Category: Short Films & Documentaries

A review on Pakistani drama Short Film, ‘Wahim’ (2017). The DOP (Doll House Sequence) is Farhat Wahid as well while it’s lighting by Iqra Shahid, Saif Shams & Muneeb Baig.

 

 

+ Crew

• Directed, Production Mgt, Edited & Written by Farhat Wahid
• Cinematography by Kamran Khan
• Asst. Directed, Production Design & Co-Edited by Maria Sajid
• Sound Mixing by Saif Shams
• Co-Production Design by Sana Chaudhry

 

 

+ Note

Wahim is inspired by several films such as ‘Through a Glass Darkly’ (1961), ‘Persona’ (1966) and ‘Cries & Whispers’ (1972) all award-winning films by Ingmar Bergman.

Since this film is not for mass to watch with interest, therefore the actions behind its vague signs carries in-depth meaning.

 

 

+ Full Cast

1. Roohi Ahmed as Sakina
2. Saad Zameer Fareedi as (Husband)
3. Meher Asif as Jamila
4. Kulsoom Aftab as (Woman)
5. Rania Asif as (Child’s Voice)

 

 

+ Plot

It is about Sakina, a schizophrenia living on a remote house with her husband & a nurse.

 

 

+ High Points
i – The performances by everyone is good.

ii – The production design is well taken care of. It is perceivable suited fit with the mood of the film.

iii – The cinematography is effective, makes the film more interesting to watch.

 

+ Low Points
i – The visual storytelling needs further improvement.

ii – There were many questions which remained unanswered. Such as the mehndi decoration on the lead character’s hands & feet, the last few scenes on confronting her husband, who is the child whose voices Sakina keeps hearing and many more.

iii – The noise pollution needed to be toned down or mute.

 

 

+ Overall
Wahim is a combination of thoughtful truths which has caught afterglows of fear, being socially isolated that is truly a noteworthy work.

 

 

Rate: 3.50 out of 5 stars

A review on Pakistani Drama Short Film, ‘Aliya’ (2017).

 

 

+ Crew
I. Directed, Edited & Written by Fahad Alvi.
II. Cinematography by Mariam Desai & Umer Taimuri.
III. Asst Directed & Sound Mixing by Salman Khan

 

 

+ Note

Aliya is based on ‘Down Syndrome’ (genetic disorder) patient who happens be the child of the film couple.

 

 

+ Full Cast
1) Farah Vohra as Aliya

2) Kulsoom Aftab Khan as Fatima

3) Farhan Alam as Aslam

4) Junaid Saleem as Inspector

5) Ishtiaq as Omer

 

 

+ Plot

The married couple life is disturbed mainly due to their genetic disorder daughter, Aliya.

 

 

+ High Points
i – Farhan Alam plays a confused, troubled parent over his daughter (down syndrome) has performed convincingly. Other Honorable Mentions: Kulsoom Aftab.

ii – The direction is good, makes the film interesting.

iii – How the story takes the film and the way it is executed is appreciated by the audience.

 

+ Low Points
i – Everything else technically is average.

ii – The problems a genetic disorder patient needs to face especially by the parents and how to cope up with, was not shown in detail.

 

+ Overall
Aliya is definitely a work of art, mise-en-scène, which should not be missed in a lifetime!

 

 

Rate: 3.0 out of 5 stars

A review on Pakistani Short Film, ‘Taqseem’ (2016) aka [Divide]. The Assistant Director is Hijab Abbasi while it is Executive Produced by Abis Zaidi.

 

+ Crew
I.  Screenplay, Directed & Produced by Seraj Us Salikin.
II. Cinematography by Jamil Alvi.
III. Editing by Qazi Abdul Moiz.
IV. Production Design by Taha Zaidi.
V. Co-Produced by Zohaib Hassan, Khazina Asad and Hassan Zafar.

 

+ Note
Taqseem is a short story  written by Saadat Hasan Manto. This film has been selected in Tuzla Film Festival, Bucharest Cine-shortcut while it won in the category of Best Short Film in Pakistan Calling. The man cut in half is NOT Visual Effects. It is actually the combined efforts of Production Designer and Special Effects Make-Up by Danial Shahzad Khan which did the trick.

 

+ Full Cast
1. Haris Khan as Thug #1
2. Danish Ahmed as Thug #2
3. Tariq Guddu as (uncredited)

 

+ Plot

At the time of partition of Pakistan & India, in the year of 1947 at Lahore’s [unknown area] abandoned apartment; two Muslim thugs steal an enormous trunk after a train massacre. Once they have the trunk to themselves, the question now is who gets the most of its share?

 

+ High Points
i – Haris Khan’s performance as one of the thug is really a praise worthy one. No wonder he won the best actor award at Pakistan Calling for this film.

ii – The production design and its location according to its content is very convincing for the viewers.

iii – The cinematography by Jamil Alvi is propounding, well established with the story further helps in as it intensifies with the performances.

iv – The projects of the director Seraj Us Salikin are always a delight to watch and be entertained by. This one is another addition to his great works.

v – The special effects make-up is very realistic.

vi – A simple story which says about greed than brotherhood.

 

+ Low Points
i – It would be hard to follow the film if there were no English subtitles attached to it. The spoken language which is used is the mixture of Punjabi – Urdu languages.

 

+ Overall
Taqseem is like a tragic thought-provoking melody.

 

Rate: 4.50 out of 5 stars

 

A review on a Pakistani short film, ‘Manzil’ (2016). The Production House is Laal Series.

 

+ Crew

1. Edited & Directed by Hassan Ali Effendi
2. Director of Photography is Mariam I Desai
3. Written & Produced by Natasha Beyg

 

+ Note

Manzil is a tribute to our (Pakistan) national heroes. It shows the hardship and sacrifices that they (soldiers) have to make (such as giving up their comfort, happy life) in order to defend their homeland. This film reminded me of Hollywood classic film ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ (1930) however, ‘Manzil”s story is not unique; very parallel themes are already used in many war films.

Rouhan is SZABIST film graduate and a very good actor while Asad Zaman is a model turned actor.

 

 

+ Full Cast

• Mohammad Rouhan Siddiqui as Soldier #1
• Asad Zaman Khan as Soldier #2

 

 

+ Plot

During the phase of war, one of the soldiers is injured while the other one is by his side at the battlefield. They talk on cherish memories to ease up the stress of war.

 

 

+ High Points

i – The costume designing looked authentic.

ii – Performance by Asad Zaman was very satisfactory.

 

+ Low Points

i – Absurd level of editing. When the credits start rolling in, saw the editor’s name, I realized that he is also the director of this short film. Sir jee, I want to give a salute to you. Does one not know that during a conversation scene between the two lead actors there is NO need of Master shots? Unless it is absolute necessary! WHY would they be inserted during those scenes? A good director would instantly stop or remove those shots during the edit process. But since the editor and the director were same person, then this is what we got. Not only that there was no need of Master shots during the conversation scene, in Close Medium Shots we see the head movement of the characters are in other direction while in Master shots its going elsewhere… which is itself a continuity issue. Plus, in Master Shot, the lighting totally differs from the close medium shots that we have. In close medium shots, the lighting is bluish with fog while in Master Shot there is no such light or fog.

ii – The other thing which was disappointment to me was Rouhan’s acting. This guy really performs well in almost all the films that I have ever watched, but here… it didn’t add up.

iii – Nevertheless, the film makers / students alike know that if a person, who is a good actor, usually performs well yet does not give in the way he should in a project then who is to be held responsible for that? That person can only be the director. If an actor is not performing well or the way he should and the actor cannot realize it, well at least we have the director… he is not blind, he can see that. The director should keep taking re-takes TILL the actor delivers as the script requires. So, basically, we have bad direction call and poor editing skills from the very same person.

iv – And as for the credits, mention the character an actor/actress is playing. The viewers would like to know. In addition, give TIME of few seconds for the viewer to read the film credits at ease. It felt like as if your team is not interested for the viewers to know who did what in the film. In this case, I can understand why.

v – I read people comments on the film, where one said ‘I felt like crying’ and my response was ‘Where did you come from? The world of “Teletubbies”‘? Yes, the film does have emotional note, but crying? Please!

 
+ Overall

Bad editing & directorial calls, made Manzil to be a forgettable film.

 

Rate: 2.0 out of 5 stars

 

A review on a Pakistani Short Film, ‘Jeewan Hathi’ aka The Elephant in the Room (2016). The Production House is Matteela Films.

 

+ Crew

• Directed by Meenu Gaur and Farjad Nabi
• Director of Photography by Rana Kamran
• Written by Faseeh Bari Khan
• Edited by Armaghan Hasan
• Produced by Shailja Kejriwal and Mazhar Zaidi

+ Note

These directors previous work was ‘Zinda Bhaq’ (2013). Jeewan Hathi was first screened at London Indian Film Festival as well. There was a hidden reference of the children’s story i.e. the race between turtle and the rabbit.

Although the full-length time is of 60 minutes but the film ended near 50 minutes or so. There were minor role performances by Jahangir Khan, Hammad Siddiq and Ali Abbas Naqvi.

 
+ Main Cast

1. Fawad Khan as Husband
2. Kiran Tabeir as Wife
3. Hina Dilpazir as Show Host
4. Saife Hasan as Director
5. Naseeruddin Shah as Producer
6. Adnan Jaffar as Competitor #1
7. Samiya Mumtaz as Competitor #2
8. Nazar Ul Hasan as Assistant Director
9. Nimra Bucha as Guest

 
+ Plot

It centers on a lower-class couple, of a husband and wife. The wife dreams of having bigger inches LED TV at their home but the limited source of income does not fulfill this reality. One day she is watching a new morning show ‘Jeevan Hathi’ advertisement with the show’s host. The first two couples if selected would appear in the show for ‘Questions & Answers’ session related their love relationship to see which couple is the closest to each other. And the winners would be awarded with a 16″ LED TV as a bumper prize.

 
+ High Points

i – The lead actors i.e. Fawad Khan and Kiran Tabeir performances are very promising. Fawad who is considered one of the elite actors from NAPA, he has exceeded the audience expectations with his most convincing performance. On the other hand, Kiran has surprised us all. We as an audience had no idea that how well she would perform in this film. Marvelous, I tell you. I do believe that Fawad & Kiran would be very soon offered much bigger roles of different films and projects due to their excellent performances.

ii – The production design is good and eye catchy.

iii – As Nazar Ul Hasan is also one of the elite stars from NAPA, his performance was good but not great. However, due to his limited role therefore it’s acceptable and in good books.

iv – The premise of the film was very entertaining. Instead of short film, this story could have made a proper feature length film of almost 2 hours or so.

v – Saife Hasan acting was superb. It was a good decision to have him on board.

vi – The Act I and Act III were the most interesting. In the Act III, the intensity between Fawad and Kiran was enjoyable and splendidly handled.

vii – Ali Abbas Naqvi performance gave the best in the minor role.

 

+ Low Points

i – There is no as such role of Naseeruddin Shah. His inclusion in the film is wasted. Other stars, such as Samiya Mumtaz, Adnan Jaffar characters were given no back story. Adnan’s performance was not properly utilized. His character was doing such illogical actions which made ‘No Head or Tails’ (long before he gets drunk). During the film length, there are objects present in certain scenes or activities being done where one would wonder that Why is it here? Why would anyone do this? What is the motive behind it?

ii – The cinematography style suddenly changes during the mid-act where no reason is given. It’s such a change where even a person from general public can pin point it.

iii – There are some random jokes and intense activities are building up where there are absolutely no consequences are shown due to it; as if nothing actually happened.

iv – We as an audience did not cared about anyone except for two main lead characters of Fawad and Kiran. So, whatever was happening with other characters, there was no empathy or sympathy attached by the viewers.

v – The script (screen play) was mediocre. The dialogues of certain characters are unrealistic and irrelevant.

vi – Hina Dilpazir performance on several scenes was ‘Over the Top’.

vii – The Act II where the characters of Adnan and Samiya have sudden change, the punch lines were written in such a way whereas the film is forcing the audience to laugh either on their absurd dialogues or on these two characters’ weird actions.

viii – For me the Act II was the weakest scripted, performed and directed.

ix – A scene between Fawad and Jahangir, the frame of the shot kept cutting off Jahangir’s half face as the actors are talking to each other side by side.

x – As the intensity is building up, it raising upwards, so much happening, it’s CLIMBING AT THE PEAK AND… Then we have an abrupt end. Wha…? The audience could not believe. Most of them kept sitting and staring at the screen as the credits started to roll. When I started walking towards the exit, someone asked ‘Haiii… kya khatam hogai? (Did it just end?)

xi – Most of the people in the audience did not know that this film is actually a short film where they paid an actual cinema ticket price to watch at big screen. After the ending, as the audience started to walk by the exit — a guy asked me ‘What the hell was that?’ (Referring to length time of the film)

xii – The trailer of this film was very impressive and created a lot of interest to go and watch the film at the cinema. However, the film has several ups and downs like a bumpy ride. Keep it in mind that this is a short film, where the film at the cinema would be over very soon and that this film is for ADULT audience only. It’s up to you whether you want to go and watch the film or not.

xiii – It’s fair to be honest. If you are not expecting much from the film then you might like it. The story telling needs to improve and so does the script. I hope that next time they release it in feature length film.

 

+ Overall

A lot of things could have happened in Jeewan Hathi but did not which is why you would be left unsatisfied and disappointed.

Rate: 2.50 out of 5 stars

 

A review on a Pakistani Short film, ‘Chal Nikal’ (2016). Its Production is by SZABIST as this is a thesis film.

 

+ Crew

• Edited, Written & Directed by Shahzeb Hussain
• Cinematography by Nabil Hasan and Rafay Israr

 

+ Note

Chal Nikal is a comedy drama based on a loner adult guy and his (accidental) friendship with the street kid in order to find his (loner) beloved wrist watch. The story is simple and down to earth. This film reminded me of silent film ‘The Kid’ (1921) of legendary Charlie Chaplin.

Asad Ullah Chattha is a BS Media student of Iqra University. He also happens to be the CEO of ‘One Penny Production’. Hakim Khan is a non-professional actor. Due to his long-time passion in acting and close friendship with the director, ended up to play one of the main roles. The director, Shahzeb Hussain himself plays a strong supporting role as the Pawn dealer in the film while is a BMS graduate.

 

+ Main Cast

• Asad Ullah Chattha as Ali
• Hakim Khan as Sheroo
• Shahzeb Hussain as Pawn Dealer

 

 

+ Plot

One day, Ali gets bummed into Sheroo (petty thief) who steals his antique broken watch from him. After selling the watch to a pawn dealer, Ali is forced to make a deal with him to help him to get his watch back in return of a reward.

 

+ High Points

i. I was mildly entertained by the film.

ii. The cinematography is wonderful. The interior lighting of the bus especially is very smartly controlled.

iii. The performances by Asad & Hakim were soundly played off.

iv. Although having no prior experience as an actor, Hakim performed very professionally.

v. The script, dialogues are funny at a lighter note.

vi. The character as ‘Tiny Voice Man’, played by Omer Owais Akram was uproarious.

vii. Shahzeb’s acting seemed convivial and lively. His role was delightful to watch.

viii. Surprising cameo appearance by Arman Tejani, another good actor. His character was interesting to watch.

+ Low Points

i. The subtitles were missing in the film.

ii. There was no need of mentioning ‘Chapters’ in the film.

iii. The film seemed a bit dry in some parts. Since the story was simple, the viewers did not have much expectation from it.

iv. There was lack of good supportive characters other than of Shahzeb’s.

v. A very predictable ending.

 

+ Overall

In the absence of a few more innovative jokes, unpredictability and more than one strong supportive role, Chal Nikal could have been much more interesting to watch.

Rate: 3.0 out of 5 stars

 

A review on a Pakistani short documentary, ‘Blame It or Claim It!’ (2016). The Production of SZABIST was used as it is a student thesis film in the shape of short documentary.

 

+ Crew

1. Edited & Directed by Fatima Yousuf Shaikh
2. Director of Photography & Co-Edited by Rahim Aziz Sajwani
3. Produced by Small Crew Films

 

+ Note

Blame It or Claim It! tells their side of the story (Doctors) and discuss the difficult position that they are stuck with in between the victim’s heir and police. Then there’s small talk regarding laws on the subject matter with legal advisor. As the documentary moves forward, we see what happens if a doctor does treat a patient in such state. There is also police side of the story who has to deal with these incidents.

We get to introduce to two families, who are interviewed for losing their loved ones under such extreme circumstances. They stories are tragic and heart breaking to watch.

This short documentary engages the audience with such past cases and present situation at the civil hospitals in comparison with the private ones.

 

+ Full Cast (Actual people interviewed with)

1. Aaly Hassan as Chief Medical Officer
2. Summaiya as Police Sergeant MLO
3. Nighat as In-charge Civil ER
4. Numerous Staff of Civil Hospital Management
5. ZK Arif as Legal Advisor, Advocate High Court
6. Nisar Ali Shah as Medico Legal Officer Civil
7. Irshad Karim as Police In-charge Investigation

 

+ Plot

It is based on the negligence by the doctors at the time of emergency protocols for those cases mainly car accidents, homicide, unnatural mishaps etc. It shows to what a haunting experience it is for those who have been the victims themselves, victim’s immediate family and those who have no reference, support of doctor or police or lawyer in such dire need.

 
+ High Points

i – It is the intense bond between the documentary content and the audience.

ii – The documentary has highlighted a POWERFUL subject which is still a HORRIFYING exposure who ever goes through it.

iii – The interviews taken by the two unfortunate families were heart breaking, petrifying accounts to listen to.

iv – The camera work was taken care of (almost) perfectly well.

v – Having advocate, legal advisor, MLO, Civil In-charge, several doctors, In-charge Investigation… their contributions to this documentary would be proved as most helpful to audience and to perhaps our govt who someday make a strict law and followed it or face a legal case be taken (with quick result) against those who prevent the medical treatment to such victims.

vi – I am glad how this project has turned out to be. One can see that the effort you and your team have poured in and have done a fantastic work here.

 
+ Low Points

i – There is no inclusion of English & Urdu subtitles for both the different versions. Some parts of the documentary are in Urdu language while mostly spoken English. Yet subtitles are basic requirement.

ii – The man who sat with Abreera’s parents, mention his name & relationship too. Let the viewers know, who the person is during his time sharing his views. Once a certain person’s name (with position) is mentioned, no need to do it the second time.

iii – Graphic slides, where the name of the location, date, time & day is mentioned; improvise it with better fonts that give a professional look when it is used for screening purpose.

iv – Include real life sounds of recorded car accidents, car brakes, ambulance siren in the documentary during the medical documents or graphic slides are shown on screen.

v – Lastly the credits of the crew behind its making, is either to be mentioned in the start of documentary or in the end. Here, most of the credits are shown in both places.

 

+ Overall

Truly hope that through Blame It or Claim It! we do make a difference and bring betterment to our nation. Good Job!

 

Rate: 4.25 out of 5 stars

 

A review on a Pakistani Short Documentary Film, ‘Beyond Quarters’ (2016).

 

+ Crew

i – DOP, Directed & Produced by Amna Tariq

 

+ Note

This short documentary film is based on Afghani people (i.e. from rural areas), who come to big cities such as Karachi; Pakistan to find work but have to face harassment issues regarding being a foreigner, unregistered as refugee or card blockage temporary resident. In this documentary, we are informed at the start that an Afghani man Sharafdeen, who came to Karachi with his sons in late 90s. Since then he and his sons have been working as a watchmen for a private residential building.

There are few people such as Imran Sherwani [Journalist & Media Activist], Taimur Ahmad Suri [Academic] & Zia Ur Rehman [Journalist & Author] who input their views on the problem the Pakistani govt. is facing by having them (Afghani refuges) and discuss on what to do in reducing the problem which would be beneficial for both the parties. In 15 minutes of documentary, we see how these unregistered refugees live after finding work (which does not necessarily require skill for it).

It is uploaded on YouTube. Search for ‘Beyond Quarters’.

 

+ Plot

We have ‘Babdeen’ & ‘Burhan’ who share their story and living pattern in very limited resources and rights that they have as a human being.

 

+ High Points

i – It is how it is filmed. The way a professional documentary should be shot and handled is done here properly.

ii – By having two different certified journalists and an academic personality on board, we understand the dispute from their angles also.

iii – Most of the main relevant information is made known in the limited documentary that we have.

 

+ Low Points

i – The subtitles. If one is willing to show his/her film on screen or upload on internet then it means you know well that your product is complete. Yet we have white subtitles with no shade or any other dark color used for the documentary. Yes, it distorted in most places with the background and was hard to understand. But thankfully, this time it is not in foreign language (i.e. for Urdu speakers). Still, if any language subtitles is to be included in the film — it should be EASILY readable.

ii – There were times where one cannot understand the accent of the person who is speaking (even if you understand the language but do not understand clearly what that person is saying) and that is when you need the subtitles to clear that out.

iii – Anyways, the second thing that I felt was the lack of emotional link between with the lead person and the viewer. To me, it did not as such connect as it should have been. Before the bond could be made, the documentary ended.

 

+ Overall

Well, there you have it. I would say it is a decent short documentary. Most of the short documentaries that I have watched which were directed & produced by film graduates are not good. I would prefer that I don’t watch them since they have lots of technical issues especially with amateur cinematography and that they make it too much dramatize like a typical fictional film. Here I can safely say it is not anywhere near it but good effort to watch. ‘Practice Makes Perfect’, that I sincerely believe in. For the director, I would say is ‘Good Effort’.

 

Rate: 2.75 out of 5 stars

 

A review on a Pakistani Short Film, ‘Behnaam Gour: The Unmarked Grave’ (2016).

 

+ Crew:

1. Written & Directed by Meer Farhad Jamali
2. Co-written by Ahmar Anwar
3. Director of Photography is Faiz M. Qazi

+ Note:

This is a drama film (where the story is inspired by several true incidents). The story revolves around Balochi people, their present life styles at their home town and how they are unfairly treated by city’s strangers especially to those who are unfamiliar with metropolitan negativism. The first 10 – 15 minutes of the film, it is in Balochi language where we can watch & understand the film via English subtitles.

Ms. Mehernisa Baloch who happens to be a Sindhi actress and has past working experience at PTV channel. She performed her role really like a true loving mother. Syed M. Jameel has working experience as theatre actor. This was his first experience in main supporting role in a film. He has played his character well as ‘Amaanullah’ the taxi driver.

 

 

+ Main Cast:

1. Bilal Baloch as Bahraam
2. Mehernisa as Amma
3. Syed M. Jameel as Amaanullah

 

 

+ Plot:

At Nalient; Kolaanch, area of Balochistan, a family lives there. The mother of Bahraam is unwell. The local doctor recommends him to go to big city where Bahraam can admit his mother to a much better hospital and bypass her with kidney transplant. Since he has never been outside his home town, the kind of mishaps and troubles he has to face is the real challenge which lies ahead of him.

 

+ High Points:  

i – The lead actor Bilal Baloch who performed role of ‘Bahraam’ is a newly inducted diploma student of NAPA who has only completed his first year. This actor is although an unknown face in the media line still he performed so magnificently that I was truly AMAZED by his realistic performance. My first thought was ‘Who is he? Where he is from? Is he working in some channel / drama’?

ii – The locations that the director chooses to shoot of Balochistan are astonishing and beautiful. The Director of Photography is done in such a manner that the film itself (besides its excellent narration and the incredible performances), the scenery shots are utter Stunning and Memorable!

iii – The realistic theme narration that we see throughout the film,

iv – The praise worthy performances by the main actors especially by Bilal Baloch & respected Ms. Mehernisa Baloch.

v – The makeup that was done on the actor was so accurate that the passersby during the shoot were totally convinced and took it literally.

vi – In many places I was wondering, how the film crew was able to shoot such intense, complex scenes. The team shot the film as if they have much experience on their hands.

vii – The director did this job in most spectacular effort.

viii – We have several cameo appearances & minor roles performed by young actors. Police Inspector role was done very nice by the lead person, Saad Memon (who is himself a theatre director and an actor) did a good job as receptionist, a surprising cameo appearance by a great actor Mohammad Rouhan Siddiqui and a secret cameo appearance by Cyrus Karanjia (where I later came to know, which specific role was that).

 

+ Low Points:  

i – The subtitles that were used are in white with no shade; it distorted with the brightly lit background and was hard to understand (since the first quarter of the film is in Balochi language).

ii – In some scenes, particularly in the end I felt that there is a plot hole which had to be filled in to reach to its conclusion. It was more like an ‘Open Ended’ between the ending and epilogue.

iii – In addition, the editing is done (shockingly) by five different people STILL I felt that it could have been better.

 

+ Overall:

After many praises by friends and colleagues alike, I finally decided to watch the film. And I must say it is a fantastic view. At the screening, most of the people gave a HUGE round of applause for the director and its film crew on their effort and passion behind its making. One would admit that, not everyone has guts to make a film on these kinds of realistic issues and receive a standing ovation in return. For this film, it truly deserves a ‘Thumb’s Up’.

Rate: 4.50 out of 5 stars

 

A review on Pakistani Short Film, ‘Allah K Naam Pe’ (2016); its Production House is Laal Series.

 

+ Crew:

1. Directed by Natasha Beyg
2. Written by Naeem Ud Din
3. Director of Photography by Mariam Iqbal Desai
4. Produced, Edited & Story by Hassan Ali Effendi

 

+ Note:

The concept behind this story is (yet again) not new but still uncommon. Some of the films are made in very similar or close to this concept. There is a fame Hollywood film of Al Pacino who used this concept too. I won’t name it otherwise it would ruin the film as STRONG Spoiler.

The name ‘Allah K Naam Pe’ is in Urdu language words, which means ‘In the Name of God’.

 

+ Main Cast:

1) Quaid Ahmed as ‘Shop Keeper’

2) N/A as ‘Beggar’

3) N/A as ‘Friend #1’

4) N/A as ‘Friend #2’

 

+ Plot:

It centers on a common shop keeper who gets very tormented by a beggar who on daily basis consistently begs him in the ‘Name’ of God. Every day the beggar begs to him and every day he scram him off. One day, the shop keeper asks the beggar causally to give him ‘Something’ instead in the Name of God. And from that moment on, the life of shop keeper completely changes.

 

+ High Points:

i – The lead actor Quaid Ahmed acted well in the film.

ii – The sound track is good to listen to that is Vocals by Ahsan Bari & Dreen Baloch and Music Direction by Ahsan Bari is promising.

iii – The direction is decently handled.

iv – The ending leads you to spellbinding.

v – Good thing is there were no blunders in editing this time.

 

+ Low Points:

i – The supportive cast members acting is quite weak. There were hardly any expressions on their faces for giving us (viewers) reaction to the action / want.

ii – The costume of the lead actor till the Act III still seemed new… more deterioration of his physical transformation was required.

iii – In the credits, we still see no characters’ names with actors’ names as who played what. Only the lead actor name is mentioned.

iv – Avoid general public eye contact / their smiling faces by either in the edit process or blurring their presence by focusing on your subject. In the background, in some scenes their smiley faces towards the lead actor did work as he remained in his character while in some scenes it did not… as the people in distance were looking towards the camera. It breaks the fourth wall.

v – The fast track of time passage is overly used by young film makers. Either do it with a different style or try avoiding it.

vi – The cinematography is mediocre. I would prefer something new and interesting to watch. Either change your DOP or upgrade your work.

 

+ Overall: Well, this film does have its merits towards positivism of film making. Do Learn from your mistakes and work on its improvisations for your upcoming future projects. Anyone who wants to learn sincerely would learn with time with their experiences. I believe that you would too.

 

Rate: 3.0 out of 5 stars