Namal (Nimrah Ahmed) Episode 23- Novel Review by Shoby

Namal (Nimrah Ahmed) Episode 23- Novel Review by Shoby

Just a few weeks back I came up with an idea of correlating characters of various English dramas (seasons) with the characters of our very own Namal and here I am reading episode 23rd (Morchaal) of Namal which is started by Nimrah with one of the dialogues from episode Buckle Up of Season Scandal (Quite an interesting co-incidence :-) ).

Just to give the readers an insight about Scandal it is one of the most celebrated American political thriller TV series and it mainly focuses on the work & life of Olivia Pope, staff of her crisis management firm and the staff of the epicenter of world power i.e. USA's White House. Buckle Up is the 19th episode of Season 5. Episode "Bukle Up" is written by Michelle Lirtzman and these lines quoted by Nimrah are no doubt the highlight of the whole episode.

These lines show the desperation of the protagonist who wants the other to be rescued by any hook or crook. Its no more about being good or bad, its about fighting the reason which makes you sad and turns your future dark. You just need a mere glance (may be a single one-liner) which you can quote to yourself, which has the tendency of putting a tap on your back so that you may get a little inspiration which may leads you to new heights of motivation. This is the secret of success. This is how you bring yourself out of the troubled waters.

Leave every scandal aside ( :p ) and lets focus back on our prime concern Morchaal (The House of Ants). I must tell you it is the most attractive title of the whole Namal series till date. Why??? Because it is very much relatable to the term "Namal" and it surely brings all the intriguing checks back on you as far as proceedings are concerned.

Yousafs are as usual doing the regular stuff in the bungalow occupied with lush green vining plants when the door bell rings and Faris is back. Leaving the umbrage behind, desperation of sister's love speaks straight away, "Mera bhai kahan hai"? Sam calls her Zumer (thinks as if now he has the licence to call her by her name as he knows the secrets & all). Faris tell them that Sadi will be back soon. Zumer further clarifies that as per his meeting with Faris, Saadi wants justice and to her it is the valid stance, although Faris does not agree on the same.

Hashim asks Jawahiraat to keep a distance from Haroon and she reciprocates that whatever she has been doing, her primary objective is to bring Aabi & Hashim close and to build a relationship between these two. Nature has started playing the role now as Sheru is now regretting the attempt of murder he made to kill Saadi. He calls Zumer and she briefly explains what jealousy can do at its prime best. It can even drag you to the position where you can claim one's life. Dreadful sin...

Its a morning of February, full of fog as Nimra states, "Thori door tak basaarat jati, phir us ke baad baseerat khatam ho jati"... Wow. What a way to tell the readers whats going on.

The name plate saying "Morchaal" brings some memories back. Faris & Zartasha alone in the bridle room and Zartasha feeling the usual bridal unsures and he builds on her confident when Zumer enters the scene for a brief moment. One moment that had the capacity to turn the table round. Meanwhile Waris warns Faris that he should keep his family at a distance from Hashim as he may reveal the secret of his earlier relationship with Zumer.

In Colombo, Kamuni & Rupa are furious over the incidents happened earlier and asks Saadi to leave the house. He has no other option so Saadi is again homeless & jobless now.

Zumer visits Dr. Qasim and his receptionist tells her that someone came and beat the hell of out of doctor. She guessed it right that he was no one other than Faris, however he asks the receptionist not to interfere and forgets the issue as he might get into troubles himself. (Honestly at times, I feel Zumer has that beautiful sense of humor that if she focuses on same, she can bring a lot more than a rigid, rough & rude Lawyer... Please take a note Nimrah) :p

This is something to be written in gold for sure. "Bivi apney shoher ki aina daar hoti hai. Tum us ko kaho woh khoobsurat hai, wo her roz nikherti jaey gi"... A fact explained beautifully by Nimra.

Faris asks Sara (Waris's wife) either to leave the country or be a witness in Sadi's case. Sara tells him that Col. Khawar knows about her presence at the time of incident.

Shoby updated his location at Facebook (Foodly Everafter) with Faris Ghazi & Zumer. Zumer asks him he has beaten someone and Faris unintentionally tells her that he has smacked just a few kicks & punches to Saadi... Saadi... Ha ha ha (Literally LOL). 

Namal readers khush ho jao... Apparently Jaan chutti tumharey Faris Ghazi ki... While romance was all over in the air, Hashim says "I am in love with you" to Aabdar... But wait its a typical girly reply here, "Main tumhari bohat achi dost hoon or dost hi rehna chahti hoon" (If I were there, I would have surely said, Go to hell)...

Just like a typical Pakistani/ Indian film, someone enters the territory of an independent state as if its not a big deal at all i.e. without any hindrance. Haider Humayun Khan (aka Saadi Yousaf) Welcome to Pakistan.

Like they say in the west Thanks GOD, its Friday, it is an official Biryani day for housewives in Pakistan. And what is this Nimrah. After enhancing the blood pumping pace, what you have presented in front of Yousaf's door... Hashim... Not on Maam, seriously not on. Anyways, the sentence "Hashim bhai aey ain" is itself quite satisfactory for many of us... Right na... ;-) 

Faris reveals they all know that he was the one who did every wrong and Hashim is simply not jolted at all. After-all he is Hashim (Dr. Hannibal Lecters). Hashim Kardaar has moved on and he does not want any other fight now. Although he is ready to face the punishments of his ill doings & false deeds but he obviously in no mood to start another combat. I believe its one unique  thing about Nimrah's writing that she plants the most anticipated moments in such an easy environment that the expected after shocks are not felt until they are really coming on and the same happens here. Who can confess about his mistakes (read sins) in such a comfortable manner.

I cant believe it. We witnessed the last episode with multiple scenes at one moment, this time its a two frame sequence brilliantly narrated by Nimrah. At one place, Faris is clarifying why he confirmed Hashim that they all know about the reality and simultaneously on the other hand, Hashim is beating Nosherwan Kardaar citing the reason that he has destroyed everything as Yousafs are dragging them into courts with all the homework done. Hashim is angered and furious but above all he is yet again ready for the battle but this time here is a difference, someone else is also ready to confront him from the front... Faris Ghazi... Kudos Nimrah... Kudos...

Things are moving in such an unimaginable pace now. Hashim orders all the bank accounts & properties of Yousafs to either be ceased or to be purchased whereas recently returned Saadi has uploaded a video on a video sharing site where he has revealed everything about his murder attempt & abduction... Game over Kardaars... Game is over now. One thing is remaining to be seen, Is martaba Hashim kaisey sambhaley ga. 

Faris was already aware of what Hashim is capable of doing after knowing everything. Therefore, he has already transferred all his assets to an Off Sure bank account... "Off sure" ka lafz parh ke hansna nahi Pakistanio... LOL :p ;-)

Looks like a ground battle is on the cards. Nimrah Ahmed is no different from the likes of Alan Ameen (notable action director of Bollywood) in this regard. What a game played by Faris, he has managed camera clicks & photo shoots to fight against guns. Smiles at the end of solid blood pumping scene. Morchaal ki choontiyan Ha ha ha...

Aabi meets Faris to tell him about the proposal of Hashim. Meanwhile Sadi "sorts of" meet with Nudrat in a Grocery store in disguise. This cute si Aabdaar is seriously a big bomb embedded in a small packet. What a trick used by her to blackmail Jawahiraat so that she could persuade Hashim not to marry her. Bravo... Yet another term invented by Namra Ahmed... Zumerised... Ha ha ha

Please someone tell Nudrat if criteria of being "Begherat Aulaad" is to avoid/forget putting refilled bottles in refrigerator, I believe 99.99% youth of Pakistanis can easily be termed as same. 

Nimra deserves applaud, Dua sab se bara catalyst hai. Trude indeed... True in every aspect. Subhana RABI Yal AALA... Woh baar baar tasbeehat ki tadaad bhool rahi thi, so un ko duhraey ja rahi thi. ALLAH ke RASOOL PAK (asws) apney NAWASEY IMAM HASSAN (asws) IMAM HUSSAIN (asws) ko Namaz parhtey huey bhi utha letey they... And Saadi is back. A reunion that one can never forget. A reunion that one can expect only in a high voltage live performing opera theater. A reunion that demands every clap on its praise. Nimrah Ahmed writes a stunning sequence.

Foodly Everafter has three guests, Faris, Zumer and an uninvited one Col. Khawar. He provokes Faris to kill him and after an emotionally tiring heated discussion among the three, Faris releases him and lets him go. Just because he is not a murderer.

I Love you so much... I really do. Words that came out directly from the heart of a woman who is truly madly deeply in love of her ever loving & ever caring husband. Some confessions are felt like a charm- a magic trick that can take you in another world altogether... And this one is of no difference. 

The very next day, I love you has been converted into I'll kill you and off course this is Zumer for you.

And Aabdaar was right. She has done something that can bring Faris to her within few moments without giving him an ample chance to think twice. Aabi has commited suicide.

After many episodes this one was a real pacey. Everything happened in such a fast speed that even I was not having any chance to think which incident to put in the review and which can easily be left. This episode has worked wonders to the readers in many ways. Saadi is back to Yousafs. Hashim is all set to rescue Sheru and his own self. Faris and Zumer are ready to battle it out against the mighty powerful Kardaars and yes we have that one twits that is pertinent to be mentioned Aabi has committed the suicide and her father wants to know who is this guy for whom she has done that.

Sultan- Trailer Review by Shoby

Sultan- Trailer Review by Shoby

Looks like first real biggie of 2016 is here now. If anything that can best describes the trailer of Sultan is "awesomeness:. For the past few years, sports drama genre is getting quite a recognition in the Bollywood viewership and some good films have emerged in the limelight. Sultan is obviously one of those sports sagas that you may love to watch considering the power its trailer has exhibited.

Produced by Aditya Chopra and directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, trailer of this Salman Khan starter ensures you entertainment with right dose of sports based thrill along with some real Salman Khan kind of interesting Rom-Com moments. Watch the excellent dialogue delivery of Salman Khan when he says to Anushka Sharma, "Mannay Laagey ke angreji mein larki jaldi pattey hai... I love you bolo or is ke baad seedha kiss howey".

The highlight moment of the trailer is undoubtedly its ending portions. Sultan delivers a power packed punch line, "Asli pehelwan ki pehchaan ukharey mein nahi, jindagi mein howey hai ta ke jindagi jab tumhain patkey to tum phir kharey ho...".

Salman Khan is so natural in every scene (especially in his Haryanvi accent) that it looks like it was a trailer made role for him. Anushka Sharma is as usual fantastic and no points for guessing that Randeep Hooda is almost flawless in the scenes where he featured.

I must say that this Eid will be grand considering the fact that Sultan is all geared up to storm all the theaters.

RAB ul BASHAR (Sumera Hameed)- Novel review by Shoby

RAB ul BASHAR (Sumera Hameed)- Novel review by Shoby

Before you jump to the novel, what grabs your attention instantly is its title. Sumera Hameed is known for naming such unique titles for her novels that are hard to find in today's Urdu literature. After some real inspiring writings (& obviously unorthodox titles) primarily including Yaaram, Wali, Jog Aas & Prem Reet, this time she has selected yet another thought provoking & truly attractive title, RAB ul BASHAR (GOD of the man).

It starts with an abducted Seebal somewhere in mountainous area of Lebnon. She believes that whatever curse was left to be done on her mother has been descended upon her. 

Her mother Adeena has died earlier. Died in calmness. Died as she had a firm belief that only one thing can give her salvation and that one thing is none other than the death itself. However she thinks other wise. That is why she says, "Maut KHUDA se qurb ka imkaan hai, lakin jo dunya mein KHUDA key qurb ki khaak na pa sakey, maut us ke liye inaam nahi". No matter what, her mother has died leaving her in pain, anguish & off course grudge.

For all through her life, she was always requested by her mother to pray for her redemption. Her mother wanted an escape from all the sins that she has committed in the life.

She came to Lebanon with her friend Fredrick. Fredrick was a rebel, just like her. He was a drug dealer & at times blackmails people after spying on them just for a change. They started spending quality time together. They like each other because they both are same in term of their personality traits. See how both of them compliment each other:

Sebel: Tum meri khushi ke liye kiya ker saktey ho?

Fredrick: Main tumhari khushi ke liye kuch nahi karu ga. Albata agar tum meri khushi ho to main bht kuch ker sakta hoon.  What a dialogue between Sebal & Fredrick.

Sumera never forgets keeping her readers glued to the ongoing. The time when he gives her the ring is a magnificent sequence. Honest at its core... Brutally honest.

On her trip with Fredrick, Sebel meets Musa and her first meeting was not at all a pleasant one. Musa who looks like the epic of Jesus. Musa who has a habit of praying for others. Musa who was a gentleman, the real pious one. And she hates him by heart... She hates him in the real sense and this is depicted in each & every sequence written by Sumera Hameed.

Sebal: Main larki hoon or khoobsurat bhi hoon... Or yeh dono cheezen khaas bhi hain or matloob bhi.

Musa: Khaas Riza e ILAHI hai or Matloob bhi yehi hai.

And then one night, while she was in a deep sleep, Musa kidnaps her.

In the past, Adeena was under Nikah with Yaqoob when she happened to travel to the hill station. There she spent two years of her life for the sake of her love. She started loving Yameen and denied marrying Yaqoob but her father tried to persuade her.

Adena: Main usey nahi bhool sakti.

Father: Insan sab se pehley KHUDA ko bhoolta hai, kiyo ke WOH insaan ko yaad ker leta hai or yehi se us ke shirq ki ibtada hoti hai.

She did not left meeting Yameen even after her marriage. However she could not live with her and stepped out of the house with him. She asked for the divorce & he gave it to her. 

Her father died & then she gets twisted. She starts hating her second husband Yameen, who was once her love. She wanted to kill both Yameen & Sebal (her daughter) and then she asked for the divorce, this time from Yameen. Yameen tried his level best to stop her making this decision but she have had enough of this. Yameen could not take it & commits suicide. Although, he did not died due to his suicidal attempt, rather he died of her hatred.

Back in the present, Sebal is bound to live at Ume Haani's place. Ume Haani who is the sister of Musa is a very kind hearted woman who feeds Sebal with her own hands even though Sebal has injured three of her fingers. A standing ovation to Sumera for giving a very beautiful & authentic lesson in this episode. Every pain you take is somewhat a reflection of a sin you have committed in your past. Ume Haani tells her that she recalls three of her sins after getting injured from Sebal, which she has forgotten earlier.

In the flashbacks, Adeena continually asks Sebal to ask ALL for forgiveness. She pleads her to ask every other person to pray for her salvation but she denies doing so. Another lesson that has been delivered so beautifully by Sumera here here is that those who do not suffer anything in life, those who do not have to go through a bad patch and those who never fell ill are basically the ones who are who are not considered worthy by ALLAH to put in a  trial. "Dekha tum ne... Ab main azmaish ke qabil bhi nahi hoon".

Sebal leaves the home as Adeena request her to find someone who is close to GOD. Someone who can pray for her salvation. And Sebal asks almost everyone on the road to do the same. She was noticed by few of her school fellows and they all mocked her.  And then Adeena asks her to do one last favour. She asks her to beg forgiveness from those who she cheated in the life, Adeena's sons. She went there to ask forgivess but cam back without any hope. Forget the word hope, she was beaten, she was humiliated. 

Sebel: Woh mohabbat mein andhi ho chuki thi.

Ahad (Adeena's Son): Hum nafrat mein andhey hain or behrey bhi.

Sebel: Gunaah kesa bhi ho, aik din us ki saza khatam ho jati hai.

Ahmat (Adeena's son): Agar humari nahi hui to us ki kesey ho gi.

Coming back to the present, Musa reveals that Fredrick has sold her as a business transaction because he could not pay back his partner. therefore he sold her but it came to the knowledge of Musa and he kidnapped her for the sake of saving. Sebel thinks its a fake planted story. Musa tries to explain her that ALLAH is RAHEEM and HE loves everyone regardless of what someone does. HE loves all of his creations. He further explains how everyone has to find GOD at the end of the day, "Jo gir ker uthta hai, darja usi ka buland hota hai. Sab rastey ALLAH ki taraf jatey hain. Her insan ka aik alag rasta hota hai, ALLAH ki taraf janey ka".

And then she was sent back to Brooklyn. And then she was no more the same Sabel which she used to be. And then she searched for all those scholars & pious people who once used to be the guest of her mother. And then one day, she found herself in front of a school with many balloons in her hands and she stopped every child and asked her to pray for her. And check what she asked for:

Sebel: Kiya tum mere liye dua kar saktey ho?

Kid: Haan lakin main do ghubaarey lu ga.

Sebel: Dua karo, meri yaad usey usey aisey aey ke ke woh faramosh na kar sakey.

Dua karo, akhri baar hi sahi... Musa, Sebel ke paas wapis aa jaey...

And then one day, Musa came to her for real.

Musa: Unhon ne university ka naam or pata mujhey diya tha. Yeh dekho yehi wala hai na".

Sebel (smiles): Tum university ke samney kharey ho... yaani yeh darust hai...

Although its a reunion after much pain, suffering & waiting, still Sumera did not losse the grip and neevr missed the chance to put in that one one-liner that can bring a sweet cute smile to its readers.

Sebel: Tum mujhey dhoond rahey they?

Musa: Tumhain dhoondney ke liye gum karna zaruri tha.

I cannot put in a few words what I am right now thinking about this written piece known as RAB ul BASHAR. Its valid to say that no doubt, Sumera Hameed is one such writer who knows each & every trick to amalgamate social issues with mysticism. The overall impact of her writings are so strong that you cannot get over the whole thing for many of the moments after reading and this novel is no different in this regard.

Let me confess, RAB ul BASHAR is not an easy read and it is a hallmark of Sumera Hameed's writings that she chooses to write difficult concepts and narrates them in such a wonderful manner that readers cant help but to like them thoroughly. Same is the case here as it is based on a dark theme with so much of pain, helplessness & anger present in the premises of the story but you still enjoy reading this very unique written material.

RAB ul BASHAR opens up a very diverse horizon in front of its readers with a strong social message hidden in the heart of it. Guilt of a sin can never let you lead a peaceful life. It always teases you and makes your life a hell in true sense. 

Through RAB ul BASHAR, Sumera Hameed has yet again proved that you do not need a typical lovey dovey story or a so called exaggerated saas-bahu family drama to make one classic novel. There are only handful of writers who have given the digest stories a whole new dimension and undoubtedly, Sumera is one of them. The uniqueness of her concepts and overall portrayal of the story is so different that you cant help but just praise. It shows what magic you can do through your pen. Sumera Hameed, you rock big times. You have literally taken digest writings to an altogether different level. 

Save Me... I Am Innocent- Feature by Shoby

Save Me... I Am Innocent- Feature by Shoby

Its not something that has started just now. Universe is witnessing this war between good and evil since the inception. It started when ALLAH asked an arch angel to bow down in front of Adam just to fulfill ALLAH's will. He disobeyed & became the first oppressor and there it started a saga of war between right & wrong. ALLAH sent his Prophets to guide the human race to the true path (Siraat e Mustaqeem) but this human race disobeyed him in every possible manner. "Undoubtedly, man is necessarily in loss" (Sura Asr).

The fight went on to be fought until humanity got to see perhaps the biggest combat of right & wrong in the land of Karbala. From then onward, dynamics of the world has been changed to its optimum. Now there are only two groups of people no matter what religion, color, language, region or race they belong to. Either you are on the right path and termed as a HUSSAINI or you belong to the group of evil and known as Yazidis. May be that is why IMAM HUSSAIN (asws) said that a person like me does not pay allegiance to a person like him (yazid).

Time has passed and even though world has changed and we are now witnessing the era of so called science & technology but one thing that has remain stagnant is the same old fight between right & wrong. If yazidi forces killed IMAM HUSSAIN (asws) & his righteous companions at that time, they are still making the lives tough & killing the innocents all over the world especially in Pakistan.

Some evil forces are continually working against humanity and their agenda is quite visible that is to spread hate & terror. They are killing the innocents without any discrimination of their religion, race, language or color. Although its great to see that the nation has now decided to demolish this terrorism and after Zarb e Azb & with honest efforts of our Pak forces, we have observed quite a significant positive change in the environment but still lots & lots of work is needed to be done in this regard.

Recent target killing of Khurram Zaki (an eminent journalist) is one such example where an innocent Pakistani who used to speak openly against the terrorism & extremism was brutally murdered. I was going through some tweets for the past few days and to much of my surprise, some so called liberals who used to speak in favor of human justice & equality has started a campaign against Khurram Zaki for no reason at all. They have tried very hard to represent Mr. Khurram as a representative of a specific sect, which is totally wrong. He never focused on a specific sect, in fact he always said what is wrong. He spoke against the extremist forces and wanted peace, equality & justice for everyone in Pakistan. He was the one who spoke for the innocent killings in Peshawar APS.

Everyone has the right to say anything provided if all of us remain within the prescribed boundaries that religion & our law lays. One should not give any false statement to defame anyone especially a martyr.

Allama Raja Nasir Abbas is observing hunger strike for the past few days against every oppressor & evil. He is against those evil forces who are playing their dirty games against Pakistan and killing inncoents for the sake of nothing. He is demanding justice, equality & religious harmony. He wants hate speeches to be finished and I am endorsing his valid points against extremism. As a Pakistani, I also demand a system where there is a justice, respect, harmony, equality & peace for everyone.

Our Pak forces are working day & night to save us from the internal & external anti forces and we all are standing with our forces. As I said earlier, lots of work is left to be done as extremism is still present in the society in one form or another. We all want justice and equality for everyone without any discrimination.

1920 London- Movie Review by Shoby

1920 London- Movie Review by Shoby

1 Heart out of 5

Mystery horrors are liked by many of us provided if they are made with all the essentail ingredients included within. For quite some time, this genre is getting famous in Bollywood and a few Franchises have been in making focusing horror based elements. 1920 is one such franchise which has found quite a good volume of interest in public. 1920 London is the thrird installment of the series directed by Tinu Suresh Desai and starring  Sharman Joshi, Meera Chopra, and Vishal Karwal.

Story is simple, Kunwer Veer gets spell casted by black magic in London and his wife Shiwangi travels to Rajasthan in order to find the cure for her husband. She happens to meet her ex-lover Jai who is apparently the only person who can eliminate the magic. As the story advances, it is revealed that it was Jai himself who casted magic spells on Veer to take revenge from Shivangi who once denied being her freind in the court whoich ultimately costed Jai to spend five years in Jail. However  Shivangi clarifies that she did all this just to save Jai's life. Then Jai decides to fight against the evil to save Veer.

Let me put the lines in straight, overall treatment of the movie is not satisfactory at all. Acting is not up to the mark even Sharman Joshi who is a good actor in general was not looking authentic in his display of the character. Meera Chopra is good in parts but again she fails to leave any impact.

Scenes depicting horror are nice but exagarted. Backgorund music is not what we always expect from Amar Mohlie and although Sharib & Toshi have tried their best to make some soothing compositoins but due to the weak lyrics, music does not came out as it was in earlier installments of the series.

Nevertheless, 1920 London is simply a one time watch and nothing more than this.

Shobywood's Special Edition- Namal's Characters in the Light of English Seasons

Shobywood's Special Edition- Namal's Characters in the Light of English Seasons

So let me present to you my views on how I feel about different characters of Namal.  I have tried to tap the resemblance among pertinent characters that have so far been appeared in Namal with some distinctive characters featured in various English seasons. Obviously they are not 100% ditto of each other considering the fact that storyline & circumstances are in no way similar, nevertheless many of the behavioural traits and their reactions to certain scenarios in the novel premises have made me think how I perceived them. Below are the details of the character sketch. Hope you enjoy this very special edition of Shobywood...

Saadi- Peter (Fringe)... Loving, caring, always in a mood to help others. With the change in circumstances, he had to modify but he never intended to become a grey character. Somewhere inside, he is an innocent smart kid who loves to assist everyone for good.

Faaris Ghazi- Nicholas Brody (Homeland) or Dexter Morgan (Dexter)... With a gloomy background, this guy was not meant to be like what he is now. Ruthless, straightforward, deep and intense with no holds bar in terms of taking revenge. However, he is a hero and will always remain a hero for ages. He can do anything & everything to save the family.

Zumer- Venessa Ives (Penny Dreadful)... Having a strong impact of what she went through, she still feels the same pain & agony because of her grieved past. However she is strong enough to take up the challenges and always try to bring the best out of herself in order to make things easier for her family & friends.

Hanna- Astrid (Fringe) or male character Mike (Suits)... Unique, different, smart & genius. Her character came of age and she was meant to be bloomed somewhere in the middle of the story. She made the right moves to bring out the best of her exceptional skills & attributes. She loves to solve the mysteries but sometimes she needs an assisting hand to get the job done in a productive way.

Hashim- Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Hannibal)... Dark, cunning, savage & cold blooded. This sums all about him. He does whatever evil he can and still comes out as a hero.

Jawahiraat- Evelyn (Penny Dreadful)... Perhaps this is almost 100% perfect match. Jawaahiraat is a witch and wants an everlasting youth, beauty & power to spell cast everyone. She wants to be an undisputed queen. She wants to rule the world and for this purpose, she can go wherever it takes.

Sheru- Brian Moser (Dexter)... Confused, cruel & a disturbed kid who thinks he is right in his stance even after committing optimum level crimes. He is a helpless character right from the word go. Even though he is evil, he still manages to live a comfortable life till the time decides his fortune.

Ahmer Shafi- Brian Finch (Limitless) or Harvey Spectre (Suits)... One word Genius... No he is something above than genius who knows how & when to get the job done. He can bring smile to your face even in the toughest of situations. And you cannot help yourself except loving this happy go lucky kind of person.

I hope you enjoyed reading my views on these characters. If you come up with something interesting or any feedback regarding this article, do share as we all Namalians are a family. Stay blessed. #Shoby

Deewar (Kashaaf Iqbal)- Novel Review by Shoby

Deewar (Kashaaf Iqbal)- Novel Review by Shoby

Kashaaf Iqbal, the man behind Zulekha, Humari Adhoori kahaani and Mohabbat Rooh Ki Ghiza is back and this time he has once again chosen the most beautifully cherished relationship of husband wife in his latest offering Deewar.

Nehaad and Mannat on a verge of tying the note. Nehaad's mother explains him that as per customs & traditions they should not meet now till they get married. Although Nehaad is not on the same page, nevertheless he satisfies his mother saying that he will not meet her. 

Nehaad's grand mother (Amma) wants to meet Mannat apparently all alone and she gets a bit frightened. She is afraid of losing the relationship. On the other hand, her best friend Zaburj is having a one-sided affair with Nehaad is desperate to break their relationship. Another episode reveals that Reshaan (Nehaad's friend) loves Mannat and wants to marry her but she denies. 

Kashaaf has given a great social message which should be appreciated by the readers. He shows in the novel, how the grand mother's presence is felt as the nucleus of the family. However, it is a universal truth ghat elders are the most pertinent members of our famil;ies and their mere presence is enough for our encouragement and motivation. "Amma ka wajood markazi fanoos ki tarha kaam karta tha... Jab ke baqi log to sirf tubelights ki hesiyat rakhtey they"...

Zaburj plans a fake accident to get rid of Mannat (We are unaware of what happens to this episode). However with the rage of hatred, Zaburj decides to spell cast Mannat with evil black magic. From the wedding night, magic starts showing the results and Mannat gets spell casted. Story moves to Bhurban and here I must appreciate Kashaaf for explaining the beauty of the hill station.

After a few horror chill sequences, Mannat gets better as Nehaad performs some wazaaif as prescribed by Amma. As the story concludes, Zaburj fails in her magic tricks as at the end of the day, evil has to fall flat and same happens to Zaburj.

This story by Kashaaf is different from his earlier writings for a few reasons. First of all, I am pretty much happy this time Kashaaf did not went through useless algebraic calculations while explaining the scenic sites. Instead he focused on the basics and stood firm right on them.

Subject handling was much mature this time with a few moments worth commending. See how beautifully he explains the concept of Love & Respect, " Hum zabardasti kisi ke dil mein mohabbat peda nahi kar saktey... Humarey kisi amal se logon ke dil mein humari izzat to zarur peda ho sakti hai per mohabbat nahi"...

As I said about detailing, Kashaaf has also shown his peculiar perceptive vision as his observation has taken me by surprise in couple of scenes, especially this sentence, "Aurat to woh hai nahi ke us ke hair brush mein us ke baal lagey hon..." (Excellent observation & detailing).

This time around, I shall not say that although it was a common story. No not at all. Kashaaf started with the wedding theme and stood true to its colors. Nice depictions of little episodes especially the excitement shown through the actions of protagonists is awesome and so true. Nehaad tries to hold hands of Mannat in public & Mannat wants a white wedding theme truly depicts the actual excitement a couple goes through before the marriage.

I must rate this product very high if I compare it with his earlier writings. Long way to go Kashaaf.

Namal Episode 22 (Nimra Ahmed)- Novel Review by Shoby

Namal Episode 22 (Nimra Ahmed)- Novel Review by Shoby

Kaafir Maakir Kaazib Qaatil continues as we witness Fasih in the locales of Srilanka in search of Saadi. Saadi's location where he resides has apparently been compromised but Faih thinks it as a prank call and let it go unnoticed.

Jawahiraat is anxious about the return of Aleesha but to everyone's surprise, Hashim is in no mood to react. He has moved on. (Has he, in real???).

No time for sit back & relax for Faris. Zumer is having some serious doubts regarding him having some "quality" time with Aabi in Columbo and Faris is feeling some real anxiety now. Aabi was undoubtedly playing a game but Faris Ghazi is not tailored made to be trapped so easily, as his written note says it loudly, "Main Yaha Restaurants Ke Khaney Kahaney Nahi Aya". Meanwhile he peruses his mission & contacts an old acquaintance Sabahat who is posted in Colombo.

Back in Pakistan, #SearchSaadi mission is right on it prime bright. Everyone is doing his own bit. Where Nudrat is praying as usual, computer expert Hanna is on a verge to locate Saadi using the IT techs & skills.

"Tum humesha kehtey ho ke humain alag ho jana hai or mujha nahi pata ke kiyo, lakin agar alag hi ho jana hai to tum meri taraf se azad ho". One phone call can turn the life to 360 degrees and it has just happened in Namal. The most distasteful moment is here. Faris & Zumer may fall apart and it is not at all going good for Namalians at least. "Ab her taraf phir se andhera ho gaya tha".

Zumer reveals in front of the family, the actual ongoing scenario on account of her married life with Faris. "Khatarnaak raaz bomb ki tarha hotey hain" reminds me of Because I think I am a grenade (from John Green's The fault in our Stars). Excellent words Nimra.

Zumer asks Yousafs to stay calm & DO NOT visibly show off that they are  having even a slightly mere idea about Saadi being alive, as it may make Kardaars attentive and they would ultimately make their lives hell. Everyone seeks acknowledgement except a mother, as Nudrat says, "Or Saadi... us ka kiya??? and Zumer replies, "Faris sambhaal ley ga". Who cares of love & affection when we get to know that trust is not yet shattered.

Ahmer Shafi has shown his evil genius yet again. Having doubts about Hunain, he hacks the account of Humaira and gets to know the dark secret how Hanna blackmailed her father to get the bounty in the form of a "little" assistance in exams. Ahmer explains, "Her raaz ki qeemat hoti hai fatima. kabhi na kabhi, kisi na kisi tarha woh humarey kaam aa sakta hai".

Saadi is once again trapped and this time someone has used his ever glowing hallmark, i.e. sympathy for people. Who someone??? The one & only Faris Ghazi, who is now beating the hell out of Saadi Yousaf- his very own nephew. After like billions of ages, Saadi meets Faris and after a few rage engrossing moments, Faris is all set to embrace this lovely kid #Saadi and what a one-liner Nimra has used to make the things look a bit relaxed. "Acha ab door hato... meri bivi mujh pe pehley hi shak karti hai". It is quite obvious from this sentence that even in these tough & challenging situations, only one thing is revolving around Faris... Stubborn Zumer.

If living in hell is something to be observed in this planet, it is The Jawaahiraat who has just observed the same. He proposes Haroon who rejects his proposal citing the reasons which she was not in any case ready to hear. The most important aspects of a woman's character are her faithfulness & loyalty and these are the hallmarks that are totally absent in case of Jawahiraat- the self obsessed witch. (Boorhi jaadugarni in the words of Faris :p ).

Mandatory moments were due in the meet up between Faris & Saadi. Zumer humesha ki tarha Zumer hai and Sadaqat ne shaadi ker li hai, woh bhi aik haseena se shows how beautifully Nimra can play with the cobweb of words.

As every other Pharaoh, Jawahiraat too believes blindly that she is the one who will never ever come under the radar of doom. "Magar dil boorha ho gaya tha. Is ki koi aging treatment nahi thi is ke paas".

Dooms Day is near and apparently it is now inches away from Kardaars. Hashim Kardaar's factory gets exploded and he could not take the incident. Down he is as cardiac arrest is what he has to confront. As a matter of fact, this heart attack turned out to be a mere anxiety attack, however humanity is above all and this is what was visibly expressed by the emotional reaction of Zumer.

Faris tries to persuade Saadi to go back to Pakistan and give another fresh start to a life with no Yousaf-Kardaars combat. Saadi has some other plans. he wants a trial. A trial against Nosherwaan Kardaar. He clarifies in front of Faris that he does not want any revenge. What he wants is the justice. Justice that needs to be done at any cost.

"Mujhey bohat achey lagtey hain QURAN mein pooochey gaey sawaal". True indeed. These questions are actually the source of inspiration and motivation. When we ask these queries to ourselves we get to know a much clearer image of what is the real purpose behind our birth. To obey our CREATOR- Who is The ONE and ONLY MASTER of ALL- ALLAH...

Jawahiraat asks Aleesha to reside in one of the servant quarters but Aleesha has something else in her mind. She wants her chain back from Hanna... Chain which reads #AntsEverAfter...

Boxing bells have started ringing in the house of Kardaars. Jawaahiraat, Nosherwaan and Hashim are all in severe confrontation in front of each other. The rift is quite visible. The faith is already decided and we all #Namalians are waiting for just the right time when nail turns red to be driven.

Fasih locates Saadi and this time he has proved that he is not the same old innocent Saadi. Another murder by him in self defence. Saadi kills Fasih in the fight. And this time there is no burden on Saadi for killing a living person. #SaveSaadi

Zumer has stolen files from Hashim's computer and Hanna retrieves them. Meanwhile Ahmer threatens Hanna, not to hack Kardaar's system. 

Foodly Everafter has always been my most favourite location in this whole Namal series. All the scenes that have been written in the backdrop of this little eatery have always come up with something big and this time its of no difference. He returns to Pakistan and meets Zumer here. Faris Ghazi is back from Srilanka. "Lamhey bhar ko isey bhool gaya ke un ki akhri larai kis baat pe hui thi".

"Tum us ke appartment mein they, us ke sath". (Bivian kitni shakki hoti hain- Huh).

"Ok, Ainda sach bolna mujh se... Bhaley kisi ke bhai appartment mein kisi ke bhi sath ho"... (Bivian kitni jaldi maan jati hai... Love Love Love...

Faris tells Zumer that he met Saadi in Srilanka and he will return soon. This conversation between Faris & Zumer is a very decent mix of husband-wife jealousy, love and above all triumph that this beautiful relationship holds.

Highlight of this episode is without any doubt the second last featuring almost all the pertinent characters of the game. Everyone doing his own stuff and in the middle of all this, here we witness Hashim kardaar playing yet another game, as he announces the The Saadi Yousaf foundation which aims to reopen the cases of missing persons and Hashim has once again emerged as a hero in front of public. Hashim sab kuch theek kar sakta hai.

This episode moved Namal quite quickly. The pace which was visibly lacking in few earlier episodes have been vanished and things are going towards a concluding part now. Lots of aspects have been undone by the author and lots many are still left to be discovered. To me, #SaveSaadi is still there but there is a game changer. #SaveSaadi now means to save Saadi Yousaf from breaking bad. Nimr, please let him remain as he was and #SaveSaadi...

Namal has some more gems in its kitty and we are all geared up to see whats coming next.

Ki & Ka- Movie Review by Shoby

Ki & Ka- Movie Review by Shoby

1 Heart out of 5

R Balki is one unique name of the industry who has always gone with quite unorthodox projects. Films like Cheeni Kum, Paa & Shamitabh has managed to get rave reviews from the critics as well as liking from a very niche class. From the names of the movies to the characterization & story lines he has always come up with different themes and Ki & Ka is no different...

Wait... Ki & Ka is no different as far as the premises of the film is concerned but it is different from Balki's previous directorials being it as the weakest of them all as far as the script & treatment is concerned.

Kareena Kapoor Khan's acting is as usual natural and on the top. Arjun Kapoor has tried his level best to play the role that does not suited him at all. Advent of Amitabh Bachchan & Jaya Bachchan is a real breather in this boring flick.

Music is almost average. Ji Huzoori is one track that I enjoyed after a very long time. A genuinely sincere composition with beautiful serence lyrics. Background music of the film is smooth.

Overall, Ki & Ka flats smooth in its totality and does not provide any such entertainment for which R Balki is famous.

Fan- Movie Review by Shoby

Fan- Movie Review by Shoby

2.5 Hearts of out 5

Maneesh Sharma came into the direction's limelight by his very impressive debut Band Baja Baraat. He further strengthened our belief on his skills by narrating Shudh Desi Romance in beautiful manner. Ladies vs Ricky Behl was also a feel good movie and worked for the audience to which it was targeted. 

Before Fan, he has always been successful in catering youth based romantic entertainers. He collaborated with Shahrukh Khan for his ambitious project Fan and here it is what he had to offer.

Fan starts off with a bang. Gaurav, a die hard fan of super star Aryan Khanna (both played by Shahrukh Khan) wants to show/ present him the trophy that he has won in a domestic acting contest and goes to his residence for the same on his birthday. There he gets to know that he is not the only one who is in awe of this mega star. A world is desperate to have his mere one look. With the story passes by, he thinks of a naught plan to meet Aryan which turn out to be his major mistake. Instead of getting Aryan's attention in a positive way, super star becomes furious & scolds him, in fact puts him behind the bars for a couple of days. From here on starts a deadly hate relationship and rest is to be seen in cinema.

Without any doubt, Fan is a Shahrukh Khan affair altogether. Srk who has been in a drought of good scripts from quite some time now finally gets what was needed. If not in totality then at least in parts, Fan is a much better product than what we have witnessed from Srk in recent times. 10 on 10 for Shahrukh Khan on playing a very difficult character in such a convincing manner. To me, it is perhaps the second most challenging character of his career after My Name is Khan. He has rediscovered himself in the movie for sure.

First half of Fan is engaging and you may find the character a bit relatable as all of us may share somehow the same level of bond with our icons. Sweetness and innocence of Gaurav's character and aura of Aryan Khanna bowls you over. Till interval, it is a quite beautiful endeavor but right after interval, film starts falling down. Certain visible glitches make it look unrealistic and ultimately less entertaining. Episodes embedded within the script post interval are not believable at all.

Fan has no mainstream music, however a nice background score. It has some really nasty action and many cat/ rat chase scenes. Those who love action will definitely enjoy these sequences. DOP is great especially in two scenes. One at the local Super Star competition & then the Aryan Khanna Reloaded sequence. Both are captured beautifully. Dialogues are catchy and goes very well with the proceedings. 

Overall, it doesn't look like you are watching a Maneesh Sharma's flick. One who gave us superb entertainers with excellent slice of life story-lines and beautiful executions. Fan is his weakest script till date, I admit.

Watch Fan only if you are a die hard Fan of Srk, as it fails to provide any further entertainment. However Shahrukh Khan has carried beautifully the whole proceedings on his shoulders. His Gaurav avatar will be remembered for an excellent display of acting.

Namal (Episode 21)- Novel review by Shoby

Namal (Episode 21)- Novel review by Shoby

Talking about the military strategies available in black & white form, The Art of War by Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu is perhaps one of the most eminent works. Chapter 7 of the same (Manoeuvring) deals with how the commander can win the direct confrontations, in case he faces a one on one forthright combat. 

Nimrah has taken me by surprise by picking its content as the preface for Kaafir, Maakir, Kaazib, Qaatil (1st Part). Although Namal has proved to be a full on strategy based warfare & we have not found even a single episode till date in which we have not witnessed the navigation of the human minds in terms of strategy making & modification but the start of this episode literally told me, Shoby, there is no time to relax now. Lets get straight to the business. (Dimagh ki batti khol de bhai)...

Just to give us a joining point, Nimra takes us back to the Full moon night where Saadi has escaped after hitting Khawar and now he is heading towards the Pakistani embassy in Srilanka. And then considering the fact that the enemies must have envisaged that he will go there or in a hotel, he withdraws his decision & spends the night sleeping at the sea shore.

Faras asks Hashim for a favour. He wants Hashim to arrange a job for him who accepts it with pleasure. He has to move to  Karachi and this did not go well with Nudrat, Hanna and most importantly (to my much disbelief)  Zumer. Aabi calls Faras & here we are witnessing for the very first time in the history, Zumer is getting jealous of her and this jealousy very much resembles to that of a typical wife (Halaat behtari ki janib gaamzan hain shayad). Aabi- Plastic ki guriya (Zumer I think its a bit rude).

Back in the Colombo, after a bit of plus-minus calculations, Hashim concludes that chef has helped Saadi & Khawar with the escape and he knows very well how to deal with the traitor.

As per the instructions of Jawahiraat, Ahmer Shafi has leaked the private footages of Jawahirat's counterpart. Faras asks him to meet and in their meeting held at Foodly Everafter he asks him to resign from the job, which he strictly denies to do.

While roaming around in Colombo, Sadi happens to enter a vacant house, where he used the computer to access Nudrat's email and other family members' FB profiles. He feels that everything is same there minus his own self. And here he reckons that now he cannot go back to the home. Are we witnessing the biggest turn of Namal. We may never see Saadi, as he used to be and it is sad.

Hashim has bestowed Marry Angeo for her revelation regarding Sadi and restores her as the head servant back in Pakistan. Fayona is depressed by this development.

"Mat Jao", Zumer stops Faras from leaving and I have missed a minor heartbeat by her gesture. He holds her hands and Nimra is 110% correct in her saying, Hath thaamney ka matlab sirf romance to nahi hota. I am getting astonished (read shocked) by Zumer in this episode. Are we getting a glimpse of this entirely modified newly revealed Zumer. Such a blunt "izhaar e mohabbat" with "I hate U". which was resplied back by faras with I Love U too... Too good. (Look I really dont want any sort of mess in the marital relationship of Faras & Zumer and unfortunately my intuition is telling me something fishy is going to happen, courtesy Aabdar & the upcoming Colombo trip).

"Mubarak ho, aap ka shoher bhaag gaya hai or mera bhai abhi tak gumshuda hai". This is Hanna for you... Typical Hanna. I loved thy way how beautifully Zumer & Hanna discussed how to deeply think & extract the meaning from QURAN PAK while having food in a very usual style. Well if we all do so I mean getting the real essence of what is written in MUSHAF and then apply the studies in our daily routine life, we can actually do wonders. We can really observe the miracles. 

One more thing that Nimrah has clarified in this very significant sequence. Even I used to think sometimes that what if everyone starts taking the literal meaning of QURAN PAK in his own way, there would possibly be a break out for sure. But yes Nimarh U are correct, ALLAH PAK has revealed QURAN and HE himself Guards it. Thank you very much for this beautiful simplification.

Firon ghalti kertey hain, jab woh kisi qaum ki auraton ko kamzor or kam aqal jaan ker chor detey hain. Excellent words of wisdom & motivation for everyone especially the female readers. I can definitely say with utmost authority that this specific sequence was one of the best sessions presented in whole Namal till date.

Faras had a phenomenal (almost unbelievable) conversation with Aabdaar, where he confesses that he is using her for some important stuff to do. He also confesses that he is all set to go back to the jail but only after committing a hideous crime (two murders).

WOW WOW WOW... Shero approached Zumer to ask about a dependable lawyer so that he can get the whole equity of remaining 50% shares (25% belonging to Haroon & Hashim each). And Zumer asks him to hire herself for further assistance. 

Humara Sadi ab shaatir ho chuka hai (Dont know how to react on this :-) or :-( ). He reaches Kandy, deceivingly plants a scene and resultantly meets Kamni Roopa Singi (Mujhey pata nahi kis kis Srilankan cricketer ka naam yaad aa gaya, is bibi ka naam parh ker... ha ha ha). Meanwhile Haroon Ubaid tells Zumer that Faras is not in Karachi, rather he is in Srilanka with Aabdar. I am not liking this turn. A rift is quite visible to be appeared in between the relationship of Mr & Mrs. Faras. This is not good. I repeat, this is not good at all.

Thats it. Finally... Ants Everafter has started to be proven for good. One of the best shots by Nimra (Read Zumer). Sheroo has literally shocked in fact shaken everyone by transferring his shares to the name of Aleesha Rabecca Kardaar and Zumer has literally added fuel to the fire. Kitni lucky hain aap ke apni aulaad mki khuhsiyan dekh rahi hain. magar off course, mainyeh kabhi nahi samajh sakti". Too good. Brilliant.

Faras makes a call to Zumer. Sakoon sirf apni wife ke sath baat kernety mein hai. Asli wife ke sath. And I can guarantee you this. Same is replicated by this conversation.

After so many days, lets explore the desert depicted in Hanna's book. (Whenever Nimrah switches on this mode, it looks like I am watching an Alif-laila sort of a fantasy movie. I just love it). Sheikh the pedagogue teacher her "Five Kinds of Love (Mohabbat)".

Kiya tum ne kabhi "saans rukney" ki "awaz" suni hai??? If anything was missed in making the truth realization scene an epic, this monologue has filled the space. Hanna realizes that Sadi is alive and he has been using Nudrat's FB ID in Srilanka.

Magical trick of magician Sadi will surely bring smiles to many of us. Such a necessary breather in these intense situations. Wesey bhi as per Nimra, "agey andheri raat hai" and  now I am damn sure that a split is very much obvious in Faras-Zumer's relationship.

This episode has brought a couple of grand level twists in the tale. It has come into the knowledge of all the Yousafs that Sadi is alive & he is currently residing in Kandy. Although Faras is on a mission but Zumer has sensed something odd between him & Aabdaar so we may witness a ugly rift between the couple. All is still not well in Namal and we all have to wait for the second part of Kaafir, Maakir, Kazib, Qatil to see what else is remaining to be revealed.