‘My Pure Land’ is a high point for feminism

Sarmad Masud directorial will make you laugh, cry but most importantly, admire the strength of the female protagonist

DUBAI: Female protagonists in Pakistan typically have limited scope, as far as mainstream films and television dramas are concerned. They are almost always relegated to being eye candy, hapless abuse victims, simpering love interests or one-dimensional damsels in distress. Sometimes they are all of these but never more.

Urdu films seem to be attempting to change that. In the recent past, some of these – namely Moor, Dukhtar and Mah e Mir – have had compelling female characters but most of the films have struggled with coherence, storytelling and doing justice to the character's story.

PHOTO: BROADWAY

My Pure Land is a revolutionary film in this, and other, regards. Directed by UK based film-maker Sarmad Masud, the film is the story of Nazo Dharejo, a Sindhi woman who fought off 200 bandits to defend her home. Starring Suhaee Abro and Tanweer Hussain, Sarmad weaves together a compelling and emotional tale that makes you laugh, cry and, most importantly, admire the strength of the protagonist.

PHOTO: HINDUSTAN TIMES

Nazo’s true story stems from Sindh but Sarmad seems to have taken it out of the context of a specific province and given it a universal themes: of social justice and the relationship between a father and a daughter. Tanweer plays Suhaee's father who has raised her to be strong. Her mother also encourages her to learn how to fire guns. There are no simpering women in this film, no. Each of them has a voice and a credible, significant and crucial strength which doesn't rely on any man.

PHOTO: FILE

Following a land dispute in the family, the family’s circumstances take a hard turn. Suhaee beautifully essays a stoicity and valor in the face of adversity as she stands gazing at various moments with a certain brazenness that is so rare for a desi starlet. Instead of an erratically imagined super heroine with unnatural bravado and theatrical intensity, which could have been an easy take on a story like Nazo's, Sarmad's take is of a normal girl in difficult circumstances who must rise to become a heroine. It is this normalcy – the worn out chappals, cheap jewelry, minimal make up, modest home and inexpensive clothing – that adds to the impact. The characters are raw and powerful because they are real and you can see them in the person sitting next to you.

My Pure Land lays bare the power struggles and the broken justice system that leads to violent and vengeful warfares commonplace in Pakistan. Whether it is the law enforcement or the health care system, the disenfranchised have little else in terms of choice and options than to take up arms themselves and lose blood, life and loved ones in the process. The film is adeptly creates anxiety and tension in moments and sequences that require immense balance and needle-like precision. The fact that it is a well-made action thriller, along with a woman’s story, is one of the many reasons why My Pure Land is a treat to watch. It has memorable performances from the supporting actors and a haunting, melodious soundtrack sung by Sanam Marvi.

PHOTO: WATERSHED

The film was screened internationally and in Dubai as a part of Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) 2017. My Pure Land received much acclaim at the festival and a 92% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. One truly hopes that people in Pakistan can see it as well, for it is a truly a story of Pakistan and the bravery that many of its women show day in and day out.

Sarmad's creative strength is the combination of the non-linear narrative, usage of pregnant silences and the subtle symbolism that he chooses to tell an otherwise short and action-packed tale. That is not to say that the film doesn't have direct action or an overtly violent tension to it. There are some incredibly powerful moments that stay with you long after you have left the cinema.

But its greatest strength is the well-crafted coherence and Suhaee's fearless performance. My Pure Land is the best Urdu language film of the year.

Rating: 4 stars out of 5.

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