It’s hard to sit through a 3-hour long movie. Add some over-acting, cheap comedy, elaborate dance sequences and senseless masala and you not only have the recipe for the perfect Bolly/Lollywood hit but also a guaranteed way to torture your (ever-ready-to-please) male counterparts.
The absence of all of the above is what made Khuda Keliye, Shoaib Mansoor’s first venture, an epic watch for Sameer. Khuda Keliye was a refreshing blend of a powerful story revolving around meaningful issues, excellent acting and a decent soundtrack. Sameer had never watched a Pakistani movie before Khuda Keliye and he had to admit, it was an impressive attempt. And so, when Sameer’s cousins made a plan to go watch Bol, Shoaib Mansoor’s second feature film, he thought it would be a good way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon.
The tickets for Atrium Mall’s cinema were bought for Rs. 400 apiece. Personally, Sameer would have loved to go to one of the cheaper cinemas but it was his first foray into the new mall and besides, he could never take his sisters to Capri or Prince Cinemas; Sameer was very well aware of the kind of crowd that turned up in those places.
While Bol attempted to underscore some of the pressing social issues (mistreatment of eunuchs, suppression of women, prostitution and people’s misunderstanding of the teachings of Islam), Sameer felt that it failed to capture the essence of any of the aforementioned ideas. The movie, unlike its predecessor, focused on dramatization more than content: the link between the first and second halves of the movie was missing, concepts were left untouched and gaps remained in the story-line. Sameer was unimpressed. However, he did appreciate the performances delivered by Humaima Malik, Shafqat Cheema and Iman Ali.
For now, Sameer is done watching Pakistani movies. And to avoid watching Indian movies with his family, he will have to do something about the fact that while his mother cries during each and every Shahrukh Khan movie, she doesn’t understand what happens in The Dark Knight.
Since I am one of the aforementioned people who were instrumental in dragging "Sameer" to this movie I must say that I both agree and disagree to this summary.
ReplyDeleteYes, the director did put too much in too little time frame but I still applaud him for making a sensible film and that too using such a taboo subject in Pakistan.
As for quitting Bolly/Lolly films in general that definitely cannot happen to me. Sadly I'm too much of a filmi guy to stop cherishing the masala flicks. Plus I really want our industry to flourish and will always play my part where I can to promote local talent and content.
Sameer does applaud the team for its effort but is unable to connect with movies where the plot is overshadowed by sensationalism. He thinks the movies from across the border are much worse (at least Pakistani movies attempt to address serious issues in society) but unfortunately, he cannot stop his family from watching those.
ReplyDeletePersonally I quite enjoyed the film, but I agree Mansoor had too much happening in just one film so it was all over the place. Would have been better if there were some focus. However, I completely and wholeheartedly believe in supporting local talent. There are just a few intelligent Pakistani filmmakers and they should be encouraged...so yea I will always totally go to the cinemas to watch their films, as opposed to getting dvds from Laraib. And jahan tak swearing off Bollywood/Hindi cinema ki baat hai I would say don't be too quick to dismiss it...sure you have the shitty masala stuff but you have some of the most beautiful and intelligent films come out of Bollywood. Sameer should talk to one of his old high school friends about the real and obscure beauty of popular Hindi cinema.
ReplyDeleteThese are Sameer's views. Mine are different. I believe in encouraging the industry as well as cinema houses =)
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