising. It seemed to be heading towards something new and interesting… boy, what a disappointment! By the second half, most of the people were finding hard time in enjoying the film.

ii – This story is so overused, on and on by Hollywood, Bollywood writers. If an average local director would have directed this film, then perhaps I would not have complained it in such a way. But come on guys! This is Mehreen Jabbar who we are talking about! We know to what kind of work she comes up with. She can do wonders! But here, it was not so.

iii – So many scenes are of the ex-lover / love of your life’s meetings that happens to be available at any place or time. Plus, what’s up with having no awkwardness between the two females, who are in love with same person?

iv – Since the story is not new or interesting, the screenplay has lost its value.

v – The kind of decisions the characters would do taking are so unlikely to happen with anyone in real life. Such as, the supporting heroine leaves the room willingly so that her boyfriend could talk to his former love alone. My issue here is that the supporting heroine is well aware that the former lover of her boyfriend came back not just to patch things up but to win him back. And she let it happens.

vi – Due to its typical story, almost the film is predictable.

vii – After watching the film, you would end up having a mixture of feelings… was the film good or bad? Did I enjoy the film or not? Should I recommend to someone or no?

viii – I can assure you that the majority of the audience interest was shattered long before the film ended. They were literally making jokes or fun of the film during its ‘Emotional’ or ‘Tense’ scenes.

ix – In the end, you would have this feeling that the film is so bad that it’s actually ‘Good’!

 

 

+ Overall

Despite having a reputable director and a significant cinematography, Dobara Phir Se ultimately fails to deliver an interesting story — or even the strong performances — expected from this rom-drama film.

 

 

Rate: 2.50 out of 5 stars

 

A review on Pakistani crime thriller feature length film, Operation 021 (2014) aka O21 (or Operation 21 formerly The Extortionist). The Production Houses are One Motion Pictures, Azad Film Company & Interactive Studios while its Distributor is IMGC Global Entertainment.

 

 

 

+ Crew

• Directed & Written by Jami Mahmood and Summer Nicks
• Cinematography by Mo Azmi
• Co-Written by Joe Towne and Azaan Sami Khan (Produced)
• Edited by Rizwan AQ
• Co-Produced by Zeba Bakhtiar

 

 

 

 

+ Note

Operation 021 is the first spy action-thriller Pakistani feature length film. The filming took place throughout Karachi, Lahore, Balochistan and the Afghan Border. O21 was primarily filmed on Red Epic Cameras with Cooke s4/i lenses however the ARRI Alexa XR was used in certain scenes as well. It is also the first Pakistani film to be mixed in Dolby Atmos.

Aamina Sheikh was the winner of the best actress prize at the New York International Film Festival whereas the renowned actor Shaan Shahid received accolades through countless Pakistani blockbusters, most recently for Waar. The Music is composed by Alfonso González Aguilar.

 

 

 

 

+ Main Cast

1. Shaan Shahid as Kashif Siddiqui
2. Ayub Khoso as Abdullah
3. Shamoon Abbasi as Danish
4. Mustafa Changazi as Shayan
5. Hameed Sheikh as Dost Muhammad
6. Aamina Sheikh as Natasha

 

 

xxxxxxx

 

 

+ Supportive Cast

1. Shakeel Hussain Khan as Deputy
2. Ayaz Samoo as Mani Abbas
3. Gohar Rasheed as Babar
4. Bilal Ashraf as N/A
5. Abdullah Ghaznavi as N/A
6. Iman Ali as Aleeha Siddique

 

 

 

 

+ Plot

Two men execute a plan in able to stop the war between Afghanistan and Pakistan within 21 hours.

 

 

 

 

+ High Points

i – Hameed Sheikh played the iconic character in this film. He performed his character with absolute spectacularly on-screen as one of the important supporting characters; an ‘A’ class performance by respected Hameed sb.

ii – Ayub Khoso is an old, veteran actor where his character as Abdullah is the most central one in this film. His care-free attitude on how to deal with the investigating agents under their custody is brilliantly directed and performed. Other Honorable Mentions: Shaan Shahid, Gohar Rasheed and Bilal Ashraf.

iii – The action sequences are eye catchy to watch.

iv – A remarkable work by Mo Azmi in its cinematography.

v – The film’s twist was surprising indeed.

vi – The costumes designing did a nice job.

 

 

 

 

+ Low Points

i – Shamoon Abbasi as Danish was unable to make an impression or had any significance in the film. Whether this is true or not, but I have heard that most of his scenes were either cut or left behind before releasing it onto the big screens.

ii – Even the fight sequences between Shamoon Abbasi & Shaan Shahid failed to leave a mark of impression.

iii – There were many scenes going back and forth to FBI dept. which were English conversations that were mostly detail and boring.

iv – After the interval, I remember looking at other people faces to make sure perhaps I am the only one who is not enjoying the film. But I was wrong.

v – By the time ending arrived, I didn’t really cared who had the chip. ‘Oh, there is it. Right…’

vi – After watching the trailer, this film surely did not meet my expectations.

 

 

 

+ Overall

Long before the intermission, it’s all working — Operation 021’s tense story, its slow-paced action scenes, its trenchant direction, its stylish cinematography. But then it did not really work as well as this film intended it to be; which ultimately fails to reach to the audience connected with its intense content or emphatic with the lead characters.

 

 

 

Rate: 2.50 out of 5 stars

 

A review on Pakistani Rom-Com Feature Length Film, Ishq Positive (2016). The Production Houses are KSL Productions and PMI while its Distributors are Hum Films and Eveready Pictures.

 

 

 

+ Crew

• Directed by Noor Bukhari
• Written by Suraj Baba
• Cinematography by Syed Rizwan Sherazi
• Edited by Farhan Neo
• Produced by Dr. Shazia Hussain and Dr. Kashif Latif

 

 

 

 

+ Note

Ishq Positive was originally to be directed by Sangeeta and was scheduled for release on Eid al-Adha 2015 but it was delayed after Sangeeta left the project. The music is composed by Wali Hamid Ali Khan, Kamran Akhtar & Saji Ali whereas fame Bollywood actor, Sonu Sood narrates the film.

 

 

 

 

+ Main Cast

1. Noor Bukhari as Rajjo
2. Wali Hamid Ali Khan as Wali
3. Saud as Chaudhry Bashir
4. Saim Ali as N/A
5. Ahmed Ali as N/A
6. Durdana Butt as N/A
7. Sheeba Butt as N/A

 

 

 

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

 

 

 

+ Supporting Cast

1. Kamran Mujahid as N/A
2. Hina Rizvi as Shelter Land Lady
3. Iftikhar Thakur as N/A
4. Marium Chaudary as N/A
5. Maria Ilyas as N/A
6. Sonu Sood as Narrator
7. Sana Fakhar as N/A

 

 

 

+ Plot

Rajjo can’t decide whether she should be with the one she loves or should continue pursuing her career as a drama artist.

 

 

 

 

+ High Points

i – Good effort by Noor Bukhari, in terms of direction… keeping in mind that it was Sangeeta who was actually hired to do the job.

ii – The lukewarm humor kept the interest level higher than what most of the people had anticipated from it.

iii – Inclusion of Sonu Sood as the film’s narrator was something ‘new and different’ for the usage of a foreign celebrity.

iv – Some of the songs, including its lyrics are well written.

v – Cinematography of the songs’ sequences is above average.

 

 

 

 

+ Low Points

i – A very common story, plot is overused. There’s nothing new to watch.

ii – Better or well-known, good actors had surely uplifted the film into much more memorable one.

iii – A lot of work needed to improve the screenplay, it’s just… embarrassing.

 

 

 

+ Overall

Noor Bukhari and Walid Hamid’s chemistry makes Ishq Positive a nice, fun film to watch.

 

 

 

Rate: 2.75 out of 5 stars

 

A review on Pakistani thriller feature length film, Rahm (2016). Its Production House is Rahm Films Limited while its Distributor is HKC Entertainment.

 

 

 

+ Crew

• Directed by Ahmed Jamal
• Cinematography by Jono Smith
• Written & Produced by Mahmood Jamal

 

 

 

+ Note

Rahm is based on William Shakespeare’s play, Measure for Measure.

The film crew used Arri Alexa and Cooke movie camera lenses, in order to capture the amazing atmosphere of the old narrow streets of Lahore and the architecture of Walled City of Lahore.

 

 

 

+ Main Cast

1) Sajid Hasan as Governor

2) Sanam Saeed as Samina

3) Sunil Shanker as Qazi Ahad

4) Rohail Pirzada as N/A

5) Nayyar Ejaz as N/A

 

 

+ Plot

A Governor is having hard time in implementing strict rules in his city. After a heart stroke, he appoints new Governor, Qazi Ahad to look after the city. But once Qazi is in power, he misuses it while implementing tough laws on people. Unknown to him, the former Governor is watching his every move as he in disguise as Peer.

 

 

+ High Points

i – Main stars, Sanam Saeed and Sajid Hasan performed very dynamic. Good performances build a keen interest to watch the film till the end. Other Honorable Mentions: Rohail Pirzada.

ii – The cinematography is good mostly where narrow roads of Lahore are shot.

iii – The film is very closely based on the play.

iv – Nayyar Ejaz’s acting is very pleasant while his character is well written.

 

 

+ Low Points

i – There is no importance towards the supporting characters’ performances. They basically have no emotions or reactions in them. Example: When the pregnant woman is arrested and bought towards the police van. She not only tries not to resist but makes no complain or has worried look. She seemed very obedient and interested in getting arrested. The second time she is shown and informed that her lover would be hanged soon… even in that scene there is still no expression of sorrow.

This character in supporting role is not the only one whose proper performance was given any attention to.

ii – The makeover of Sajid Hassan as Peer was poorly done. I mean, his beard clearly showed that it’s been stick with his face. And his voice is same as Peer and as Governor. Are you saying no one in police or close friends of his are unable to recognize his voice?

iii – I am sorry but all those twists & turns turned out to be very easily predictable and already saw it coming.

iv – Sunil Shankar is a very good actor and already watched his theatrical performances. Here I find his character written prosaic and nothing special to watch.

v – I am surprised to know that how can one intimate with someone without looking at the face? Yes, I am aware that there were conditions restricted to antagonist (and in the original play as well) before this bargain was to take place. But it is so hard to believe, that how a ruthless corrupt character follows every rule in able to woo that person?

vi – Although the film is closely based on the play but there was hardly any interest in knowing to what happens next. I read the original story by William Shakespeare; it didn’t appeal me. Hence, this film did not attract even an average audience.

 

+ Overall

Though, certainly not a fan of Measure of Measure… Rahm does best to stick close to its original source adaptation. But the story’s predictability and lack of believable outcomes ruins its moment of success.

 

 

Rate: 2.25 out of 5 stars

 

A review on Pakistani Biographical Drama feature length film, Mah e Mir (2016). The Production House is Miraqsm Media while its Distributors are Eveready Pictures and Hum Films.

 

 

 

+ Crew

• Directed by Anjum Shahzad
• Written & Co-Directed by Sarmad Sehbai
• Director of Photography by Rana Kamran
• Edited by Khan Ehtesham & Ali Khan Waqas
• Produced by Sahir Rasheed, Khurram Rana & Badar Ikram

 

 

 

 

+ Note

Mah e Mir Asst. is based on the life of the famous poet Mir Taqi Mir. It is a story that follows the struggle of a contemporary poet and draws parallels with events in Mir’s life. Syed Jari Khushnood Naqvi, Danish Ali & Bazey Khan were behind the Production Design whereas the music is composed by Syed Shahi Hasan.

There are some cameos by NAPA, TV senior artist such as Akbar Aftab Ladhani, Adnan Anis and Akbar Islam.

This film was awarded the Best Narrative Film Award at the Guam International Film Festival in 2016. Mah e Mir also won two awards in the Best Film and Best Music categories at the Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival, which was held in Delhi in 2017. Pakistani Academy Selection Committee had sent an official submission of Mah e Mir for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 89th Academy Awards but it was not nominated.

 

 

 

 

+ Main Cast

1. Fahad Mustafa as Jamal/Mir
2. Iman Ali as Mahtab
3. Sanam Saeed as Naina Kanwal
4. Manzar Sehbai as Dr. Kaleem
5. Huma Nawab as Kaleem’s ex-wife
6. Alyy Khan as Nawab Sahab
7. Paras Masroor as Jamal’s Friend
8. Rashid Farooqui as Publisher
9. Syed Fazal Hussain as Chotu

 

 

 

+ Plot

A modern day struggling poet, Jamal is having a rough patch in his life. Going through Mir Taqi Mir’s poems, Jamal imagines himself to be in his place at Lucknow; focusing on the trials and tribulations that Mir had once experienced.

 

 

 

 

+ High Points

i – We have strong star power main cast, such as Fahad Mustafa, Iman Ali, Sanam Saeed, Huma Nawab, Manzar Sehbai, Alyy Khan, Paras Masroor (Hum TV award-winning supporting actor from TV serial ‘Sang-e-Mar Mar’ [2017]), Rashid Farooqui & Syed Fazal Hussain (lead roles from ‘Ramchand Pakistani’ [2008]).

ii – Interesting props and sets used in its production design, mainly in the scenes of Jamal’s imagination.

iii – The costume designing as well as Makeup & Hair styling did a decent work in their respected fields, Iman Ali looks gorgeous on-screen … although, I must confess that I couldn’t digest Fahad’s ‘Haystack’ wig.

 

 

 

 

+ Low Points

i – This film is strictly for certain target audience only. If you are not part of that of it, then you would find very hard time to enjoy the film. For instance, this film is definitely ‘Not my cup of tea’.

ii – For starters, this film is very slow and … Zzz!

iii – I don’t know what to make of this film or having Fahad Mustafa in the lead role. Though it’s good that he took a very different role of his career, but was he really suitable for it? It’s not about his performance but to have him fit in this type of role. I believe the director should had switched this role with Paras’s, for him to do more justice with it.

iv – Even though I am a fan of Rana Sb’s work but it’s disappointing for me to say that the usage of lighting used in this film is way too bright than it should be. I don’t know what was going through his head, what was the reason behind too brightly lit sets in at least two-third of the film but I was surely left confused with his decision.

v – We have a couple of stereo type roles such as of Iman Ali and Alyy Khan. Its only slightly different role than the one Iman played in ‘Bol’ (2008) while Alyy Khan is a used to of playing ‘Nawab’ type of roles more frequently than we change our clothes on daily basis.

 

 

 

 + Overall

Despite its solid cast, Mah e Mir feels like a disorganized series of poems, rather than having an interesting narrative but falls flat for many.

 

 

 

Rate: 1.25 out of 5 stars

 

A review on Pakistani biographical feature length film, Shah (2015). The Production House is Logos Films & Media while its Distributors are ARY Films and Footprint Entertainment.

 

 

 

+ Crew

• Directed, Written & Music by Adnan Sarwar
• Cinematography by Omar Daraz & Hassan Zaidi
• Edited by Tahir Ali
• Co-Music by Farhan Albert

 

 

 

 

+ Note

Shah is based on a biography of great Pakistani former boxer, Syed Hussain Shah portrayed by Adnan Sarwar. Hussain Shah is a bronze medal winner at the 1988 Summer Olympics who became the only boxer in Pakistan’s history to secure an Olympic medal. Adnan Sarwar underwent one year of boxing training to portray Hussain Shah.

The film production took place in Pakistan where the production team claimed that they raised $20,000, saying “We’ve raised that $20,000 and are going to give it to him because that’s a debt we owe him as a nation.” Adnan Sarwar has also set up a boxing scholarship for Lyari’s street kids, who are part of the film’s cast.

 

 

 

 

+ Main Cast

1. Adnan Sarwar as Hussain Shah
2. Sardar Baloch as Hussain Shah (Child)
3. Gulab Chandio as Chacha
4. Kiran Chaudhry as Noor (Journalist)
5. Faiz Chohan as Director of Sports Federation
6. Miraal Sara Intesar as Saba Faisal
7. Adeel Raees as Shamsher Baloch (Friend)

 

 

 

 

+ Plot

A journey of a homeless child in the streets of Layari who become an Olympian for his country Pakistan at the 1988 Seoul Olympics but was later forgotten by public and media alike.

 

 

 

 

+ High Points

i – Adnan Sarwar’s performance is admirable. He not only appeared as protagonist but also contributed in its direction, writing and even composing the music for this film. Other Honorable Mentions: Faiz Chohan.

ii – After such a long time, a good Pakistani film is produced which is based on a great sportsman.

iii – It’s not just a biographical boxer-based film but a film with very strong message in it which to some it is an eye opener to what happens to retired sports personalities with poor, uneducated background. However what is more haunting to know is that this very issue still happens today.

iv – The cinematography and its color balance helped this film to be more memorable.

v – The film editing is very effective.

 

 

 

 

+ Low Points

i – There were hardly any scenes regarding to his personal life shown except for his childhood days.

ii – In the starting of the scenes, we are shown a journalist who is covering this story on a national legendary retired boxer. We were made to believe she might have an important supportive (if not of the main lead) role in this film. However, that was not the case.

 

 

 

+ Overall

Its magical to watch Adnan Sarwar on-screen with such enthusiasm and passion in his multiple contributions to Shah. It leaves behind its mark, in ever-lasting love and support in the viewers’ hearts for our retired national sportsmen… to help them more.

 

 

 

Rate: 3.50 out of 5 stars

 

A review on Pakistani Rom-Com feature length film, Dekh Magar Pyaar Say (2015). The Production House is Shiny Toy Guns while its Distributor is HKC Entertainment.

 

 

 

+ Crew

• Directed by Asad Ul Haq
• Written by Saba Imtiaz
• Cinematography by Nicholas D. Knowland
• Edited by Eng Yong Teh
• Produced by Ali Murtuza

 

 

 

+ Note

Dekh Magar Pyaar Say is the directorial debut by Haq and first film for Sikander. The hair styling is done by Saima Rashid Bargfrede, Beenish Umer is the production designer. Shehryar Yasin is the brains behind its creative & fashion design direction. The music & OST is composed by Abbas Ali Khan and Mooro.

The shooting locations are of Lahore and London. Stars such as Humayun Saeed and Hasan Shehryar have their cameos.

 

 

 

+ Main Cast

1. Humaima Malick as Annie
2. Sikander Rizvi as Sikandar
3. Irfan Khoosat as Chachu
4. Hashim Ali Chaudhry as Patient

 

 

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

 

 

+ Supporting Cast

1. Aqdas Waseem as N/A
2. Zohaib Hassan as N/A (Cameo)
3. Amna Ilyas as Item Number in “Kaala Doriya”

 

 

 

+ Plot

Sikandar comes across by Annie by a ‘mere chance’ in his auto rickshaw to meet a friend.

 

 

 

 

+ High Points

i – Remarkable work behind its production design; a major plus point of this film.

ii – Beautiful cinematography and its lighting, blending in the multiple colors to give a rich, visual treat.

iii – A couple of the songs are pleasant to listen to.

iv – Mild performances by the main cast.

v – Good effort on its makeup & hair styling, made the lead stars to shine out on the big screen.

 

 

 

+ Low Points

i – A typical story regarding con-artists. I was really looking forward to watch this film… Nah! Not a fan of Humaima Malik but least expected to have a decent picture here but it appears that all the effort was given behind its technicalities.

ii – The lack of strong supporting characters and sub plots. All the time, we were glued with the main cast especially of Sikandar’s character.

iii – Throughout the picture as there wasn’t anything new to watch here, therefore the interest level was quite low.

 

 

 

+ Overall

Asad Ul Haq’s Dekh Magar Pyaar Say is a lush, old-fashioned melodrama of attractive, colorful packaging but filled with too much simplicity.

 

 

 

Rate: 2.0 out of 5 stars

 

A review on Pakistani Online Comedy feature length film, Oye Kuch Kar Guzar (2016). The Production House is Djuice Pakistan while its Distributor is iD creations.

 

 

+ Crew

1. Written & Directed by Harris Rasheed
2. Edited by Imran Mushtaq
3. Music by Jamal Rahman
4. Produced by Syed Zaheer Uddin and Emad Ishaq Khan

 

 

 

+ Note

Oye Kuch Kar Guzar is the first Pakistani online film. It consists of 5 episodes where every episode (except the last) has 2 options to select online for the next episode. It was released on YouTube on 3^rd Dec 2016.

This film was shot in Kallar Kahar (Chakwal), Katas Fort, Haveli Sardar Jawala Singh Sandu Padhana (Lahore) and Lahore Railway Station.

 

 

 

 

+ Main Cast

1. Ali Safina as Shamsher Iqbaldin / Sherry
2. Uzair Jaswal as Junaid Hafeez Sarhadi / Jango
3. Ushna Shah as Zara Hayat Khan (Xara)
4. Mahjabeen Habib as Shabnam Mushtaq Chaudary

 

 

 

 

+ Plot

Two guys randomly meet two young females at their train cabinet, where a number of mishaps take place.

 

 

 

 

+ High Points

i – Well, this is new… to see an online film with option provided to the viewer of selecting which outcome to choose for the story to progress.

ii – Then the main characters can interact with the narrator throughout the film by breaking the fourth wall to help them to ease up the situations.

iii – It is a mix reaction by the audience regarding the time length of the film. It’s less than 120 minutes which I believe is good for this film.

iv – The film edited is by Imran Mushtaq, who has done a decent job for such type of film.

v – Ushna Shah is the only star, the viewer might remember in this film. The main reason is that she is the only well-known celebrity in the main cast.

 

 

 

 

+ Low Points

i – The film is rushed quickly towards the next scene where the writer / director hardly gave any importance in first establishing the emotional link of the main characters with the viewers.

ii – Since the film is comic thus the viewer hardly felt any fear of losing them or to find them in a conflicting situation; knowingly nothing serious would happen to them anyway. Basically, I just didn’t care.

iii – No song is worth listening.

iv – Nor anyone’s performance was enjoyable or pleasant to watch.

 

 

 

+ Overall

Other than great concept, a little is done with Oye Kuch Kar Guzar, adding yet another film to the pile of forgettable comedies.

 

 

 

Rate: 1.75 out of 5 stars