Yumna Zaidi’s ‘Nayab’ wins big at the Minsk International Film Festival Listapad. Here’s why it’s a hit and 4 takeaways from the film that make it a success.
‘Nayab’ hit the screens on January 26th, 2024, and since then, it has been making waves in Pakistan and across international borders. This highlights the growth and influence of Pakistani cinema in the global arena.
Nayab follows the story of a young girl, with a passion for becoming a national level cricketer and joining the team. The story revolves around her journey, the hurdles, resilience and her personal growth.
Here are 4 take aways that make Nayab stand out.
1. A Different Story
Nayab brought with it, a unique story, about a young girl chasing her dreams to become a cricketer, making it a fresh plot and a movie to watch. It shifted the narrative, moving from the very typical saas-bahu dramas, the repetitive rom-coms, to a story girls can relate and look up to.
It’s proof that Pakistani cinema is no less, and can go beyond movies with dance numbers, plays where Pakistani girls are shown as submissive. As viewers our tastes have also evolved and we crave unique stories, that are a beacon of hope.
2. Going Beyond Borders
Just yesterday, Nayab won the Special Diploma of the Judges Award, at the Minsk International Film Festival. This is a win not only for the cast and crew, but for Pakistan as well. It showcases our culture, our writing and paves way for Pakistani cinema.
In May 2024, Nayab won the Best Foreign Film and Best First-Time Filmmaker awards at the Cannes Film Festival. It adds to Pakistan’s bucket of movies that are internationally recognized. In September, Usman Riaz’s ‘Glassworker‘ has been selected as Pakistan’s submission at the Oscars 2025, in the International Feature Film Category. In 2022, Joyland ruled the global stage, with it’s premier at Cannes, along with multiple international awards.
It showcases our culture and way of life on a world stage, as well as highlighting the sheer grit and determination that will inspire many young girls to aim for their dreams.
3. Performances The Audience Could Resonate With
Yumna came, served and conquered! Nayab marked her theatrical debut. Her portrayal of a determined girl, chasing her dreams, and breaking the barriers is both nuanced and heartfelt.
Javed Sheikh and Huma Nawab won our hearts with their performances. M. Fawad Khan’s portrayal of a supporting brother, was heartwarming and proof that support from within the family goes a long way in helping our female heroes reach their dreams! Usama Khan also brought his A-game and we loved to see it! P.S., we cannot wait for Yumna and Usama’s upcoming drama ‘Qarz e Jaan.’
4. Paving the Way to Achieve Your Dreams
Nayab gave the women and girls of Pakistan hope. A hope to to achieve their dreams, break the bias, and overcome all obstacles.
After 22 Qaddam, this women-centric story shows the stigma behind women in cricket or being athletes in general, due to the cultural and traditional stigmas. People barely talk about them, let alone allow their girls to set the examples for the future generations.
So, is it safe to call Nayab a ‘full package?’ Yes, it ticks all the boxes. An inspirational story, international success, and powerful performances.
Despite its achievements on the stage of international cricket, women’s cricket in Pakistan is rarely used as an example to aspire to for young girls in Pakistan. Perhaps Nayab’s win on a global platform will amplify the narrative and the dreams that it carries to a wider audience, and perhaos, in turn, make a young girl’s cricketing dream come true at home.
The film stars Yumna Zaidi, Usama Khan, Javed Sheikh, M. Fawad Khan, Adnan Siddiqui, Mohammed Ehtishamuddin, Huma Nawab and Noreen Gulwani. It is directed by Umair Nasir Ali, and produced by David Kenney, Agness Kenney, Rumina Umair, and Umair Irfani
Sources: Daily Jang, The Azb
