Mohabbat Rooh Ki Ghiza Hai- Novel Review

After Zulekha, which  was very well conceived, expectations were very high from this young writer. Kashaaf Iqbal's second story, "Mohabbat Rooh Ki Ghiza Hai" (Love is the food for Soul) by its title, looks like a tale of timeless love. Lets analyze has he succeeded in his attempt this time.

MRKGH is a simple story revolving around two characters only. More of a tangible matter, it simply gives us an insight about how the protagonists fall in love and with almost not much action (read twists and turns) come together. There are no such romantic moments that make you go "Lets fall in love" mode. Premise is not at all convincing. Plot could have been much better. Certain dialogues looked so rotten and freshness was lacking in the whole proceedings.

I belive it has been edited too harshly, as it has really lost its real essence and authenticity. This version of MRKGH looks scattered and too ordinary. I still hope, Kashaaf has written a good piece but all of it wasted just because of this poor "editing".

Halla Gulla- Movie Review by Shoby

Halla Gulla- Movie Review by Shoby

3.5 Stars out of 5

With the advent of young blood, we can safely say that finally Lollywood is going on the right track. Not making any statement about the quality of products and just concentrating on the count, number of movies in recent times have been successful in getting attention of the public and ultimately doing good business at the box office. This phenomenon is resulting in the development of cinema culture in Pakistan and this will definitely enhance the confidence of the producers/ directors.

Coming to Halla Gulla which released this Eid ul Azha, it self-proclaimed itself to be Pakistan’s first ever solid entertainer. Were they successful in making it a real solid entertainer? Let’s analyze.

First thing first, it is a No Brain entertainer, which needs no Einstein to grasp the things. Do not expect anything else than entertainment, which comes in the form of situational comedy, dialogues, music, choreography and what not. Son of a don who leaves his father and uncles so that he may not walk on the same path of crime. A husband with two wives, who is trying his level best to save the secret of his dual marriages. A handful of characters that help the story move forward and all of them making a hell of Halla Gulla.

A nicely written script with a believable screen and excellent one liners/dialogues are the hallmarks of a good sit-com (situational comedy) and same are the factors present in Halla Gulla that tickle your bones right after every other minute. Believe me, you cannot stop laughing for these 2:30 hours odd proceedings. With the blend of some seasoned actors and fresh faces almost all the actors have given their best in terms of acting. To me, veteran TV Actor Ashraf Khan has come out as a winner beside the prime cast.

Music of the film is beautiful. With Sahir Ali bagga leading the team, he has composed some excellent melodies that runs smoothly with the proceedings. From soothing and melodious Saroor De (Sung by Rahat and Afshan) to energetic Thumka, Kamla and Halla Gulla, each track has its own feel and not even a single one of them looks like a filer one.

Costume designing is good and so does art direction & set designing. DOP and camera work is OK. Choreography is much better than many of the other Lollywood projects.

On the whole, it really offers what it promises and that is loads and loads of solid entertainment. Undoubtedly, it is one the best comedies ever came out of Lollywood. Credit goes to Kamran Akbar Khan for producing this gem of a flick. This one should not be missed, just to relax the mind. So leave the thinking portion of your brain at home and do watch Halla Gulla. It will refresh you for sure. 

All Is Well- Movie Review by Shoby

All Is Well- Movie Review by Shoby...

0.5 Stars out of 5...

Umesh Shuklwa disappoints by making this not at all funny comedy...

Brothers- Movie Review by Shoby

Brothers- Movie Review by Shoby

2 Stars out of 5

I have not watched Warriors but even then I was instantly up to the conclusion right after the first 15/20 minutes of the film. Brothers is infected with a very major disease, a mediocre script. Step brothers going head to head and fighting desperately to show that one is right and the other is wrong and at the end of the day, its like a happy sunny afternoon.

Akshay and Siddarth Malhotra are just OK in the roles. Jacqueline had a very minor part to play. Jackie Shroff was fantastic and much authentic in the portrayal of drunk father and a punished culprit.

Music is not up to the mark. The only good life for the film was beautifully choreographed action sequences. Just a time pass.

Zulekha- Novel Review by Shoby

Kashaaf Iqbal- I have come to know about him a few month ago. I tweeted about some novel and he replied me. So, that was the start of our online know how. Then I came to know about his very first novel, which was to be published in a digest soon. Obviously, I was a bit excited as always get whenever I read new writers.

Coming towards Zulekha- the first published story of Kashaaf. First thing first, we have to give a bit of the leverage to the writer, as this is his very first attempt in front of her. Zulekha is a story of pure love, a relationship that needs to be cherished by the society- Love between husband and wife.

With the progress of story, you will find it a very simple and relatable tale, with a strong social and religious message embedded within the plot. If we take it symbolically, everyone in this world is gathered by sin driven resources. And it at times, it becomes almost impossible to get rid of this phenomenon. Story depicts how our protagonist Aariz is fair and honest to his wife (although there Rukhsati is not taken place after Nikah) and avoids a sin by considering two things: 1) Fear of ALLAH 2) His love for his Wife Eeman.

Now some glitches of the story (I hope Kashaaf my friend will not mind). As a reader, it looked a bit clumsy and was giving a feel of pacing up quite high. May be a couple of more incidents were required to make it look more believable. Kashaaf has used a bit of the story of Hazrat Yousaf (asws) when He (asws) clarified that this was not His fault by showing the torn clothes from the back. Looking more realistically, Aariz could have said, you can verify from video recordings of CCTV cams (as presence of 24/7 CCTV cams is mandatory in a 7 star hotel). But again, its totally writer's choice, how to take the proceedings further.

Overall, it was a good read and I urge all of you to please read and buck up this new talent, as our modern literature needs fresh blood. Kashaaf, you have made me feel happy, as I enjoyed reading your Story and reviewing it.

Manjhi- Movie Review by Shoby

Manjhi- Movie Review by Shoby

3.25 Stars out of 5

Cinema is all about entertainment but what comes a surprise is when you get to see information that enhances motivation embroiled in thorough entertainment. Ketan Mehta is known for making some real Path Breaking cinema. From Maya Memsaab to Mangal Paandey, he has a habit of exploring diverse genres and providing films that leave an impact on the viewer. This time, he yet again attempted to bring a true anecdote to the celluloid.

Dashrath Manjhi- An unsung hero, who dug a mountain to explore a pathway in order to connect village Gehlore to other part of India. Now this subject was difficult to make, not only because it required to present a make-believe cinematic product but also to keep the entertainment factor in the right quantity, so that viewer may not get dragged or bored, due to the dryness of subject matter.

This film should be applauded for its top notch screenplay, which never allows you to turn your eyes away. Such a tight gripping script with pitch perfect dialogues, that has a favor of Behaari local lingo, which used to be spoken in 50s and 60s in Indian Behar.

The real hero of the movie is the great Nawaz uddin Siddiqui. This guy is more than a huge talent. Right after one another, he is continually making Indian cinema proud by giving his best shots in every other movie. After Kick, Badlapur, recently blockbuster Bajrangi Bhaijan, now he has nailed it in Manjhi. Not even a single frame, you will find him losing the grip from the character. A special mention is due for Radhika Apte too. She was almost pitch perfect in the role of Dhasrath's wife- Phaguniya.

Some sequences need to be mentioned particularly here. When Nawazuddin says to his daughter, how many times I have told you not to climb this mountain, what will I say to Phaguniya. His mud shot, where he along with Radhika Apte disappear in mud. When Dhasrtath's father say to Mukhiya, "Babua ka haath dukh jaey ga Malik, hum khud hi maar letey hain. The daffodil's shot, right after the dead of the wife of Dhasrath's friend. This is one film that I watched some of its scenes with moist eyes. What an emotional connect, Ketan has created with the audience.

Art direction is yet another USP of Ketan Mehta's products. He did it with great authenticity in Mangal Pandey and this time he has yet again done with utmost greatness. He has beautifully shown the village ambiance of 50s and 60s.

This time of subject does not need fabricated music and dance numbers. Background score was good and a couple of songs were used just to make the story progress further. Editing is crisp.

Overall, this film is not to be missed at any cost. Just respect for Nawazuddin for showing this great acting display. Shandaar... Zabardast.. Zindabad...

Moor- Movie Review by Shoby

Moor- Movie Review by Shoby

0.5 Stars out of 5...

Lollywood is going through the most critical phase. According to me, (you may agree or not), its make or break point for our cinema. A culture of cinema is grooming and after a long time, families have started enjoying theaters and recently we have seen packed houses for many Hollywood and Bollywood releases and even in some Pakistani movies like Waar, Wrong Number, Bin Roye. You make a good entertaining flick and people will surely come to watch your cinema. On contrary, there is no chance for you to survive. Similarly, if you keep on making good flicks, Lollywood will surely gain momentum and with the passage of time, will establish its image as a great industry. on the other hand, a couple of bad movies and people will definitely lose their faith on your cinema.

After this long intro, now let’s come to the point. Director Jamshed Mahmood (Jami) who enjoyed a status of (almost) an icon when it c comes to Pakistani music video industry. He worked with the best of Pakistani music industry artists and gave the industry many hits. Then he made his debut in Lollywood by making one of the most pathetic and senseless film of all times (Operation 021), which almost bombed in the box office.

A couple of year ago, he launched a teaser of Moor (Pashto word for mother). With breathtaking cinematography, it grabbed an instant notice. Trailer was launched few months back and 14 August 2015 saw the release of this much awaited flick, which turned out to be much more pathetic than his debut.

Moor has literally nothing to offer as far as entertaining cinema is concerned. Although, it has a message that has its roots in the heart of the country, as it is based on the decline of Pakistani Railway System, however this film lacks the basics of being a good attempt (leave the word good, it does not deserves to be called a film by the way).

With almost no script in the heart, three stories run parallel throughout the proceedings and till the very last scene, you still remain unaware of what the heck is going on. If you are not getting entertained by the ongoing, it becomes very hard to enjoy other technical aspects of cinema. Even some specular cinematography and camera work becomes boring and not that enjoyable if you cannot grasp the crux of the story.

Acting is good by the lead cast but once again, you cannot praise their acting, if they are not provided with the required standard of script and dialogues.

Apart from cinematography, I reckon only Strings have done full justice to their role, as music composer. A beautiful background that goes seamlessly beautiful with the proceedings.

To me, Moor is a sheer waste of cinematic resources at its fullest and this is one of the most regretful attempt in filmmaking as far as Lollywood is concerned. Save your money and above all your crucial time and do not watch Moor, even if someone else is sponsoring you a ticket.

Namaloom Afraad... Movie Review by Shoby

Namaloom Afraad... Movie Review by Shoby...

3 stars out of 5...

Pakistani film industry is going through a revival phase and new talent is doing quite a good hardwork to give new blood to the industry. They are experimenting with various ideas to give audience right dose of entertainment. Namaloom Afraad is one of these attempts. Its a tale of 3 characters, living in the city of terror, hunger and strikes (which was once said to be city of lights) Karachi. It tells, how common man has to fight with the ongoing conditions to make their big dreams come true.

First thing first, please dont compare it with bollywood or hollywood cinema. If u judge it making other industries the benchmark, u'll never enjoy it. Its a cinema of its own kind.

It has a v interesting script with a beautiful screenplay. Although, a bit dragged, but as a viewer, u stick to the screen right till the end. Every actor is phenomenal, esp Fahad, Javed Sheikh n Mohsin have done commendable job.

Bg score of the movie was on target and it beautifuly goes with the proceedings. Soundtrack could have been much better.

Length of the film is a bit stretched. Editing should have been a bit crispier. Cinematography is digestable showing inner parts of Karachi in a good manner.

Overall, its a very good attempt at situational comedy and almost succeeds in managing what it was supposed to do. Its a much watch for its sheer simplicity and relavance of society.

Drishyam- Movie Review by Shoby

Drishyam- Movie Review by Shoby

3 Stars out of 5

Nishikant Kamat the director of acclaimed Force has brought up yet another marvelous thriller. Drishyan is undoubtedly one of the finest crime thrillers made in Bollywood.

Ajay Devgan, Tabu, Rajat, Shriya Saran and rest of the cast has pulled out some spectecular performances. It is one of the best performances by Ajay in recent times. To me, real hero of the movie is Jeethu Joseph for writing suc ha solid script, that keeps you hooked throughout the proceedings.

A must watch for those who like thrillers.

Bajirao Mastaani- Teaser Review by Shoby

Here we go... My ‪Eidi‬ ‪is here... ‎Baajirao‬ ne ‪Mastani‬ se Mohabbat ki hai, Ayashi nahi...

The only legend of ‪Bollywood‬ Sanjay Leela ‪Bhansali‬ sb has re-defined the term Magnum Opus in this three odd minutes teaser... ‪SLB‬ gets grander in the trailer of ‪ Baajirao Mastani‬ ‪Dec 18‬...

Remember its only 1 dialogue Just a glimpse of a song in 3 minutes and its looking like baap of cinema ‪Hats Of‬f ‪Bhansali‬ sb ‪‎Baajirao Mastani‬...

Bajrangi Bhaijaan- Movie Review by Shoby

Bajrangi Bhaijaan- Movie Review by Shoby

2.5 Stars out of 5

Kabir Khan is famous for making films based on on cross-border stories. Kabul Express, New York and Ek Tha Tiger are its prime examples. As far as subject matter is concerned, Bajrangi Bhaijaan is no different. However, this time its about a man with the golden heart Pawan who is known as Bajrangi Bhaijaan as he is a strong devotee of hindu God hanumaan. He finds a lost Pakistani child (Shahida/Munni) when she was visiting a shrine in India with her mother. There starts a roller coaster of emotions.

To be honest, it has a very unrealistic story, which is sugarcoated with loads and loads of (sometimes looking over-exaggerated) emotions. This film works majorly on its strong emotional quotient, apart from some beautiful acting display by the prime cast. Salman Khan looks strong in playing the humble and sincere Pawan character. Harshaali Malhotra is a find. Although, she is playing a mute kid and had no dialogues to utter, she shines brilliantly in sequences with her mere gestures. Two of her signature gestures (the way she raises one hand to say Yes and the way she hits her hand to her forehead to show) are two good and goes well with her innocent looks.

Kareena Kapoor has a small but important part to play and she is OK in her tiny role. Icing on the cake is Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who has once again given a great shot on screen. Playing a Pakistani freelance journalist Nawab Chan, he is almost perfect and in many scenes, outshines his counter parts.  First half of the movie is not that much solid but the movie picks itself up right after the introduction of Nawazudin's character.

Music is not matching to the perfection, in fact, its a laid down if we compare it with sound tracks of other Salman Khan's movie. Selfie is though a hit track and Bhar Do Jholi (qawali re-done by maestro Adnan Sami) is beautiful and Kabir Khan has pitched it perfect in the plot.

Cinematography is good and beauty of Kashmir is depicted in a classy style. Editing is crisp and gives us quite a reasonable amount of film length that one can grasp. Background score is average.

On the whole, one should watch it only for the beautiful love bond between Salman-Harshaali characters and some awesome acting display by Nawazuddin Siddiqui.