TV series

Mr. Khan’s Review on ‘Yakeen Ka Safar’ (2017)

Mr. Khan's Reviews

A review on Pakistani TV Drama Series, ‘Yakeen Ka Safar’ aka The Journey of Faith (2017). Its Production House is MD Productions and Distribution is done by Hum TV.

 

 

+ Crew

  • Directed by Shahzad Kashmiri
  • Written by Farhat Ishtiaq
  • Cinematography by Tameen Nazami and Safdar Hussain Rind
  • Music by Waqar Ali and Syed Sohail Haider
  • Produced by Momina Duraid

 

 

 

+ Note
Yakeen Ka Safar aired on Hum TV in 19th Apr 2017 – 1st Nov 2017. In total it consists of 29 episodes. This TV serial is based on a novel as ‘Woh Yaqeen Ka Naya Safar’ by Farhat Ishtiaq. The shooting locations are Neelum Valley; Azad Kashmir and Karachi; Pakistan. The Opening and Ending Songs are sung by “Yaqeen Ka Safar” by Hadiqa Kiani and “O Matti Kay Parinday” by Richa Sharma.

Hum TV hired the director Shahzad Kashmiri who previously directed Bin Roye for the same channel. Sajal Ali made her television comeback two years after her 2015 Hum TV series Gul-e-Rana. Ahad Raza Mir’s performance was praised and the drama was appreciated by the audience because of its unique story line.

Yakeen Ka Safar was channel’s biggest hit of 2017 after Alif Allah Aur Insaan. Series is penned on their journey which changes their life overtime.

 

 

 

+ Main Cast

  1. Ahad Raza Mir as Dr. Asfandyar Usman Ali Khan
  2. Sajal Ali as Dr. Zubia Khalil
  3. Hira Salman as Gaiti Daniyal Usman Ali Khan
  4. Shaz Khan as Barrister, Daniyal Usman Ali Khan
  5. Farhan Ali Agha as Barrister, Usman Ali Khan
  6. Mohammed Ehteshamuddin as Khalil
  7. Beenish Raja as Sheema Rehan
  8. Afraz Rasool as Rehan Khalil
  9. Sabeena Syed as Faryal
  10. Aisha Ali Khan as Urooj Nisar

 

 

xxxxxxx

 

 

+ Supportive Cast

  1. Shamayel Tareen as Dr. Asifa Shahroze
  2. Shamyl Khan as Dr. Shahroze
  3. Salman Saqib Shaikh as Dr. Haroon
  4. Nasreen Naz as Noorie’s mother
  5. Ismail Chandio as Noorie’s father
  6. Ali Gul Malah as Rab Nawaz’s assistant
  7. Suhaee Abro as Noorie
  8. Sabiha Somar as Lubna
  9. Huma Nawab as Mahjabeen (Zubia’s aunt)
  10. Ainy Zaidi as Gaiti’s mother
  11. Munza Arif as Faryal’s mother

 

 

xxxxxxx

 

 

+ Minor Cast

  1. Agha Talal as Mohsin (Mahjabeen’s son)
  2. Nabeel Zuberi as Ramiz (Zubia’s boyfriend)
  3. Zia Gurchani as Gaiti’s father
  4. Javed Iqbal as Faryal’s father
  5. Akbar Islam as SSP Shehzad Ahmed
  6. Naima Khan as Jehangir’s mother
  7. Fazila Qazi as Maah-e-Talat (Zubia’s Mother)
  8. Zainab Qayyum as Rumana (Women activist)
  9. Jahanzeb Gurchani as Rab Nawaz
  10. Mariyam Nafees as Khajista
  11. Hassan Noman as Bahadur (Khajista’s husband)
  12. Ismat Zaidi as Zubia’s grandmother
  13. Ibrahim Salman (son of Salman Shaikh and Hira Salman) as Saim

 

 

 

+ Plot

It depicts the journey of a young Dr. Zubia Khalil and how she meets Dr. Asfandyar; both faced equal challenges in their environment and have dark history of the past kept hidden from each other.

 

 

+ High Points

i – Sajal Ali’s performance as Dr. Zubia Khalil, is very strong. She is already ranked in the A-list category of actresses where everyone whether audience or critics expect her to do her best.

ii – Ahad Raza Mir as Dr. Asfandyar Khan, has performed impressive as mature, strict and discipline doctor. Unlike to his singing move, as an actor, Ahad has proven to the audience several times with his charming, convincing performance that he has often given in TV as well as in film, similar to his father, respected Asif Raza Mir still does. Other Honorable Mentions: Mohammed Ehteshamuddin and rest of the cast.

iii – The writing in terms of character development is well written. Such as Dr. Zubia, Dr. Asfandyar, Dr. Haroon and Barrister: Usman Khan. The story itself is interesting as the solution to the crisis comes with passage of time and bad experience. This is something which many TV series fail to achieve.

iv – Shahzad Kashmiri’s direction have able to pull this off quite nicely indeed. I would say that the later episodes were more interesting than the ones showed in first 10 episodes. Naturally, good writing is the key for it. But if the direction was dull, perhaps, we wouldn’t be discussing this TV series with appraisal.

v – There are a number of well performed scenes, such as when one of the main characters gets killed and how the loved ones are dealing with the sudden loss of life. Other scenes include, when one of the lead characters is told of incoming visit by a close relative after so many years and they deal with that relative. Finally, that scene where one of the doctors tries to convince his love interest for marriage proposal. These scenes are very believable and are moving.

vi – The chemistry between Dr. Asfandyar and Dr. Zubia worked well, as per their characters written.

vii –The shooting location of Neelum Valley is a beautiful choice, as we viewers enjoy its scenery, ambiance and local people life style.

viii – The music, the songs have able to capture the moment and the attachment that viewers have with this TV series and their characters, is something to give utter value to.

ix – The last 6 to 8 episodes are very interesting and heartwarming to watch.

 

 

 

+ Low Points

i – Starting of the episodes failed to give an impressive start. At that time, I was thinking perhaps it was not a good idea to give review on this TV series.

ii – Rehan Khalil, elder brother of Dr. Zubia is so loving and have a good understanding with her at first. But all is suddenly changed after an infamous incident regarding his sister’s decision. His hatred for her was understandable if it had lasted for few weeks or months. Now, some people might say in support that it was his wife’s ill intentions due to which Rehan’s behavior with his sister gets worse, which is btw only partially correct. Even till the end, he tries to redeem himself but that too doesn’t add up much as he is left with disgust with himself without ever truly knowing of his wife’s intentions and decisions she had taken ever since the accident of his father.

iii – There were times where logical writing was absent from some scenes that were shot. Fo example: being a barrister, how can Daniyal Khan can make such silly mistakes in hiring a girl as his secretary without doing proper background research on her. Even when the time comes in handling the culprit, instead of being quiet and let the police force handle the issue, he tries to interrogate the girl himself and as expected gets tangled up with a wrongly imposed crime. Absolute shocking! Another example is when the former secretary realizes who the doctor is, she suddenly makes an honest and bold decision to appear in media and reveal her past illegal activities including in clearing up someone’s name where she herself is directly involved in and could face some serious consequences. She reveals all this at a press conference without taking anyone or a lawyer into confidence before facing the unlimited tough questions from the media / journalists. Such mistakes as these, were keep reminding us that this is fiction, not a reality.

iv – Fazila Qazi happens to be well established, great actress of the past TV series. However, here her performance was dull, almost as if ‘Without a heart’. Regardless if the role is big or small, one needs to do their best.

 

 

 

+ Overall
Yakeen Ka Safar is a smooth romantic drama, with Sajal and Ahad at their most charming.

 

 

 

Rate: 3.75 out of 5 stars

 

TV series

Mr. Khan’s Review on ‘Tanhaiyaan’ (1985-6)

Mr. Khan's Reviews

A review on Pakistani Classic TV Drama Series, ‘Tanhaiyaan’ aka Loneliness (1985-6). Its Production House is Shalimar Recording Company (SRC) while its Distribution is done by PTV Centre (Lahore).

 

 

+ Crew

  • Directed by Shahzad Khalil
  • Written by Haseena Moin
  • Music by Arshad Mehmood

 

 

+ Note
Tanhaiyaan aired on PTV in 1985-6. In total it consists of only 11 episodes. Over the time span, this classic TV series is also considered as cult favorites.

Shehnaz have acted in few TV series of her career whereas Tanhaiyaan and Ankahi is considered as Pakistan’s one of the best TV series.  Unfortunately, she took early retirement in mid 1990s and since have kept herself away from limelight until her debut directorial play in 2010. The director could not live long and was expired in 1989, due to cardiac arrest only at the age of 45.

Tanhaiyaan has re-run several times on PTV and other TV channels, due to its popularity. In 2012, there was a sequel to this TV serial as ‘Tanhaiyaan Naye Silsilay’ which was directed by Marina Khan and out of 12 main cast members, only 6 of them reprise their roles.

 

 

 

+ Main Cast

  1. Shehnaz Sheikh as Zara
  2. Marina Khan as Sanya
  3. Asif Raza Mir as Zain
  4. Aamir Hatmi as Fiancée / Syed Salman
  5. Behroze Sabzwari as Qutbutdin / Qabacha
  6. Badar Khalil as Zubi Khala / Aani
  7. Qazi Wajid as Farhan

 

 

xxxxxxx

 

 

+ Supportive Cast

  1. Azra Sherwani as Aapa Begum
  2. Durdana Butt as Bibi
  3. Yasmeen Ismail as Vida
  4. Jamshed Ansari as Buqrat
  5. Muhammad Yousuf as Zain’s Father
  6. Mushtaq Royaish as Servant / Salamet
  7. Subhaniba Yunus as Zara and Sanya’s father
  8. Sultana Zafar as Zara and Sanya’s mother

 

 

 

+ Plot

Zara & Sanya, two sisters start living with their aunt after the sudden loss of their parents. One of their efforts to buy back their parents’ house leads them to realize what makes a house a ‘Home’.

 

 

+ High Points

i – The main reason behind this classic TV series’ success is its direction. Shahzad Khalil who happens to be the brains behind it, have able to do a very splendid job. At many places, this TV series is executed in the world of realism.

ii – The writing especially the first few episodes and this TV series characters’ such as Zara, Sanya, Zain… is very effectively written by respected fame writer, Haseena Moin. The combined efforts with the director, have able to come up with a classic TV series.

iii – This serial featured an ensemble star cast of veterans such as Shenaz Sheikh, Marina Khan, Badar Khalil, Azra Sherwani, Asif Raza Mir, Behroze Sabzwari, Qazi Wajid, Jamshed Ansari, Yasmeen Ismail, Durdana Butt, Mohammad Yusuf, Sultana Zafar and Subhaniba Yunus.

iv – The comic relief character, ‘Qabacha’ played by Behroze Sabzwari have able to bring a hilarious moment for the viewers to enjoy. I remember watching this TV series back in early 90s during reruns, where I (at that time) did not know the names of celebrities, especially of Pakistani artists. But the character name, ‘Qabacha’ been given to Behroze Sabzwari’s role as ‘Qutbutdin’ was actually very catchy and often identified him as. Some people to this day often calls him as ‘Qabacha’ due to his iconic role that he played.

v – Good performance by Shehnaz Sheikh as she plays the elder, responsible sister Zara, who makes her ultimate goal to buy back the house where once lived with her late parents.

vi – Marina Khan as Sanya have performed nicely as the younger, immature sister who often plays gags and teases on Qutbutdin aka Qabacha. Other Honorable Mentions:  Rest of the cast.

 

 

 

+ Low Points

i – Talking about the first few episodes, they are very interesting to watch as we are shown new characters with the story gradually unfolding and been revealed to us. However, that doesn’t last long as the last four episodes (at least) were too serious, lacking the potential for the story to go any further. To make the TV series interesting again, the writer kept bringing in Qabacha with his silly misadventures to watch and enjoy. But it was already too late, as this TV serial had already fallen down the steep of no return.

ii – Jamshed Ansari’s character is totally wasted. Although he is a wonderful actor but the writer didn’t develop the character strong enough for him to make us feel his being importance. In first 3 – 4 episodes, Buqrat has some interesting scenes and lines to deliver. But then as this TV series starts to fall, so does his character.

iii – The time span passed too soon in these 11 episodes. Zara is already earning so well in her young age where she able to buy back the house of her late father and has able to expand her business to have a partnership. Let’s just say that with just 11 episodes and the characters’ still remaining young, it was very unlikely to believe all that. And speaking of some writing issues here, we are made to believe that after the sudden loss of Zara’s parents, she is able to find job easily and quickly. Not once, we are shown her co-workers or her boss who she is working for in the start of the episodes. As later on, she has her own business to start, where the character, Syed Salman as her business partner comes into view. This issue is regarding lack of details been shown in able to convince the viewers with the surrounding of realism.

 

 

 

 

+ Overall
Though hilarious and emotionally embodied at first, even with winning performances from the main cast, Tanhaiyaan suffers from taking itself way too seriously than intended to.

 

 

 

Rate: 3.25 out of 5 stars

Theatre Plays

Mr. Khan’s Review on ‘Jungle Mein Mangal Bazar’ (2019)

Mr. Khan's Reviews

A review on Pakistani Comic theatre play, ‘Jungle Mein Mangal Bazar’ (2019). This was the seventh & final play performed at NAPA’s 2nd Laughter Theatre Festival 2019.

 

+ Crew

  • Costumes Design, Production Design & Directed by Syed Meesam Naqvi
  • Written (Adapted) by Babar Jamal
  • Lighting by Masood-ur-Rehman
  • Stage Management by Rachna Kirpalani, Hasnain and Qasim
  • Assistant Directed by Ubaid Iqbal

 

 

+ Note

Jungle Mein Mangal Bazar is an adaptation of ‘Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay!’, originally written in Italian by Dario Fo. Regarded as Fo’s second best-known play internationally.

Since 1990, this play had been performed in 35 countries. Though written as a political statement about the life and times of Italy in the 1970s, its themes of unemployment, class division, and women’s role in society strike a relevant note in 1980s Britain.

NAPA stages a number of events throughout the year including plays, music concerts, and festivals.

 

 

+ Full Cast:

1) Shabana Hasan as Shehla

2) Kashif Hussain as Umair

3) Nazar Ul Hasan as Zameer Shah / Wakeel Shah / Taboot Wala / Abu

4) Kiran Siddiqui as Kiran

5) Mujtaba Rizvi as Daniyal

6) Aman as John Doe (Dead Body)

 

 

+ Plot

A hilarious and critically acclaimed political farce centers on direct action by housewives against inflationary supermarket prices and struggles of their husbands who face unemployment and political crisis.

 

 

+ High Points

i – Remarkable performance by Nazar Ul Hasan in multiple roles that he had to play. He was one of the main ingredients to why the play was really a comical one and should not been missed.

ii – Shabana Hasan as Shehla played one of the lead roles incredibly well. She is a fantastic actress who should never be taken lightly. Other Honorable Mentions: Rest of the cast.

iii – A good adaptation of the script. It is hilarious and able to pull the Live audience attention glued to the stage.

iv – The costumes were authentic with the characters’ background.

v – Once again, we were given chance to watch Meesam’s captivating direction. Almost 2-hours of play was very wisely utilized.

vi – The production design was divided it into two separate sets. It gave way for blocking of actors with enough space for them to roam around easily.

vii – The lighting is very smoothly handled. Especially the scenes of detective getting beaten down and the road side interaction.

 

 

+ Low Points

i – Some of the props did not seem appropriate or were missing in its production design such as the paintings on the wall, basic furniture, TV were not part of the set.

 

 

+ Overall

Driven by laughter madness, Jungle Mein Mangal Bazar is the roller coaster of comedies.

 

 

Rate: 4.25 out of 5 stars

 

Theatre Plays

Mr. Khan’s Review on ‘Ghanchakar’ (2019)

Mr. Khan's Reviews

A review on Pakistani Comic theatre play, ‘Ghanchakar’ (2019). This was the sixth play performed at NAPA’s 2nd Laughter Theatre Festival 2019.

 

+ Crew

  • Costumes Design, Production Design & Directed by Syed Muhammad Jamil
  • Written by Maqbool Ahmed
  • Lighting by Masood-ur-Rehman

 

 

+ Note

Ghanchakar is a directorial debut by S.M. Jamil. This play is a farce of mistaken identities and small lies that balloon in to big confusions.

NAPA’s mission is to be an institution of excellence that provides quality education, rigorous training, and is a catalyst for creative expression in the performing arts.

 

 

+ Full Cast:

1) Hammad Siddiq as Faisal

2) Hassan Raza as Mansoor

3) Shabana Hasan as Komal

4) Fajr Sheikh as Tina M.

5) Farhan Alam as Mr. Irani

 

 

+ Plot

A couple of friends, a job is not what it seems, a wife and a beautiful model set up the confusion that must be resolved to retain the job, save the marriage and achieve a happy ending.

 

 

+ High Points

i – The screenplay is very well written. Most of the punch lines were original. The play’s tone is balanced by hitting on sex-based jokes without directly implicating on them and avoiding the use of vulgarity. The characters such as Mansoor and Tina M. are very wisely written. These roles were not your common, typical type ones where people might often see them in other plays.

ii – The directorial debut by S.M. Jamil, has surprised many people as they did not have anticipated for this play to be well directed. I am honestly speechless and look forward to his next directed plays.

iii – Though, we have talked about this twice already, for not having a homosexual character in a comic play. But Hassan Raza’s superb performance as Mansoor has made this case an exceptional one. How intelligently, he understands and plays the role to make it a memorable one. He is certainly walking on the path of success.

iv – Fajr Sheikh as Tina M. played the main supporting role terrifically. With every play, her roles as well as performances have been improving by a big margin.

v – Once again, an excellent performance by Farhan Alam as Mr. Irani. His comic performances are so good on-stage that every director should look forward to have on-board for their plays. Other Honorable Mentions: Rest of the cast.

vi – The production design is detailed, arranged with most appropriate props.

vii – The lighting was nicely handled, especially to highlight the beats of the scenes.

 

 

+ Low Points

i – In the first Act, the play starts in slow pace with handful of good jokes only.

 

 

+ Overall

A hilarious satire of the lies and deceit, Ghanchakar is one of the finest comedies, featuring impressively written script and direction.

 

 

Rate: 4.25 out of 5 stars

 

Theatre Plays

Mr. Khan’s Review on ‘Aar Par’ (2019)

Mr. Khan's Reviews

A review on Pakistani Comic theatre play, ‘Aar Par’ (2019). This was the fifth play performed at NAPA’s 2nd Laughter Theatre Festival 2019.

 

 

+ Crew

  • Costumes Design, Production Design, Written (Adapted) & Directed by Rauf Afridi
  • Lighting by Masood-ur-Rehman

 

 

+ Note

Aar Par is an adaptation of an English play, ‘See How They Run’, is an English comedy originally written in three acts by Philip King. Its title is a line from the nursery rhyme “Three Blind Mice”. It is considered a farce for its tense comic situations and headlong humor, heavily playing on mistaken identity, doors, and vicars. There have been several films and TV adaptations on this play.

The writer/director has made some changes in the story and with their characters according to his need. Aar Par has some similarities including its end with Rauf’s play, ‘Da Bhagi Marg’.

The Karachi Laughter Fest 2019 brings together the various forms of comic performance in one hilarious festival. This year we present five plays directed by NAPA graduates along with a performance developed by Italian director, Marco Luly.

 

 

 

+ Full Cast:

1) Hammad Khan as Hammad

2) Abeera Pervaiz as Abeera

3) Ahmer Hussain as Faqeer Tundro

4) Fajr Sheikh as Ms. Tehzeeb

5) Tehreem Shafiq as Kinza

6) Hammad Siddiq as Mamoo

7) Muhammad Affan as Terrorist

8) Aqeel Ahmed as Leelo Gujar

9) Usman Javed as Policeman

 

 

+ Plot

It is a classic madcap comedy with a pile of misunderstandings, mistaken identities and pratfalls.

 

 

+ High Points

i – Surprisingly, Hammad Siddiq’s performance as Mamoo is very enjoyable and amusing. He is one of the main attractions why one should not miss in watching this play.

ii – Aqeel Ahmed as Leelo Gujar played one of the main supporting roles really well. Somehow, serious roles do not suit him whereas he able to impress everyone in playing comical roles.

ii – Ahmer Hussain is a brilliant actor, has already started making name for himself in the TV industry. In this play, his character as Faqeer Tundro, an army soldier, who is a close friend to Abeera and comes in handy in tackling threat. It is always a welcome to watch Ahmer on-stage. Other Honorable Mentions: Usman Javed, Fajr Sheikh and Tehreem Shafiq.

iii – The punch lines were very funny. The sex-based jokes, bought more attraction to the play.

iv – The production design was nicely constructed, helped with the actors’ blocking… the cupboard was built spacious enough too.

v – The costumes were carefully designed/chosen for characters… especially of Leelo Gujar.

vi – Once again, a wonderful direction by Rauf for this almost 2 hours long play. He is certainly making his mark to establish himself one of those directors who should be taken seriously by the audience and critics alike.

vii – The entire cast were able to give a very sound performance. A huge credit goes to the director.

viii – Having an almost 2 hours of play is long and tiring to watch. But still, having numerous witty jokes, good written script with nice performances made this play very pleasing.

 

+ Low Points

i – Ugh… Here we go again. We have a homosexual person as Policeman; And on top of that, a stereotype one. Now the question is, why? Why there is such a need for homosexual character for? But I do have an answer for that. The answer is… because it’s funny! Simple! You have a homosexual person in a play and here the audience would laugh anyway, regardless if he/she has comic lines or not. Amazing, isn’t it? Although, Usman did a very believable performance on-stage. But seriously, is this the best you could come up with?

ii – The jokes were more inflicted towards vulgarity though not directly imposed at. I have no issue with adult comedy. Sometimes, it works really well such as in this play. However, it’s advised to tone down the unnecessary gags that are strongly suggested towards sex.

 

 

+ Overall

Aar Par is a hilarious, fun-loving play. Rauf Afridi manages to make this a ‘Big Comedy Night’ filled with tremendous laughter!

 

Rate: 3.75 out of 5 stars

Theatre Plays

Mr. Khan’s Review on ‘Biwi Ho Tou Apni’ (2019)

Mr. Khan's Reviews

A review on Pakistani Comic theatre play, ‘Biwi Ho Tou Apni’ (2019). This was the fourth play performed at NAPA’s 2nd Laughter Theatre Festival 2019.

 

 

+ Crew

  • Written (Adapted) & Directed by Aisha Hasan
  • Lighting by Masood-ur-Rehman
  • Assistant Directed by Shahrukh
  • Sound Design by Ashraf Bhatti

 

 

+ Note

Biwi Ho Tou Apni is a delightful domestic farce play, originally written by Kamal Ahmed Rizvi. Kamal sb was a renowned Pakistani television actor and a playwright, who expired in late December 2015 due to heart attack.

National Academy of Performing Arts remains committed to innovation and excellence in the performing arts and presenting the best performances to the citizens of Karachi.

 

 

+ Full Cast:

1) Farhan Alam as Saleem

2) Hassan Raza as Manzoor

3) Saad Zameer as Farooq

4) Umer Iqbal as Shakoor

5) Samhan Ghazi as Mr. Qudoos

6) Chand Bawani as Amina

7) Hina Rizvi as Mrs. Qudoos

 

 

+ Plot

Saleem decides to give up on his affairs and embark on married life with young Amina, but things start getting a little bonkers when her parents decide to move in.

 

 

+ High Points

i – A hilarious performance by Farhan Alam as Saleem, a former playboy with many secret affairs with married females including two belonging to his close friends. Farhan is one of the best actors to play lead role in comical plays.

ii – Ever since being a part of Khalid sb’s play ‘Jasoosi Dunya’ in lead role, Hassan Raza’s performances have significantly improved. In this play, he has portrayed as Manzoor, who is a close friend to Saleem and similar to Farooq, he is absolutely unaware of his friend, Saleem’s secret affair with his wife.  Other Honorable Mentions: Saad Zameer and Umer Iqbal.

iii – Similar to her husband, Aisha’s direction has a taste for theatrical excitement and fun in her play.

iv – The screenplay is written well and it is properly constructed into three acts.

v – The costumes were suitable as per characters’ personality.

 

 

+ Low Points

i – Its been a very long time indeed that I have watched Chand Bawani’s performance. Its possible that after such a time gap, her acting ability may have been deteriorated or perhaps her character was not suitable for her.

ii – Since Hina Rizvi is a well-established TV artist, thus playing a limited role of a mother-in-law was not a wise option. Still, she did her best to make the character interesting.

iii – The ‘Self-Talking’ dialogues could do better job by effective collaboration with the usage of lighting.

iv – I believe, 10 minutes of the play can be cut short.

 

 

+ Overall

Biwi Ho Tou Apni is a sparkling entertainment with light comedy and heartwarming performances.

 

 

Rate: 3.25 out of 5 stars

 

 

Feature Length Films

Mr. Khan’s Review on ‘Gumm’ (2019)

Mr. Khan's Reviews

A review on Pakistani Rom-Thriller Feature Length Film, ‘Gumm’ (2019). The Production House and its Distributor is Starstruck Films.

 

 

+ Crew

  • Edited, Cinematography, Written & Directed by Ammar Lasani & Kanza Zia
  • Produced by Shakeel Anjum
  • Co-Produced Ali Aqdus

 

 

 

+ Note

Gumm is written and directed very similar to Hollywood film, Wrecked (2011). Only that this English film is much better watch than Gumm (2019).

The directors, Ammar Lasani & Kanza Zia are a married couple, happens to be graduates from New York Film Academy and this is their directorial debut film.

 

 

 

+ Main Cast

  1. Sami Khan as Asad
  2. Shamoon Abbasi as Haider the ‘Dagger’
  3. Shameen Khan as Dua

 

 

 

+ Plot

A wanted criminal and a desperate father who are interlinked by a series of unfortunate events, manipulate their chances to save what matters most to them. Lost in the middle of nowhere, will they be able to win this battle against the ticking clock?

 

 

 

+ High Points

i – The jungle/forest scenes were interesting to watch. Too bad, they were very few.

ii – Shaky, hand held camera was used to make the scenes of the jungle intense.

iii – The film was around 90 -95 minutes in time length… short and a ‘Thank you’ note from the audience and critics alike.

 

 

 

+ Low Points

i – A different type of thriller main content, film to watch but very disappointed to know that this is not an original work.

ii – Having Sami Khan in lead role is the first mistake any director would make in his film. His acting skills needs a lot of improvement, regardless to how much ‘Fame’ he has gain in the TV industry. Other Dishonorable Mentions: Shameen Khan.

iii – It is shocking to see a number of international film festivals’ selections and wins for this film. Anyone’s who might have good expectations by watching this film’s trailer, would quickly be shattered once the film starts to play… especially after watching the awful, cheesy scenes shown in numerous flashbacks of Asad and his wife, Dua.

iv – With almost no character development or back history, a great actor like Shamoon Abbasi’s performance falls short in this cheap thriller.

v – Due to similarity with the English film, Wrecked, there has no fun or interest to watch this dull film any further.

vi – Really bad songs and music to listen to.

vii – The flashback scenes were not only badly performed and directed but also that they were huge turn off for this film’s main content. The jungle/forest scenes were the ones where the film should have mainly focused on.

viii – Mediocre work in makeup and hair styling department.

 

 

 

+ Overall

Gumm is a hit and miss, badly performed, copycat thriller film.

 

 

Rate: 0.50 out of 5 stars

 

Theatre Plays

Mr. Khan’s Review on ‘An Evening of Commedia Dell Arte’ (2019)

Mr. Khan's Reviews

A review on Pakistani Comic theatre play, ‘An Evening of Commedia Dell Arte’ (2019). This was the third play performed at NAPA’s 2nd Laughter Theatre Festival 2019.

 

 

+ Crew

  • Directed by Marco Luly
  • Lighting by Masood-ur-Rehman
  • Sound Designed by Ashraf Bhatti
  • Assistant Directed by Ubaid Iqbal

 

 

+ Note

An Evening with Commedia Dell Arte is a devised schemes and skits based on the classic Italian comic performance style. There are a number short stories performed in this play where a collection of scenes are taken from traditional stories, some are written by the director himself while some are devised with the actors.

 

Commedia dell’Arte is an improvised kind of popular comedy that was performed in Italian theatres in the 16th – 18th centuries.

 

 

+ Full Cast:

  1. Marco Luly
  2. Hugo
  3. Vaajdan Shah as Jester
  4. Sabiha Zia
  5. Hammad Khan
  6. Danish Irshad
  7. Umer Chaudry
  8. Haris Khan
  9. Aqeel Ahmed
  10. Ibad Alam Sher
  11. Farooq Haider
  12. Umair Rafiq as Lover #1
  13. Bani Mirza as Lover #2
  14. Umer Iqbal
  15. Adil Hasan
  16. Taha Khan as Professor

 

 

+ Plot

In the shape of three types of comedies, Farce comedy, comedy and tragic comedy… several stories are played out by a long list of performers in many different roles.

 

 

+ High Points

i – A solid performance given by Bani Mirza. I have come to realize now that she can and should be given more difficult roles to play for all of us to be witness of the level of her acting craft. In other words, she is the new rising star.

ii – Umair Rafiq’s roles, as well as his performance was compelling to watch. You can call him lucky, for the roles he was given to perform… but Umair has certainly made his mark to remember him with good memory regarding this play. He seems to do farce comedy really well on-stage. Other Honorable Mentions: Farooq Haider and Marco Luly.

iii – There were some stories that were appealing, had light comedy and were pleasant to watch.

iv – The stage management was very effectively handled.

v – We were able to see many new faces as performers. That’s good.

 

 

+ Low Points

i – Although, Vaajdan is a great and confident actor but his role as Jester was snooze taking — unfortunately, very dull to watch. There was only handful of his jokes which made the audience realize that he is still performing and should be appreciated.

ii – Many good performers’ acting skills were wasted because of many short stories that were conducted with numerous actors, who had to share the stage-time.

 

 

 

+ Overall

Sometimes very funny, but An Evening with Commedia Dell Arte eventually wears off with its lack of meaty roles and web of clichéd stories.

 

 

Rate: 2.75 out of 5 stars

 

Theatre Plays

Mr. Khan’s Review on ‘Dastaan Ki Eik Shaam’ (2019)

Mr. Khan's Reviews

A review on Pakistani Comic theatre (Dastangoi) play, ‘Dastaan Ki Eik Shaam’ (2019). This is the second play performed at NAPA’s 2nd Laughter Theatre Festival 2019.

 

+ Crew

  • Directed by Zain Nazar
  • Lighting by Masood-ur-Rehman

 

 

+ Note

Dastaan Ki Eik Shaam, Dastangoi is a joint collaboration between Society for Music and Repertory Theatre (SMART) at NAPA.

 

+ Short Stories

  1. Saqi Nama by Tilsm Hoshrub
  2. Saf Shikan Batair from Fasana-e-Azaad
  3. Khosat Shohar K Nam Naukhez by Fasana-e-Azaad
  4. Biwi Ka Khat by Fasana E Azaad
  5. Kuttay by Patras Bukhari

 

Regarding laughter, there is a famous saying by John Cleese that “Laughter connects you with people. It’s almost impossible to maintain any kind of distance or any sense of social hierarchy when you’re just howling with laughter. The laughter is a force for democracy”.

 

 

+ Full Cast:

1) Syed Meesam Naqvi

2) Nazar-ul-Hasan

3) Qadeer Ahmed

4) Hasnain Raza

5) Uzair Mehmood

6) Muhammad Shafique

7) Riaz Baloch

 

 

+ Plot

It is a performance of several comic short stories and essays by some of the greatest Urdu writers, performed by alumni of NAPA’s Dastangoi project, alongside NAPA graduates.

 

 

+ High Points

i – Amazing performance by Syed Meesam Naqvi as the lead speaker. His perfect timing for comical expressions and eye contact with the LIVE audience, had people believed as though he is really a part of this separate entity. In most cases, Meesam’s remarkable acting brings the spectators attention towards him. Other Honorable Mention: Nazar-ul-Hasan.

ii – The adapted script was very amusing and highly interactive with the live audience.

iii – A simple production design with white sheet was set with white costumes, similar to the Urdu poets’ attire… perfectly suitable to this type of play.

iv – Zain Nazar has able to execute a nicely directorial play.

 

 

+ Low Points

i – If these stories were adapted into an actual theatre play, would have been a better option.

ii – Naturally, being part of the play with senior, renown artists… the new comers’ performances are often overshadowed.

 

 

+ Overall

Dastaan Ki Eik Shaam is a satisfying comedy with great performances by Meesam and Nazar.

 

Rate: 3.0 out of 5 stars

Theatre Plays

Mr. Khan’s Review on ‘Haye Muhabbat’ (2019)

Mr. Khan's Reviews

A review on Pakistani Comic theatre play, ‘Haye Muhabbat’ (2019). This was the first play performed at NAPA’s 2nd Laughter Theatre Festival 2019.

 

+ Crew

  • Production Design & Directed by Uzma Sabeen
  • Written by Babar Jamal
  • Lighting by Masood-ur-Rehman
  • Sound Design by Ashraf Bhatti

 

 

 

+ Note

Haye Muhabbat is yet another collaborated play by Uzma Sabeen’s and Babar Jamal’s team work. This dynamic duo has previously conducted hit plays, such as ‘Aasman Se Gira’ and ‘Mere Samne Wali Kherki Mein’.

 

Other than this play, at this Laughter Festival, the recent explosive growth of stand-up comedy in Karachi is acknowledged in three performances as well as delightful performance of some comic Dastangoi.

 

 

+ Full Cast:

1) Samhan Ghazi as Kashi

2) Naz as Neelofar

3) Shumaila Taj as Amma / Billo Baji

4) Hammad Khan as Naukar / Mamo

 

 

+ Plot

Kashi, a bachelor in his early forties still hopes that he will find the love of his life. He gives himself a last chance of romance by dialing a random call and finds Neelofar, a woman in her late thirties who is also looking for her prince charming.

 

 

+ High Points

i – Another wonderful performance by Naz as Neelofar. She always brings more fun into a comic play with her usual roles of loud mouth, nagging characters that she often plays. I really enjoy watching her perform.

ii – I am very pleased to see Samhan Ghazi taking up much better and interesting roles to play. Here he plays a main lead character as Kashi who at first looks forward in meeting his new love interest but quickly realizes that she isn’t what she appears to be.

iii – The comic punch lines were hilarious especially during the telephonic conversations between the two lead characters.

iv – I loved how the production direction was handled. All three locations were skillfully designed and had enough space for the performers to move around easily.

v – Thank you to give heed to the advises given in other previous plays by omitting the ‘Type casted’ roles that the performers often play such as Naz is usually given roles of mother or aunt to play while bringing Samhan in front of the limelight instead of Hammad (another good actor), who played two minor supporting roles.

vi – Uzma Sabeen’s another round of great direction for a comic play bought a good start to this festival. The Laughter Festival of any year would remain incomplete without her directorial plays.

 

 

+ Low Points

i – Oh dear, dear… what happened here? A story of 30 – 40 minutes was extended till 75 – 80 minutes play! Can you imagine? What would happen if you do that? ‘If’ you are lengthening the play then you should have a very good reasoning, explanation behind it – because if you don’t, then I am afraid, this is what happens. The play eventually became a ‘Drag’! I am sorry to say but it was. Although, I am a fan of Babar Jamal’s plays… I like his work, but here I am very… disappointed. This is not something, I had expected from a good writer as Babar Jamal.

‘Haye Muhabbat’ started off really well but almost near one hour, I started to lose interest and wanted the play to end quickly. Having good jokes and performances is not everything for a play. The main ingredient for its success is its writing. A good written script does 50% job for any play. Then the rest of the things come later.

ii – Then we have a ‘Stereo Type’ character… where you avoided a type-casted role, but in its stead, it seems that it was essential for you to have a stereo-type character as well such as having a dumb ‘Pathan’ in a comic play. The elements that should be avoided at all cost in a comic play are stereo type characters, homosexuality, mimicry, vulgarity (unless the main content of the play is mocking at someone intentionally) and making funny faces to make us ‘Realize’ that it is a comic play. If you use any of these forbidden elements in a comic play, it is a clear violation of creative writing. You are not a creative writer or should be labeled as a lazy writer with the inclusion of any of these elements. It is a strong advice for all to avoid such practices from near future onward.

iii – The character Kashi was so naïve that he quickly believed that Neelofar have evil spirits within her, although knowingly very well that she is a mental patient of last 10 years or so and has witnessed himself to the level of selfishness, greedy schemes she has of being a ‘Gold Digger’.

iv – Was it vital to have an unnecessary happy ending? Highly unconvincing, I must say! Sudden change of character and interest for a ‘Mad’ woman was shocking! I would rather say, unable to digest it because of lack of good reasoning. What happened? Is this a result of quickly written play to meet the deadline of getting it approved?

v – There were some minor issues in lighting department. The lights were dimmed and raised while the performer was still giving his/her line or the scene was ended.

 

+ Overall

Though exciting at first, Uzma Sabeen’s vehicle Haye Muhabbat is also bland and oppressively syrupy.

 

 

Rate: 2.50 out of 5 stars