A review on Pakistani Rom-Com feature length film, Wrong No. 2 (2019). The Production Houses are YNH Films and Mastermind Films while its Distributors are Distribution Club and Geo Films.

 

 

+ Crew

1. Written & Directed by Yasir Nawaz
2. Co-Written by Danish Nawaz and Hassan Ahmed
3. Cinematography by Naeem Mustafa
4. Edited by Salman Tehzeeb
5. Produced by Sh. Amjad Rasheed and Hassan Zia

 

 

 

+Note

Wrong No. 2 is sequel to the 2015 film, Wrong No. also directed by Yasir Nawaz. However, this sequel is based on entirely different story and characters. The music is composed by Simaab Sen. The director, Yasir Nawaz and both the co-writers have starred in this film.

The two films including Wrong No. 2 released on Eid-ul-Fitr of 2019 have same names for their female lead character, Zoya.

 

 

 

+ Main Cast

1. Yasir Nawaz as Mehboob
2. Sana Fakhar as Masooma
3. Neelam Muneer as Zoya
4. Sami Khan as Omar
5. Jawed Sheikh as Gul Nawaz
6. Mehmood Aslam as Wazir Ali
7. Hassan Ahmed as Happy

 

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+ Supporting Cast

1. Danish Nawaz as Shaukat
2. N/A as Happy’s Mother
3. Shafqat Cheema as Happy’s Father
4. Ashraf Khan as Shaukat’s Father
5. Fareeha Jabeen as Shaukat’s Mother
6. Irfan Khoosat as Neighbor

 

 

 

+ Plot

Zoya, a rich heiress who falls in love with a man who is not as financially stable as herself. Her father mistakes her lover for someone else and they face a comedy of errors.

 

 

 

+ High Points

 i – Jawed Sheikh’s performance as Gul Nawaz made the audience filled with laughter in major of his scenes. Although he portrays as father in almost every Pakistani film that is released but to have a veteran actor such as Jawed Sheikh on-board is always a warm welcome. Other Honorable Mentions: Mehmood Aslam.

ii – The first performance I have watched of Hassan Ahmed was in a TV serial, Farwa Ki ABC (2015). Though, this TV drama was terrible to watch but Hassan’s performance came into notice. Here, in this film, he plays his character as Happy, a spoiled, adult pampered son who is a drug addict and wants to marry Zoya only for the sake of money. I believe that he is a good actor and should be given better, respectable roles for a change. That way, we all be witness to his potential towards acting skills, to know how well he can perform.

iii – The production design and the selection of shooting locations for couple of the songs are praise worthy.

iv – The dance choreography in one song is good that happens before a wedding ceremony.

 

 

 

+ Low Points

i – If you are a hardcore fan of such films as Baby’s Day Out (1994) or Power Rangers (1995), then Wrong No. 2 is just for you. The level of comedy used here stand in the ranks of childish-kindergarten humor. Vast number of the people were laughing at the cinema hall were children. Okay, you got me. Some humor is good enough to enjoy but the ratio for good comedy is minor in front of film’s majority of its scenes.

ii – The concept of having an aged character, Mehboob belonging to middle class family and dealing with financial issues while keeping himself off bay from corruption, is something the writer/director fails to utilize it properly.

iii – Instead of having Mehboob or Omar or Zoya’s character to be film’s journey… most of the scenes belong to the supporting characters, Gul Nawaz and Wazir Ali. Let’s face it, Jawed Sheikh and Mehmood Aslam are the best actors from the cast long before watching the film. All other lead stars performances are…

iv – We are shown Masooma (Sana Fakhar) to be an independent, respected faithful loving wife. Then we get to know that one of her children is diagnosed with terminal cancer. And to treat this fatal disease would cost the parents a hefty amount that they don’t have… When you (writer) have established such a strong emotional link with the audience, then why use the same character for sexual/seductive purpose in the shape of comedy?

She then starts working at Gul Nawaz’s home as a maid, where Gul Nawaz (Jawed Sheikh) becomes sexually attracted towards her, unknowingly of her reasons to work. The embarrassing close-up body shots are taken to create sexual humor.

v – If you had Sami Khan put up on a hanger and kept him inside a cupboard, no one in the audience would have notice his absence from the film. Not only his character carried any weight, his level of acting skills is the proof to show that our film industry still has issues of working on the grounds of personal favors, references, commercial names instead of hiring professional, new talented actors who would do a lot better if they are given a chance.

vi – There were many random jokes been made throughout the film without proper planning to where to put it exactly.

vii – The typical story, yet again where the rich girl falls in love with a guy not belonging to her social class. And her father wants to wed her off to the person of his choice. Really? Are we running out of ideas here or what?

viii – The film eventually becomes a drag, with a lot of yawns along the way.

 

 

+ Overall

After watching Wrong No. 2, I have finally realized that its predecessor wasn’t all that bad.

 

 

Rate: 1.0 out of 5 stars

 

A review on Pakistani Rom-Com feature length film, Chhalawa (2019). The Production House is Showcase Films while its Distributors are Hum Films and Eveready Pictures.

 

 

+ Crew

• Written, Directed & Produced by Wajahat Rauf
• Cinematography by Asrad Khan
• Edited by Hasan Ali Khan
• Music by Shiraz Upal

 

 

 

+Note

Chhalawa is about family relationships and love. Previously, the lead stars, Mehwish Hayat and Azfar Rehman appeared in a super-hit feature length film, Punjab Nahi Jaungi (2017) where Azfar played a supporting role.

Wajahat Rauf has directed such films as Karachi Se Lahore (2015), and its sequel, Lahore Se Agay (2016). In all of his films, the director’s son, Aashir Wajahat is starred as one of the supporting stars except for the film, Lahore Se Agay where he had a cameo appearance.

Another co-star, Zara Noor Abbas happens to be the daughter of actress, Asma Abbas and niece of Bushra Ansari. Zara’s real life husband is Asad Siddiqui, who is also the supporting actor of this film. Asad is the nephew of the actor, Adnan Siddiqui.

This review contains some SPOILERS!

 

 

+ Full Cast

1. Mehwish Hayat as Zoya
2. Azfar Rehman as Sameer
3. Zara Noor Abbas as Haya
4. Asad Siddiqui as Luqman
5. Mehmood Aslam as Chaudhry Rafaqat
6. Aashir Wajahat as Haroon
7. Adnan Shah Tipu as Chaudhry Nazakut
8. Mohsin Ejaz as Jalal Chaudhry
9. Wajahat Rauf as Train Inspector (Cameo)

 

 

 

+ Plot

Zoya is in love with city boy, Sameer and doesn’t want to marry according to her father’s wishes.

 

 

 

+ High Points

i – The real charm of this film is its songs. I am not saying that they are good but… you can say that they were nice.

ii – Zara Noor Abbas’s performance is where most of the audience be interested to turn their attention to. Her acting seemed natural and was able to play her role comfortably. Other Honorable Mentions: Mehmood Aslam, Asad Siddiqui and Aashir Wajahat.

iii – The lighting and its cinematography made the film visually interesting to watch.

iv – The production design helps the film to establish its friendly, believable settings.

v – The makeup & hair styling team did a good job in making the stars glamorous on big-screen.

 

 

 

+ Low Points

i – This is very bad writing and the major flaw of the film. There is no proper character building, characters’ backstory and kept within a logical environment. It appears that the writers rushed Chhalawa to be released on Eid-ul-Fitr before they could sort it out all its flaws first.

ii – There are many scenes, where the film does not make any head or tails. You would find yourself scratching your head as to why you are watching this film in the first place? Kindly note that this is not a buffoonish but a light comedy film. Therefore, logical reasoning should be given with your (writers’) every / most of the moves. But it was not.

Example#1: After getting shot and being severely injured, suddenly comedy is inserted, where the marriage is forced to take place in a choking, traffic jam.

Example#2: Luqman, a smart, educated guy belonging to upper-middle class (as per his lifestyle) is living a dual life. One is of normal self and other as Peer (Spiritual Guide) who make false promises to gain trust and cash for selfish needs. The issue here is that Luqman’s disguise as Peer, clearly shows that his voice, beard, clothing… everything LOOKS AND IS fake! But in the film, Chaudry sahib as well as the people whom Luqman has drawn towards himself for a long time (as Peer) have no clue of this.

Example#3: After running away in the middle of the night and reaching at a random place where they have no idea, where they are… Zoya decides to change her clothes and do a vulgar item song in front of sex craving unknown local men in her surroundings. Her lover, Sameer has no issue with this and totally supports her, even though knowingly that they are still within the limits of the same rural area where her father resides and most probably looking for them with his henchmen.

iii – Bad decisions taken in its direction. I can’t say that I am a fan of Wajahat Rauf’s films. But Chhalawa looked much better in its trailer. When you don’t have a good script in your hands, then everything just falls apart. After watching Chhalawa in the first 20 minutes, I lost interest completely. I think, I must have glance at my watch for at least 4 – 5 times.

iv – The lead stars’ performances failed to make an impression on the audience. Instead, we as audience were more interested in watching supporting cast’s performances.

v – Having yet another typical story to tell… with a weak script, your focus point would turn towards the film’s secondary features. Such as, the film’s makeup & hair styling, production design, subplots, etc.

vi – The love triangle of Chhalawa is worse than watching cricket matches these days.

vii – It seems as though the character of Sameer was intentionally kept weak, not able to take heroic / manly decisions to show his level of maturity. If it was so, then it was not properly portrayed by the lead star or his character was likewise written poorly.

viii – Most of the jokes, its humor was dull and boring whereas some of them were good enough to give a weak smile.

ix – Wow! We have an item number featuring Mehwish Hayat. Almost every Pakistani film nowadays features at least one item song whose true sole purpose is to degrade females in the name of ‘Entertainment’.

 

 

 

+ Overall

Chhalawa is a ridiculous and unwanted rom-com with serious writing issues.

 

 

 

Rate: 1.25 out of 5 stars

 

A review on Pakistani Drama feature length film, ‘Azad’ aka ‘Independent’ (2018). The Production Houses are Bling Studios and Roomi Films while it’s Distributor is Hum Films.

 

 

+ Crew

• Written, Directed & Produced by Rehan Sheikh
• Cinematography by Ilyas Kashmiri
• Edited by Yasir Nawaz
• Music by Abbas Ali Khan and Taimoor Mirza
• Production Designed & Co-Produced by Hassan Naeem

 

 

+ Note

Azad is an offbeat comedy drama set-in modern-day Pakistan about a free-spirited RJ who hosts a morning show until a chance encounter leads him to confront his own ideas of freedom.

This film might face the same fate in the domestic box office as did Pakistani feature length films such as Shah (2015) and Josh (2013).

 

 

+ Main Cast

1. Rehan Sheikh as Azad / Danish aka Dani
2. Sanam Saeed as Sadia
3. Salman Shahid as Pervaiz Sher Khan / PK Sher
4. Ajlal Shah as Bilal / Billo
5. Sabreen Hisbani as Jia

 

 

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+ Supporting Cast

1. Nimra Bucha as N/A
2. Jawad Rana as N/A
3. Sajjad Kishwar as N/A
4. Zahid Ahmed as OJ (Cameo)
5. Angeline Malik as N/A (Cameo)
6. Imran Abbas as N/A (Cameo)
7. Schumaila Hussain as N/A (Cameo)

 

 

 

+ Plot

Azad runs a morning radio show of PK Sher with liberal and thought-provoking ideas. One day he is challenged by his past encounter against his freedom beliefs.

 

 

+ High Points

i – A very well written screenplay and story. Light humor that easily balances in the script.

ii – Rehan Sheikh’s performance as Azad played out often amusing, yet expressive in grim scenes.

iii – Sanam Saeed as Sadia performed wonderfully as Azad’s colleague and nemesis. Other Honorable Mentions: Rest of the cast.

iv – Sensational work on its Production design, scenes pleasantly blend in.

v – The cinematography is more effective with worthy lighting throughout the film.

vi – Some soft hearted but appropriate songs while others are foreign classics.

vii – It has a satisfying, emotional ending.

viii – Good use of the cameos.

 

 

+ Low Points

i – A bit lengthy film should be shorter by 10 – 15 minutes.

ii – The film is slow and not everyone’s kind of film to watch. For mirch, masala type of film watchers, avoid this one.

 

 

 

 

+ Overall

For Azad, the multi-talented star Rehan Sheikh has nicely executed directorial debut of his career. The film is very close to reality… and definitely a winner!

 

 

Rate: 4.0 out of 5 stars

 

A review on Pakistani Rom-Com feature length film, Halla Gulla (2015). The Production House is SE Films while its Distributors are IMGC Global Entertainment and Geo Films.

 

 

+ Crew

• Written & Directed by Kamran Akbar Khan
• Cinematography by Asif Khan
• Co-Written by Raheela Mushtaq Shah
• Music Composed by Saahir Ali Bagga
• Produced by Hanif Mohammad

 

 

 

+Note

Halla Gulla is a farce comedy film, of the year 2015 which is re-released in 2019. Nasir Inayat is behind the film’s editing.

The story revolves around Sahil and Udaas as Sahil’s uncle, Tiger Bhai secretly plans to take over the territory of Sahil’s father, Golden Bhai as both of these brothers are don. Udaas himself is a married man but in secret has two wives and lives in constant threat of getting caught. But here is where the real fun begins when Sahil & Udaas are forced to tell vast number of lies only to keep their secrets hidden. Although, it gets them into more trouble than before.

Muhammad Asif aka Mr. Bean makes a cameo appearance as photographer in the film.

 

 

+ Songs & Item Girls

• ‘Suroor De’ (song of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan) by Afshan Jawwad
• ‘Zero Meter’ by Rubab
• ‘Thumka’ by Mahnoor
• ‘Halla Gulla’ by Rachel Gill
• ‘Ishq Kamla’ by Maryam Ansari

 

 

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+ Main Cast

1. Asim Mehmood as Saahil
2. Sidra Batool as Muskarahat
3. Muneeb Butt as Udaas
4. Javed Sheikh as Golden Bhai
5. Ismail Tara as Tiger Bhai
6. Jasmeen Ahmed as Sharmeeli
7. Bilal Yousufzai as Shoq
8. Sara Khan as Chanchal

 

 

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+ Supporting Cast

1. Hina Rizvi as Chatpati
2. Ashraf Khan as Saahil’s Uncle
3. Mariam Ansari as Udaas’s Friend
4. Zara Gul as Shoq’s Wife
5. Ghazala Javed as Sharmeeli’s Mother
6. Adil Wadia as Sharmeeli’s Father
7. Hunain Maniar as N/A
8. Randy Kalsi as Randheer
9. Danish Maqsood as Saahil’s Friend

 

 

 

+ Plot

Sahil doesn’t wants to be part of this mafia family business and distance himself as per the dying wishes of his beloved mother. During his struggle to find crime-free, happy life, Sahil falls in love with his nemesis Udaas’s sister, Muskarahat. Since Udaas has a secret of his own that only Sahil knows, the two make a deal by keeping their secrets hidden as long as it takes.

 

 

 

+ High Points

i – Some decent production design to look at. Scenes such as of mafia brothers posh life style, Sahil spending time with Muskarahat etc.

ii – Nice work behind the makeup & hair styling. Performers such as Sidra Batool, Mariam Ansari looked graceful on-screen.

iii – As for hot weather, the air conditioning of the cinema halls was working fine to get good resting.

 

 

 

+ Low Points

i – Unnecessary confusions are created by introducing too many sub plots from the very start of the film before even establishing the core story first. There was so much going on in the film that I really didn’t cared of who is who and what is what. All it mattered to me was when the film is going to end?

ii – Instead of good performance to watch, we have lots of over acting by almost everyone. It’s better to throw your money in garbage or spend it on food than to watch this trash film.

iii – There are so many characters who share the screen time that hardly anyone would leave a lasting strong impression for the audience to remember.

iv – As for weak writing, we have a supporting character in a comedy film with gay element, played by Bilal Yousufzai. It is the weak character I am pointing out here and not the actor’s performance. No cheap comedy is without such element.

v – Wow! We have four out of five item songs. Really shameful to see the usage of these cheap tactics to make your film ‘Entertaining’!

vi – Veteran actors such as Javed Sheikh and Ismail Tara appears as though they are now only interested in money and not to what kind of films they getting into. It is shocking to see great actors in such corny comedy films.

 

 

 

+ Overall

Halla Gulla desperately tries to make the audience laugh, but falls flat on its face.

 

 

Rate: 0.50 out of 5 stars

 

A review on Pakistani War Action-Drama feature length film, Sher Dil (2019). The Production House is NK Films while its Distributor is ARY Films.

 

 

 

+ Crew

• Directed by Azfar Jafri
• Written & Produced by Nouman Khan
• Cinematography by Riki Butland
• Music Composed by Adnan Dhul and Rabi Ahmed
• Fight Choreography by Sonu Dangerous

 

 

 

+Note

Sher Dil refers to Sherdils aka Lion Hearts of Pakistan; they are the aerobatics display team of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). The Sherdils are based at the Pakistan Air Force Academy, Risalpur, Pakistan and consist of nine Karakoram K-8P aircraft.

Previously, Azfar Jafri has directed Parchi (2018) and Janaan (2016). According to inside reports, the film will be shot in Egypt, Dubai and Pakistan. ‘NK Pictures’, has previously worked with the PAF to produce a track called Tum Hi Se Aye Mujahidoon that was sung by the late Junaid Jamshed and featured Sher dil’s leading man, Mikaal Zulfiqar.

 

 

 

 

+ Main Cast

1. Mikaal Zulfiqar as Flt Lt Haris Mustafa
2. Armeena Khan as Sabrina
3. Hassan Niazi as Flt Lt Arun Veerani
4. Ibrahim Alavi as Fawad
5. Sabeeka Imam as Sarah Francis
6. Malik Aqeel as Harijeet
7. Belal Shahid as Irfan

 

 

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+ Supporting Cast

1. Sair Hassan as Squadron Leader Sikander
2. Samina Ahmed as Haris’s Grandmother
3. Imran Uppal as Haris’s Father
4. Laila Zuberi as Haris’s Mother
5. Noman Khan as Air Commander Junaid Jamshed
6. Kashif Khan as Gangster

 

 

 

 

+ Plot

A young patriotic, Haris Mustafa wants to serve his country and join PAF, similar to his grandfather. But his father wants Haris to join him in their family business.

 

 

 

+ High Points

i – Mikaal Zulfiqar is a charming, handsome actor who plays his character as Haris, a courageous PAF star pilot. Not only is he a photogenic but his acting skills are always laudable. Although both of his films, Na Band, Na Baraati (2018) and Sher Dil (2019) still fails to make its mark with the audience. But his charming good looks and great acting skills make the audience want to watch the film for the sake of it.

ii – Arun Veerani played by Hassan Niazi gave a very satisfying performance. The first & only performance I ever watched of Hassan Niazi before this was in another Pakistani feature film, Maalik (2016) where many people, including myself genuinely appreciated it. Other Honorable Mentions: Ibrahim Alavi.

iii – The production design and locations of shoot were exotic at times and well-chosen especially in songs shoot.

iv – I won’t really call Hassan’s character as villain as his and Mikaal’s relationship is given a shape of bromance which is a very well handled BTW. The last & perhaps the only time an Indian film showed the opponent as a good heart, mature person was in Refugee (2000) played by Sunil Shetty. The conflict between these two characters in Sher Dil, is of the line of duty for their country and not their personal differences. Knowingly that with whom they are up against and the fact that they both respect each other sentiments, but their top priority is the safeguard your country.

v – The visual effects are the real treat here. Unlike in Parwaaz Hai Junoon (2018), this film able to do it right. The fight sequences between the fighter pilots in the sky is commendable.

vi – Good efforts behind the costume designing of the characters which includes the wardrobe of the lead stars as well as of main supporting cast.

vii – Makeup & hair styling did a good job with the film stars who looked glamorous on the big screen.

viii – The man behind the camera is Riki Butland, who did nice work in its cinematography. Its effective lighting and color correction, made the film more visually stunning.

ix – There was some nice, light comedy during the training days at the air force academy. The two comic relief characters were played by Malik Aqeel and Belal Shahid.

 

 

 

 

+ Low Points

i – Serious flaws in the writing department, where the character Haris’s struggle is missing. His efforts to achieve anything dear to him is nowhere to be found. The writer showed the conflicts in his life but not their hardships in tackling them. Such as:

 

• Luck: Haris is born in a rich, loving family.

         Conflict: His parents want him to join their family business instead.

         Struggle: …?

 

 

• Luck: Haris has good hearted friends.

         Conflict: He needs to earn their trust & respect for him.

         Struggle: …?

 

 

• Luck: Sabrina already likes him.

         Conflict: She doesn’t want to marry armed forces occupational guy.

         Struggle: …?

 

 

• Luck: Haris is selected in Air Force Academy.

Conflict: He needs to do his best to be selected as one of the top fighter pilots.

Struggle: …?

 

If you going to show everything to be easily accomplishing it then you would lose the value of that achievement and so the audience interest.

ii – Armeena Khan is one of the beautiful actresses of Pakistani film industry. I liked her performance in Janaan (2016) also directed by Azar Jafri. Here, Armeena’s acting as well as her character was dull. Sabrina, the character that she is playing is damsel in distress. And the fact that she looked older than to Mikaal.

The makeup & hair styling department could work their wonders here by either making Armeena younger or Mikaal older to suit the couple. In the film’s story, after the sudden time span of 5 years, Mikaal looks just exactly the same. He doesn’t seem to age at all. It is Armeena who still looks older.

iii – The chemistry between Mikaal and Armeena was mediocre. First of all, the love story was forced between the two. They both already like each other which is very dry for the audience to bear.

iv – There were no sub plots to watch other than Haris’s journey.

v – What was the point of the kidnapping scene and the character that was given to Kashif Khan to portray. By looking at his character, I mean the way he was given the screen time during a song, it looked promising and appeared as though that he might be the antagonist of the film or at least a secondary villain. But no. Unnecessary importance was given to a character who is of no use except in one scene which itself made no ‘Head or tails’ for the film’s story or its main content. WTH Jani?

vi – The second half is much drier than the first. I understand that the writer wanted to make things serious in later of the story but it was not interesting to watch.

vii – I don’t remember the character, Sabrina ever flying a fighter plane as shown on the film posters or giving Hassan Niazi a major role to play. His character comes much later in the story and has his only one main fight sequence in the film.   

viii – Most of the songs were just okay; I wouldn’t say it to be good enough to enjoy or be memorable.

ix – In Pakistani armed forces film, patriotism is the key thing which is strongly highlighted throughout the film’s length. But over here, it was mentioned at some places only. I agree that we should not overdo it. Still I feel that it was absent on several occasions.

 

 

 

 

+ Overall

Sher Dil’s success suffers mainly from the undeniable lackluster a great story, characters handling and weak chemistry between the lead stars.

 

 

 

Rate: 2.50 out of 5 stars

A review on Pakistani Rom-Drama feature length film, Junoon-e-Ishq (2019). The Production Houses & Distributors are Ever New Studios and Usman Umer Productions.

 

 

+ Crew

• Directed by Naseem Haider Shah
• Written by Wajid Zubairi
• Cinematography by Aftab Ahmed
• Music Composed by M. Arshad
• Produced by Asghar Ali

 

 

 

+Note

Junoon-e-Ishq is a story of love and obsession beyond the limits. The editing is done by Asad Zada. After directing 30 films within Lollywood, Naseem is considered one of the top directors of Lahore.

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan happens to be one of the playback singers and sung ‘Chupaon Kaise’. Besides him, Saira Naseem, Humaira Channa, and Joji Ali Khan have also contributed the songs for the film. The film was shot in different parts of Pakistan like Naran & Kaghan Valley. It is claimed that some of the parts were also shot in Bangkok and UK as well.

 

 

 

+ Main Cast

1. Mahi Khan as Sahiba
2. Adnan Khan as Raza
3. Aamir Qureshi as Gulbaz

 

 

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+ Supporting Cast

1. Rashid Mehmood as Gulbaz’s Father
2. Shahid as Sahiba’s Father
3. Lucky Dear as Raja’s Friend #1

 

 

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+ Minor Cast

1. Ali Zafar as Sahiba’s Fiancée
2. Saleem Panchi as Sahiba’s Servant #1
3. Maesam Abbas as Raja’s Nephew
4. Mahnoor as Bar Girl #1
5. Afreen (Pari) as Bar Girl #2
6. Asada Ali as Raja’s Friend #2

 

 

 

 

+ Plot

Gulbaz, a crazy lover is madly in love with the rich girl, Sahiba. But she is already in love with Raja, a poor village boy.

 

 

 

 

+ High Points

i – There are some nice green trees, cloudy sky and blank walls to look at.

ii – Hardly 1 – 2 songs may be decent enough to listen (not watch) to.

 

 

 

 

+ Low Points

i – Everything in this film is terrible. You pick anything and that’s bad. Direction? Bad. Writing? Bad. Acting? Bad. Anything I tell you. It’s a wonder that even after directing 30 films, the director or his team still don’t know how to get basic things right for a film to work? This kind of poor execution is seen only when you are over confident with your work and surrounded by those friends who give fake praises on your every move. The only reason they do that so that they could get work and be in good books. And why these filmmakers are so stupid to fell for that? Because everyone loves to hear praises.

If your common sense works, then you would tell the difference of fake and actual praises. But at foremost, listen to the critics first. Listen to what they have to say. They are not your enemies. What they are telling you is where you are making mistakes and how you could learn from them. If you are too proud or too stubborn to learn anything then I guess our majority of the films would be stuck in the dark ages for times to come.

ii – After watching it for 2 minutes, my brain and eyes were having a serious conflict on who to commit suicide first. It’s a D- or F grade Lollywood film quality. The director should give the audience hard-earned money back to them.

iii – Aamir Qureshi (Mustafa Qureshi’s son) was the only recognizable actor from the mainstream media industry and happens to play the antagonist’s role. But I wondered, as to why he would sign to do such a bad film for? He has already acted in some nice TV dramas and some so-so films. Then why say ‘Yes’ to such a crap film? Do the actors not see that such a move may turn out to be a career suicide?

For Aamir to do such a film, he must have been shot with a dozen of tranquilizers where the BTS team later on pulled the strings (after tying with actor’s hands and feet) to perform on-screen. And then after the day’s hard work, left him back to his room, thinking he may have just saw a terrible dream.

iv – Ten minutes after the interval, I was the only one left out of the 15 people who bought the ticket to watch this rubbish film.

v – The director’s choice for comic relief characters given to the certain actors were terrible. Here I am not talking about their acting but their looks. I am sorry to say but these actors should not appear in front of camera, irrespective if those films are comedy or horror. The more I tried to avoid looking at their weird faces, the more they were given screen time with extreme close up shots. Ugh!

vi – Even the makeup & hair styling is done extremely poor… bucket full of makeup were on the female stars (except for the lead). Other stars dirty yellow teeth could be seen clearly. Yuck! The artificial blood used during fight sequences looked fake. Really awful.

vii – In this 135-minute film, there are 7 – 8 songs… out of which there is not 1 or 2 or 3 but at least 4 item songs, dance by 4 different healthy ladies reminding the audience to take us as ‘Sex Objects’. As for the songs, the first song’s main lyrics are the bar girl’s (item girl) beauty is compared with 12 hot spices. Just… don’t ask!

viii – Then we have this ‘Slapping Festival’ where the lead stars especially the female lead got slaps 4 – 5 times. I don’t understand why Lollywood like to promote slapping someone? I remember this same flaw in Syed Noor’s film, Chain Aye Na (2017).

ix – There are lots of over dramatic, ‘Over the Top’ romantic scenes in the film. It’s just gets embarrassing.

x – During my time at the cinema hall, I was almost sure that this got to be the worst Pakistani film I have ever watched. But then it struck to me that I once watched 15 minutes of a Pakistani feature film on a dare where Shafqat Cheema played the lead role. Well, no movie can top that! That film is surely the worst. Therefore, Junoon-e-Ishq is the second worst Pakistani film I have ever watched.

 

 

  

+ Overall

Junoon-e-Ishq is two hours of pure torture.

 

 

 

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