The first anthology film of Pakistan which combines three short films. Teri Meri Kahaniyaan is produced by See Prime which helped transform the digital platform scene in Pakistan with their series of great short films. Teri Meri Kahaniyaan is a first in many ways; first time two writers have written the script of one of the short films “Jin Mahal” and the strength of the script is a testament to why multiple writers might be the way to getting better stories into the Pakistan entertainment landscape. It also brings together, horror, light hearted storytelling and serious poetic drama for the first time, giving something to everyone who wants to get their money’s worth in cinemas.
One is bound to like something.
Teri Meri Kahaniyaan will not bore the movie lover in you. The film will offer multiple flavors, the stories reach a climax and despite being short films, are brilliantly wrapped up so when one walks away, we don’t feel as if we have watched an incomplete movie. Teri Meri Kahaniyaan also features some great performances and direction.
Jin Mahal
An intelligent script, captivating storytelling, a heart-touching topic and some mention-worthy performances make Jin Mahal a true piece of artwork directed with love and passion by Nabeel Qureshi. Nabeel needs no introduction and has given multiple hits to the industry. But when you watch this one, you cannot fail to note the finesse in his work, his profound journey as a director and his passion to tell a story that is close to his heart.
A couple played by Hira Mani and Mani with children, a sister and an ageing mother played by Gul e Rana, are homeless in this cosmopolitan city of Karachi. Conditions force them to take temporary shelter in an dilapidated, abandoned house which then leads them into a chain of intriguing life changing events.
The film is a fun, thought provoking take on the living conditions of people inhabiting Karachi or for that matter, any city in Pakistan. It maps the progress that has come to pass over time, the various mafias that are in play and manipulate our day to day lives without us even realizing it; our insecurities and weak beliefs that give power to entities around us.
Nabeel Qureshi excels at telling a story that balances the challenges faced by the family, some comic yet realistic, crude moments, and heart touching emotional scenes. Seeing Mani in a serious role is such a pleasant change and you enjoy his performance. Hira Mani and Gul e Rana excel in their performance along with the child actors.
If you are looking for a story that is fun to watch, keeps you engaged and curious, reflects a page from your surroundings, matched by excellent performances, this is the one.
Pasoori
An excellent one-time, spirited watch. Sandwiched between Jin Mahal and Aik Sau Taeswaan, Pasoori sets the right ‘mood break’ from some serious content and hands out fun elements to sit back and enjoy. It carries all the flavors of a typical light-hearted romance, but what makes it a good watch is the originality of the concept and script. With more and more women pursuing their dreams passionately and bravely, the film presents the classic dilemma many girls face today – Shadi versus following their passion.
Ramsha Khan’s character has to choose between going for a singing competition as a finalist on the very day and time her nikah is supped to take place? So, what will she do?
Pasoori gives you smile moments, a healthy dose of romance and most importantly, it delivers some very relevant messages through its lead couple of Sheheryar Munawar and Ramsha Khan aka Salman and Romaisa. The film seems like an earnest attempt at changing mindsets.
It is the film directorial debut of Marina Khan; one instantly notes many robust points in the direction. It is not always easy to pick an event from someone’s life and tell a story about it in ways that give it the flavor of being complete and whole on its own. Marina Khan manages that very well, keeps the pace, ensuring she does not lose the audience at any point. However, the story could have done with more impactful performances, better chemistry between the lead couple, improved comedy, a more credible turn of events. For example, how did our lead actress receive the letter for her final selection and performance on the same day that the competition is scheduled?
Despite a few weak links, the originality of the script and relevance in today’s world, is a breath of fresh air and will not disappoint.
Aik Sau Taeswaan
A chance meeting of two people, whose conversation is laden with multiple underlying meanings and connotations of desire, attraction, loyalty, life lessons and just being a man and a woman. And at some point in time, the story leaves the realms of gender and just becomes about doing the right thing as a human being.
The dialogues are poetic, almost like verses set to a melody as our lead actors Sadaf played by Mehwish Hayat and Ahmed played by Wahaj Ali deliver them effortlessly. The direction is refined and above par, using limited locations, interweaving minute details like chai at the train station, water bottle on the table, bag, sketch pad etc. to aesthetically add visual layers and depth to an otherwise simple scene.
The story grips one from the start as we keep waiting to see what transpires between these two people; will they fall in love, will Sadaf’s husband’s infidelity cause her to become attracted to Ahmed? The story not only offers many surprises, but also gives one much to think about. At some points the script jolts the viewer with references like “bitch (kutiya)” used for women but manages to drive home some very important points. Aik Sau Taeswaan is interesting in its own realm and carries with it, a whole mood and experience to watch.
The script is supported by some stellar performances. Mehwish Hayat shines bright in this role, from her sari clad silhouette, to the slightest of the movement of her eyes, she will enchant you. If nothing else, one should go watch Aik Sau Taeswaan to experience the magic of her performance. However, we wish the creators had taken more advantage of an actor like Wahaj Ali. One feels his character should have had more dialogues and carried more depth. But on the other hand, he must be admired for nailing his performance through expressions. His eyes, his face, his hands, his body language are more in play and convey more altogether than his limited dialogues.
Zahid Ahmed and Amna Ilyas present what is happening on the other side. It is through them that the writer and director throw some hard-hitting truths and revelations at the audience. Some great performances there as well.
The narrative will make you think and audiences will walk out with parallel conversations running inside their head; some might question the character’s choices and some might agree with, or relate to it.
Whichever side you’re on, Aik Sau Taeswaan brings back old school romance to the big screen, interweaving relationship woes in a heartfelt story.
