Mr. Khan's Reviews

A review on Pakistani Public Message Drama theatre play ‘Dil Ki Awaaz Suno’ (2018). Its Production House is Tehrik-e-Niswan while SIUT foundation participated in distribution of organ donation forms & leaflets.

+ Crew

Lighting, Written & Directed by Anwer Jafri
Vocal (with Harmonium) by Daniel Wilayat
Music (with Tabla) by Zulfiqar Ali

+ Note
Dil Ki Awaaz Suno is a play organized by Pakistan Medical Association (Karachi) at 3^rd Literary Festival [Arts Council; Karachi], which is based on ‘Organs Donation’ as public message. The opening poetry was taken from Nazeer Akerabadi ‘s ‘Banjaranama’. The poem ‘Maen Mar Ke Amar Ho Jaounga’ is part of Sardar Jafri’s poetry.

We have familiar faces on stage including Sheema Kermani, Haris Khan, Imran Khan and Anwer Uddin along with the fame director, Anwer Jafri.

Although it was not mentioned in its poster but the play is partially musical.

+ Full Cast:

Haris Khan as Dildar
Sheema Kermani as Doctor
Shazia Adnan as Ammi
Imran Khan as Mamu
Ayesha Pervaiz as Fiancée
Iram Pervaiz as Friend #1
Bushra as Friend #2
Adnan Haroon as Friend #3
Anwar Uddin as Friend #4

+ Plot
Dildar is a dear friend to his fellow colleagues. One day he falls ill and announced as brain dead at the hospital. There in such tragic scenario, his family are suggested to donate their son’s organs.

+ High Points
i – The public message was conveyed to the audience perfectly. I believe that there would not be any kind of misconceptions or misunderstandings or any type of questions left regarding this subject matter.

ii – The addition of musical performance was a good move, to bring the audience closer to its sensitive topic.

+ Low Points
i – Where was the play? It should have been a combined teamwork of two elements here: The Play and the Public message. Both should had worked hand to hand. You gave so much importance in delivering the core message that you clearly forgot what essentials are needed to conduct a play and execute it successfully to the audience. If anyone did remember something there, it would be the public message your team had provided but not the play itself. If this is how ‘Public Message Plays’ started to be presented then I guess, anyone can make a play then.

ii – Almost, no story to watch. Though its acceptable that Anwer sb decided to have this play by ‘Breaking the fourth wall’, or ‘Acknowledgement of having themselves to be a part of a play’. Yet still a proper good story was required with the lead characters to have brief backstory (at least) was very much needed.

iii – There was no production design. No really, there was absolutely nothing there except for black wall. No props, just complete emptiness.

iv – As for the lighting is concerned, when Dildar started to speak while facing the audience, although the spot light was fixed on him but the entire stage should have been in ‘Complete Darkness’ or ‘Very Dimly Lit’. This way, the only focus would be on him and no one else. But that was not the case here. Only thing they did correctly was having the other characters being freeze with their actions as Dildar spoke.
v – No heed was given to costume designing as well, except for the lead stars.

vi – During the musical performance, we had Shazia Adnan on the left side (just next to), Sheema Kermani (in the lead) as they faced the audience. But then in the next two other group musical performance, we had Imran Khan in Shazia’s position without any reason given why? I can understand that the audience don’t care to see such details or really care. But for a team of professional performers, these things do count and are observed closely.

+ Overall
Dil Ki Awaaz Suno is one of those plays where the public message behind it turns out to be much more interesting than the play itself.

Rate: 1.50 out of 5

Theatre Plays

Mr. Khan’s Review on ‘Jasoosi Dunya’ (2018)

October 5, 2018October 5, 2018 Mr. Khan's Reviews

A review on Pakistani Mystery Comedy theatre play ‘Jasoosi Dunya’ (2018). The assistant director is Shahjahan Narejo while its stage manager is Fraz Chottani.

+ Crew

Written (Adaptation) & Directed by Khalid Ahmed
Lighting by Uzma Sabeen and Masood-ur-Rehman
Costumes Design by Pervaiz Iqbal and Mahrukh
Set Design by Jameel Afridi
Makeup & Hair Styling by Farzana Naz

+ Note
Jasoosi Dunya is an adaptation of The Psychic (2010) by Sam Bobrick, an Edgar Award winning play in 2011. The play is a hilarious murder mystery which follows the chaotic life of Adam Webster: a down-on-his-luck writer who is making ends meet through psychic readings.

Ammad Rehman and Afsheen Hayat are behind the play’s music whereas Ashraf Bhatti is responsible for its sound effects. This review may contain SPOILERS!

+ Full Cast

Hassan Raza as Adam Webster
Saman Ansari as Salma Anwer
Nazar ul Hasan as Johnny Jaanbaaz
Bazelah Mustafa as Sabeena / Saibi
Farhan Alam as Anwer Sulemaan
Samhan Ghazi as Col. Zahid Kamal Afandi

+ Plot
It revolves around a mystery writer, Adam Webster who needs money to cover his bills. One day he is visited by a young beautiful lady, Salma Anwer to his home for psychic readings.

+ High Points
i – Exceptional writing and adaptation by Khalid sb. The script is very cleverly written as there were times where poor choice of words spoken by the stars or sometimes the dialogues were repeated. I remember saying to myself at first, ‘What happened to Khalid Sb’s writing? Is this the best he could come up with’? But then I saw what was actually happening in the play as there were few small hints given away in the first half. My confusion had turned into a very delightful surprise. Good stuff!

ii – Remarkable performance by the multi-talented star, Bazelah Mustafa as Sabeena / Saibi. She showed everyone that how ‘Easy’ it is to perform Live on-stage and bought new life to the play. Her perfect timing for comical punchlines, flirtish behavior and hilarious reactions had instantly made the audience fall in love with her character.

iii – NAPA’s veteran actor, Nazar ul Hasan as Johnny Jaanbaaz has once again acted very brilliantly. If you give him sober or a comic relief character to play, Nazar would make sure that the audience leave the hall with great pleasure. Other Honorable Mentions: Farhan Alam and Samhan Ghazi.

iv – Superb production design, high quality set was constructed to give a much closer mood for realism.

v – The two comic relief characters Johnny Jaanbaaz and Sabeena / Saibi were the most interesting and enjoyable to watch.

vi – Once again, good direction by respected Khalid Ahmed. His vast experience as an actor and writer, has always given an edge for the performers to be part of his directorial plays. Even for myself, it’s highly unlikely that I would ever miss his theatre work.

vii – Effective work behind its design and handling of lighting by Uzma and Masood.

viii – In costume designing, the characters fitted well with the wardrobe given to them.

ix – Saman Ansari as Salma looked very elegant and glamorous; all thanks to makeup & hair styling.

+ Low Points
i – Hassan Raza as Adam Webster performance was … average at best in front of his fellow stars and weak as the lead star. Although, I am pleased that NAPA is giving chance to other cast members as well to perform in lead roles. Yet still, we cannot ignore the fact that the lead star should have at least given ONE of the strongest performances, If not THE strongest performance than the rest of the cast.

ii – It’s highly unlikely that most people had predicted the twist before it was suggested by one of the characters. Though, I saw it long before it reached the interval. There are many reasons attached to it. First of all, I, myself have already watched many, many suspense, thriller films and TV series with bizarre twists and endings. Secondly, there were several hints given during the play (which is a good move btw). For example, the exact same murder location where the crime had taken place, the clothes of other characters remained the same and a rich beautiful lady having devoted love for him. But the biggest hint of them all was when Adam had everything written down in this book before he forgets. His desperation to write it quickly and being delighted to come up with such great ideas was the moment when the play gave away their twist.

iii – I felt that the play was longer than required and its time length should be reduced by 15 – 20 minutes.

iv – Speaking of costume designing as above, there was however only one small issue, ‘Anwer’s shoes’. They were totally mismatched with the color of suit he was wearing. My eyes (unintentionally) kept looking at his shoes than to enjoy his performance.

+ Overall
Khalid Ahmed’s adaptation as Jasoosi Dunya is yet another addition as souvenir in the world of theatre.

Rate: 4.0 out of 5

Short Films & Documentaries

Mr. Khan’s Review on ‘Beyond Quarters’ (2016)

September 30, 2018September 30, 2018 Mr. Khan's Reviews

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

Short Films & Documentaries

Mr. Khan’s Review on ‘Behnaam Gour: The Unmarked Grave’ (2016)

September 30, 2018October 10, 2018 Mr. Khan's Reviews

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

+ Crew:

Written & Directed by Meer Farhad Jamali
Co-written by Ahmar Anwar
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:

Bilal Baloch as Bahraam
Mehernisa as Amma
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

Short Films & Documentaries

Mr. Khan’s Review on ‘Allah K Naam Pe’ (2016)

September 30, 2018 Mr. Khan's Reviews

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

+ Crew:

Directed by Natasha Beyg
Written by Naeem Ud Din
Director of Photography by Mariam Iqbal Desai
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

Short Films & Documentaries

Mr. Khan’s Review on ‘Mirror of a Mad Man’ (2016)

September 30, 2018 Mr. Khan's Reviews

A review on Pakistani Short Film, ‘Mirror of a Mad Man’ (2016). The Lighting was done by Haris Ahmed. This film is been nominated at these — & — festivals while won for best short film at IBOM.

+ Crew
I. Directed, Cinematography & Screenplay by Dostain Baloch.
II. Asst. Director & Sound Design by Junaid Brohi.
III. Produced & Written by EinRay Gumnam Huzefa.
IV. Art Direction by Samad Baloch.

V. Set Design by Bilal Baloch.

+ Note
The actor who played the role of Mad Man in real is a poet and a writer. This is his first film where he acted as well. The film budget was of PKR 4,000/- only. The location which was chose to shot is the beach of Balochistan. This film is similar to Inger Bergman and Fellini’s style of direction.

+ Cast
1) EinRay Gumnam Huzefa as Mad Man

+ Plot

Due to harsh environment and selfish needs of the society and the state, this man turns out to be the lone survivor of the war ridden home. After losing everyone who he ever knew and loved are long gone, perished by humanity’s dark side ugliness… he questions Earth, God and finally himself if the sanity ever existed in this evil cruel world?

+ High Points
i – EinRay Gumnam Huzefa is although a non-professional actor but performed very well in his debut film. His performance is one of the key reasons to why this film intriguing to watch.

ii – The location is well chosen for the Mad Man conversation with the Earth and God.

iii – The story is very effective in able to support its screenplay and logic shown behind the lead performer’s actions.

iv– The screenplay is well thought written.

v – One can watch the film with inverse view as to perhaps the Mad Man is actually the one who is sane while the world is insane and corrupt all along. This is reason why he tells the animals to stay away from humans or would be converted to likewise evil.

+ Low Points
i – The cinematography needs improvement for better visual story telling.

ii – It is not everyone’s cup of tea to watch or understand the film clearly.

+ Overall
This definitely a work of Art of Meson Sine which should not be missed.

Rate: 4.0 out of 5 stars

Tele-Films

Mr. Khan’s Review on ‘Haraami’ (2017)

September 30, 2018September 30, 2018 Mr. Khan's Reviews

A review on Pakistani Tele film, ‘Haraami’ (2017); Assistant Cinematography & Editing by Affan Ahmed Khan, Assistant Directed by Ahmer Hussain while its Production House is AAL Films.

+ Crew
I. Directed, Screenplay & Produced by Ali Akbar Ladhani
II. Cinematography by Inzamam Jalal
III. Co-Screenplay by Ahmer Hussain
IV. Production Design by Saad Abbas
V. Makeup & Costumes by Pervaiz Iqbal

+Note
The film is inspired by infamous English film ‘I Spit on Your Grave’ (1978) & remake in 2010. It is a rape & revenge exploitation-horror film, shot with shock treatment. There are several minor supporting roles including Rashid Farooqui, Akbar Islam, Sahrosh Baloch and Mahjabeen. Its Music Composer is Asif Noorani and its Sound Mixer is Zeeshan Ali.

+ Main Cast

Ahmer Hussain as Sufian
Nazar Ul Hasan as Ms. Shaukat
Arshad Malik as Jamshed
Aqeel Ahmed as Affan
Adnan Anis as Fahad

xxxxxx

+ Supporting Cast

Kaleem Ghouri as Police Officer
Naveed Mari as Police SHO
Kulsoom Aftab as NGO Director
Erum Bashir as Anum

+ Plot
Due to Sufian’s secret dark activity, his loved one has to pay the ultimate price for it.

+ High Points

i – Nazar-ul-Hasan played the role of transgender sex worker who played out very nicely. He was the key figure in this film. Other Honorable Mentions: Adnan Anis.
ii – Some of the visuals inserts regarding city’s scenery are well shot.

iii – The shock treatment used with Arshad Malik was very bold indeed.
iv – The art direction is satisfactory.

+ Low Points
i – Too many cast members hired from NAPA including its location been used did not gave a professional but rather a student film look.
ii – There was hardly any character development.
iii – The cinematography is disappointing.
iv – The story & screenplay is so-so written.
v – Nazar’s character seemed very interesting. Unfortunately, we didn’t see much of his character backstory either.
vi – The twists & turns were too predictable.

+ Overall
A glossy, tasteless revenge thriller that brings out fragile performances despite being boldly shot on a taboo subject.

Rate: 1.0 out of 5 stars

TV series

Mr. Khan’s Review on ‘Guest House’ (1991)

September 30, 2018September 30, 2018 Mr. Khan's Reviews

A review on Pakistani Classic TV Drama Series ‘Guest House’ (1991). Its Production House and Distributor is PTV Network.

+ Crew

Directed by Rauf Khalid
Written by Qaiser Farooq, Muhammad Nisar & Shakir Uzair

+ Note

Guest House aired on PTV Network on 1991. In total it consists of 52 episodes. What most people might not know is that this fame TV series is actually inspired by the classic British sitcom ‘The Fawlty Towers’ (1975 – 79). They also had 4 – 5 recurring characters including Mr. & Mrs. being the owners of their guest house. On the other hand, Guest House was such a super hit series in Pakistan that people wrote letters to PTV never to finish it. It was famous among children as ‘Rambo Wala Drama’ which means the drama featuring Rambo.

Afzal Khan aka Afzal Rambo Khan is said to have a striking resemblance with the legendary Hollywood actor Sylvester Stallone. It is said that the producers were not too happy to have his character on board and wanted to cut him off after the pilot. But Afzal Khan’s comical performance made his character as the most interesting one to watch. In 2016 interview, Afzal Khan said how he had to hid himself from the public eye as he was very popular among the masses. He actually had to disguise himself whenever he went in the public, not able to recognize him. After this classic TV drama, he quickly become a super star in Lollywood industry. But even after so many hit films and other TV series, he is still known and loved because of his biggest fame in ‘Guest House’ as John Rambo.

As for the director, Rauf Khalid was the founding President and Chancellor of the National Institute of Cultural Studies, Lok Virsa; Islamabad. In 1991, he wrote Guest House, a comedy series that turned out to be very popular for PTV. In 1995, Rauf Khalid directed, produced and acted in few drama serials such as Angaar Wadi, Laag and Maddar. In 2003, Rauf Khalid released his debut film Laaj, as (writer, director, producer and actor). His film won 12 Bolan Awards, 14 Graduate Awards, 4 National Film Awards and Lux Style Award.

It is very unfortunate to know that the prominent writer, actor & director Rauf Khalid could not live long due to his car’s tire burst at a high-speed car accident heading to Sheikhpura in Nov, 2011.

+ Main Cast

Khalid Hafeez as Mr. Shameem
Sarwat Ateeque as Mrs. Shameem
Nasir Iqbal as Bao Naveed
Tariq Malik as Murad
Afzal Khan as John Rambo

xxxxxxx

+ Special Guest Appearances

Ghazala Butt
Bushra Ansari
Laila Zuberi

+ Plot

A guest house named as ‘Guest House’ is located in a posh area of Islamabad. It is run by Mr. Shameem and his wife with the help of three permanent regular employees, Naveed, Murad and Rambo.

+ High Points

i – The recurring characters were remarkably written as it was very pleasant to watch their comic behavior. Such as:

Shameem is the owner of the Guest House and always ready to please his guests even if it means to meet their shocking demands. He is married to Mrs. Shameem who he dearly loves but has a habit to flirt with young, beautiful females who are staying as his guests. Unlike his employees, he does not like to get involved in his guests’ private issues.
Mrs. Shameem would mostly catch her husband off-guard and would make a living hell for him and his new love interest. She loves shopping but complains to her husband for being a miser. She is soft on the employees, often takes their side, and tries to stop her husband from punishing them. She hates being called ‘Aunty’ and says to call her only ‘Mrs. Shameem’.
As for John Rambo the janitor, he hates when someone offers him ‘Tip’ as he considers this as being offended. He likes to work hard and bring good name to the Guest House, where he is employed. He can be easily convinced to do what is morally right. He often gets involved with other people personal issues and tries his best to gets them solved.
Then we have Murad who is a ‘Bellboy’ and would look for tips by the guests. He would break things up accidentally and had to pay from his salary.
Lastly, we have Naveed is the receptionist and is the only character who is mature and makes the right decision in order to run the Guest House.

ii – One of the most lovable and fun-filled performance to watch was of Afzal Khan as John Rambo. This was first TV series after leaping from theater acting career. He had no idea that his debut performance in TV series would give a permanent name in his own as other alias. Even today he is still well known and loved due to this character of John Rambo that he played in this classic TV series ‘Guest House’. His characteristics as to his well-intention mishaps and involvement into the personal lives of the guests would put him in trouble.

iii – Tariq Malik as Murad has made many people laugh and enjoy with his great timing comical facial expressions and remarks. His on & off fights with John Rambo in most of the episodes was always a great watch to enjoy. Though never seen Tariq Malik in other project after this but this iconic character has surely made everyone to remember him great respect. Other Honorable Mentions: Khalid Hafeez and Sarwat Ateeque.

iv – This is the only direction of Rauf Khalid, that I watched and reviewed on. Although he has been a director for few more TV series and a couple of films at least. A good director would make sure how smoothly everything goes and is responsible for having bigger credit for overall good performance by the cast members. For classic TV series, Rauf Khalid is a name to remember with great respect.

v – Its writing, screenplay has been very strong, to give an effective combination with the performances. The three writers had made sure that their TV series would be cherished with good memories for times to come.

vi – There are several famous quotes spoken by these iconic characters. Some of them are:

“My Name is Rambo, Rambo, John Rambo, Silver Stallone, the Cockroach Killer” – John Rambo.
“Yeh Aunty Kis Ko Kaha? Meh Kya Tumari Aunty Hu?” – Mrs. Shameem.
“TIP, TIP Karta Meh Kamray Mein Aatha Hu” – Murad.
“Easy Feel” – Murad.
“After Kar” – John Rambo.

vii – Since every episode had a new story to tell, this way we had new characters to watch and know their side of the story while the Guest House’s recurring characters would most often engage themselves in their private matters to solve it.

viii – Everyone in the cast gave a very, satisfying good performance as their characters demanded it to be.

ix – On choosing your favorite episodes, there might be vast variance. For myself, I loved two episodes very much. The one where Bushra Ansari is in and the other one involves local wrestlers are invited to stay at their guest house.

x – Costume designing for the iconic characters were the interesting ones. Such as John Rambo is given wiper, which he carries with him as if it is a rifle. He wears black sleeveless t-shirt with goofy type of skulls printed on the centre. He wears light orange loose pajamas similar to the pants worn by Pakistani police. He ties a long red cloth around his head with has a butterfly tattoo on each arm along wearing long black boots. Murad is wearing typical professional uniform for a bellboy.

xi – In Makeup & Hair-styling, they made sure that Afzal Khan looked like a low-class janitor and made his skin complexion dark, as to be find normally in our demographic areas. There were scenes of imagination where Afzal Khan finds himself in formal suit as some high-class gentlemen or perhaps the owner of this guest house. There we see his true self, what he actually looks in real life. As for others, there were a number of different guests arrived in each episode. The makeup and hair styling that is applied on them is praise worthy.

+ Low Points

i – The finale is something that you would like to avoid watching it. Just because it’s the last episode, the writers made sure that no one after this will ask us for another episode or for a remake. Yes, it’s that bad. Instead of making a memorable finale and enjoyable end – they went for a kill shot! By having no comedy but only soberness.

ii – The Production Design was very basic. It didn’t look like a good guest house decorum. For sure, if this was a real guest house, I would have taken it as being run by totally non-professionals.

+ Overall
With iconic characters, comical performances, and interesting repeated quotes, Guest House is truly a wonderful classic TV series which has done right in every aspect of its writing and directorial departments.

Rate: 4.50 out of 5 stars

TV series

Mr. Khan’s Review on ‘Khan’ (2017)

September 28, 2018October 13, 2018 Mr. Khan's Reviews

A review on Pakistani TV Political-Drama Series ‘Khan’ (2017). Its Production House and Distributor is Geo Entertainment.

+ Crew

Directed by Ali Faizan
Written by Syed Atif Ali & Nadeem Asad
DOP by Syed Adnan Bukhari
Edited by Saad Ali Khan
Produced by Babar Javed

+ Note

Khan aired on Geo Entertainment from 19^th Feb 2017 till 20^th Oct 2017. In total it consists of 30 episodes. This drama series is loosely inspired by Francis Ford Coppola’s films ‘The Godfather’ trilogy.

The Music is composed and Sung by Asrar while its Makeup & Hairstylist is Nasreen. Usman Mazhar is also a theater artist.

+ Main Cast

Noman Ijaz as Khan Sb
Shaista Lodhi as Sarwat
Atiqa Odho as Shabana
Aijaz Aslam as Jameel
Nauman Masood as Khan Sb’s Rival #1
Saba Hameed as Rahat
Asad Malik as Inspector Zaman
Yamina Peerzada as Neelum
Ali Josh as Kamal

xxxxxx

+ Supportive Cast

Munawwar Saeed as Sarwat’s Father-in-Law
Fatima Shah Gillani as Khan Sb’s Daughter
Ali Hashmi as Khan Sb’s Son
Usman Mazhar as Arshad
Iman Zaidi as Naila
Mohmmad Ahmed as Rahat’s Friend
Sami Sani as Chief Minister
Naeem Haq as Neelum’s Love Interest
Talal Jilani as Neelum’s Colleague

xxxxxxx

+ Minor Cast

Shahzad Raza as Newspaper Editor
Yasir Shah as Neelum’s Husband
Agha Shiraz as Khan Sb’s Rival #2
Rameez Ahmed as Khan Sb (Young)
Madiha Zaidi as Sarwat (Young)
Shuja Sami as Thug #1
Mehboob Sultan as Khan Sb’s Rival #3
Wahaj Khan as Sarwat’s Brother-in-Law
Rameez Awan as Thug #2

+ Plot

Khan Sb is an influential figure in his family and media. His children look up to him but there are some within his family who distrust and hate him for a number of reasons. When Khan Sb involves himself into the politics, he has to deal with his ‘friends’ and ‘Rivals’ very carefully. One day he is invited to dinner where he is shocked to find Sarwat, his former love interest.

+ High Points

i – Aijaz Aslam’s character however had an interesting meat to it as the actor usually plays positive roles. Thus, it was good to see him doing something different for a change. But it is unfortunate to see that his character doesn’t goes far.

ii – Stars such as Nauman Eijaz, Aijaz Aslam, Mohammad Ahmed, Agha Shiraz, Sami Sani was a warm welcome to be part of this TV series.

+ Low Points

i – Who was the brains to cast Shaista Lodhi in one of the lead stars? The casting director didn’t look far enough to have a much better actress in both categories (looks and performance). As for Shaista, she has a big brand name in the market and I guess that was enough for BTS team of Khan to approve her. Her performance at best to say, was okay but seriously, give serious thought to it and do admit that there is a long list of very good actresses in the market who could have been in her place.

ii – I am sorry to say but I had such big expectations from this drama. The name itself would attract anyone towards it. All the hype which was created for it, has fallen flat on the face.

iii – The story was very dry. It might look good on the paper but once it was on-air… Viola! The sub plots were there only to fill the gaps. As for the main plot, it was no fun to watch either.

iv – Too many well-known, star power was added to the list of cast members. The more commercial faces you have, the less feel of realism it would give.

v – Honestly, I lost interest in the third episode. After that, it never regains. I was hoping it would but didn’t. Still had to watch till the last (30^th episode) to write its review.

vi – The cinematography is absolute pathetic! I can understand why TV industry usually calls them cameraman instead of ‘DOP’ or ‘Cinematographer’. There are so many scenes throughout this drama series where you would be laughing and wonder to what was going through their cameraman’s head to come up with such angles of scenes? For instance, there is a scene where Neelum has her ear phones on and is chatting with someone on her phone. And the camera angle is kept directly on her face, where she is clearly breaking the fourth wall to show as if she is talking directly to the viewers instead. I mean, are there no one in their BTS team to point out such a huge technical flaw?? How did director or the producer gave approval on such illogical technical shots? Did you guys spend all the budget on casting big names for your TV series than to give heed on hiring professionals to do their job correctly and praise worthy?

vii – As for makeup & hair-styling is concerned, I don’t understand why Shaista had so much surgery on her face for, with the extra powder on it … her face looked like a chalk!

viii – A very average performance by the main cast but it still disappointing to say this but they could have acted much better with the kind of roles that they had.

ix – When I have grown really tired to see Atiqa Odho in her similar characters that she is playing for a long, long time. I mean, come on! Doesn’t she have better and different type of roles to do? Same thing also goes for Nauman Eijaz. You pick any TV drama of his and most of them would have a very similar type of character that he plays. Our TV industry doesn’t let our stars to grow as a mature performer. They would rather restrict them to do ‘One of a Kind of Character’ all their lives.

x – I saw the director’s name, I was very pleased and excited to see what can he do for Khan. I was really looking forward to it. — what could he have done, when the entire project was falling apart?

xi – The quality of production design was there just for namesake. The BTS team of Khan had interest to make 30 episodes length of TV series. They clearly forgot that these secondary departments do matter to give a proper presentable to the viewers.

xii – There was no suspense in this series, everything turned out to be very predictable. Everything… including how it would end.

+ Overall
Khan fails to live up to the viewers’ expectations by their own set of numerous flaws.

Rate: 0.25 out of 5 stars

Feature Length Films

Mr. Khan’s Review on ‘Doctor Strange’ (2016)

August 20, 2017March 3, 2021 Mr. Khan's Reviews

A review on Hollywood feature length film ‘Doctor Strange’ (2016). The Production House is Marvel Studios while it’s Distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

Cast:

Directed by Scott Derrickson
Cinematography by Ben Davis.
Written by Jon Spaihts, Scott Derrickson & C. Robert Cargill
Produced Kevin Feige

Note:
In 1978, the film ‘Dr. Strange’ was released which was poor incarnation of the Marvel Comics based character. Then again in 2007, this time an animated film was released by the name of ‘Doctor Strange: The Sorcerer Supreme’.

Main Cast:

1) Benedict Cumberbatch as Stephen Strange & (voiced) as Dormammu

2) Chiwetel Ejiofor as Karl Mordo

3) Rachel McAdams as Christine Palmer

4) Benedict Wong as Wong

5) Michael Stuhlbarg as Nicodemus West

6) Tilda Swinton as the Ancient One
Plot:

It centers on surgeon Dr. Stephen Strange after a career-ending car accident, severely struggles with his life. Through someone he learns that an Ancient One through the mystic arts can heal up his wounds and give a meaning to his existence in this new life. With the Ancient One, he learns that there are powerful evil beings, sorcerers who are a fatal threat to all life on earth. Now it depends on Dr. Strange whether he wants to go back to his former life or stay back and defend earth from such threats?

High Points:

i – Benedict Cumberbatch did a good job as portraying the lead character as ‘Dr. Strange’. Mild performances by Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Stuhlbarg and Tilda Swinton.

ii – The visual effects are eye popping attractive to watch.

iii – Humor during certain scenes are nicely placed and well thought over.

iv – The cinematography is favorable and effective combination with the visual effects.

v – The 1st secret ending just as the credits are started rolling has a guest appearance of a Marvel character.

vi – The ending strongly implicates that there would be changes in the timeline of Marvel, which is also referring to Phase 4 in Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Low Points:

i – The story is not original rather an inspired one from different bunch of films.

ii – The fight sequences are just fair really. It does not stand in the ranks of Marvel comics based films.

iii – The main antagonist Dormammu is a CGI face. I was hoping it to be a really impressive character but the Marvel comics played it safe.

iv – The red cape is live and acts in similar way as does the carpet from animated film ‘Aladdin’.

v – The 2nd secret ending after the credits are rolled is NOT worth the wait.

vi – Christine Palmer to see Dr. Strange in spiritual form though does comes in a shock but it does not take her much time to see the strange and bizarre things going around her to accept. I mean REALLY? Would you accept all this in just few minutes if it happened in real life?
Overall:

It is highly Over Rated film. It clearly did not impress me. Perhaps I had high expectations from it once I learned that this film earned 90% at Rotten Tomatoes. This feature film reminded me of ‘Kungfu Panda’ (2008) + ‘Inception’ (2010) = ‘Dr. Strange’ (2016).
Rate: 2.75 out of 5 stars