Film premiere: Cine Gold Plex screens award-winning film Zinda Bhaag

Filmmakers, actors, directors say film could herald revival of Pakistani cinema.

ISLAMABAD:

Much hype surrounds the Pakistani film “Zinda Bhaag” that premiered at Cine Gold Plex in Bahria Town on Friday. The film has been sent as an entry to the Oscars from Pakistan and stars critically-acclaimed Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah.

Shot in the culturally-rich city of Lahore, the film would appeal to the average cinemagoer for its originality and aesthetic. Anyone familiar with the crude Punjabi dialect would identify with the dry wit and humour that makes for much of the dialogue. The script follows three friends who dream of moving abroad but are inextricably bound to the country in spite of the best-laid plans. The shared pursuit of greener pastures is what connects them in their misery.

Scores of film enthusiasts from the twin cities enjoyed the screening at the plush cinema that offers the luxury of cushy, reclining seats and a powerful sound system. While the audience viewed the film as a step forward in the revival of Pakistani cinema, they were also mindful of not being hypercritical at the outset.



“We shouldn’t be too harsh when it comes to commenting on Pakistani films as yet. It’s a brilliant effort and I’m happy Pakistani films are coming good with frequency. It’s a good sign for the industry as families are going out to watch the films,” said Hamza Ali Abbasi, an actor and director. “I recommend everybody to watch it at the cinema,” he added. Abbasi is currently working on his upcoming film, “Kambakht.”

Ahmed Ali, a theatre and film actor, said he particularly liked the idea of hiring non-actors and training them for the film. “The characters were very relatable. The acting, cinematography and dialogue were brilliant but the editing could have been better. Apart from that, it was very touching to see our own people come up with such promising stuff,” he added.

Imran Raza Kazmi, an independent filmmaker, appreciated how the film strings together romance, action and comedy into the same genre.

“Our film industry has been in limbo for over two decades and this one is part of the industry’s rebirth. We should overlook the technical glitches and enjoy the film for what it is,” he said. Given the challenges of making a film in the country, he complimented the directors for their work.

Wijdan Khaliq, an audience member, dubbed the film “risky and raw.” He said the film highlights how good looks and glamour are not the key ingredients to making a good film. “The script was convincing,” he added.

Sarmad Faraz, a singer and the son of legendary poet Ahmed Faraz, said, “I absolutely loved the film and Naseeruddin Shah was flawless as always.” Written and directed by Meenu Gaur and Farjad Nabi, the film has been produced by Mazhar Zaidi.  The film has bagged four awards in three categories at the Mosaic International South Asian Film Festival in Toronto. It features soundtracks by renowned vocalists including Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Abrarul Haq.

The screening was organised in collaboration with Nucleus Events.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 22^nd, 2013.