‘Kyun Nikala?’ offers optimistic, yet skeptical view of Pakistan’s future

From Nawaz Sharif’s departure to Imran Khan’s arrival, play covers all major political changes of 2018

KARACHI: The political landscape of Pakistan has gone through drastic changes this year. The downfall of Nawaz Sharif and the rise of Imran Khan have marked a new political era. Anwar Maqsood’s latest play Kyun Nikala? is based on just that.

Directed by Dawar Mehmood of KopyKats Productions, Kyun Nikala? revolves around Sajid Hasan who plays a PML-N politician open for an offer to change alliances for the right price, as the fall of the party looms on the horizon.



The play is classic Maqsood, full of one-liners and hilarious word play. With it, the veteran writer returns to theatre, creating situations and characters that form a complete picture of the current political scenario of Pakistan. From temporary alliances, selling out, fears and insecurities, the play touches upon all angles of the dirty game of politics.

I must say the writing is not clever. This kind of satire is what we have come to expect from Maqsood – full of stereotypical characters poking fun at themselves and others. So there is no surprise element and Kyun Nikala? doesn’t offer any new insight into the minds of our politicians.

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But it takes a certain chutzpah to commentate on politics without censoring yourself. This is where the play succeeds. It’s brave at times, taking digs at everything and everyone including the military forces, the Sindh government’s complacency and people’s attitude towards East Pakistan, now Bangladesh (one of the central characters is a Bengali cook, played by Mohsin Ejaz, who works at the politician’s house).

The jokes may range from offensive to cringe-worthy at times. Some even fall flat. But most work and garner full on laughter throughout. Back in April, Maqsood received massive backlash for a video he had uploaded titled Aik Sindhi Ka Interview, wherein he generalised the Sindhi population and portrayed them as lazy, unemployed and addicted to a luxurious lifestyle whilst living off the money they can’t pay back. Later on, he apologised and removed the video. It’s important to note how he attempts to tame that side of his humour in the play, although it still somehow seeps in through the cracks.

PHOTO: RAHUL AIJAZ

Moreover, the title may make one think the play relates to Sharif’s popular slogan after he was disqualified. But it goes beyond that. It turns out to be a cynical view of the so-called ‘Naya Pakistan’ and the way the politics of the country works. It reflects on how money is the driving force in decision-making, choosing leadership and alliances. Maqsood, although optimistic, is rightly skeptical about this new era of Pakistani politics.

Aside from a decent script, huge credit goes to the director. Mehmood manages to bring out great performances by the entire cast, especially Hasan. There is not a single moment where the veteran actor doesn’t impress: his comic timing and delivery is astute, and his expressions and body language tell a story in themselves. Ejaz gets a special mention as his is the character that holds the chaos on stage together.

PHOTO: FILE

The latest collaboration between Maqsood and Mehmood (who have previously worked together on Siachen, Pawney 14 August and Sawa 14 August, among others, in the last six years) turns out to be quite entertaining. If you’re looking for an hour of hilarious political mockery, feel free to invest in Kyun Nikala? and have Mehmood’s cast tickle your ribs… figuratively.

Kyun Nikala? is running at the Karachi Arts Council until August 27 and will head to Lahore and Islamabad in October.

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