Written by: Nayha Jehangir Khan
Posted on: November 24, 2021 | | 中文
Pakistani cinemas, which barely survived the pandemic, are now ready to welcome audiences back to the theatre. All attendees must provide proof of vaccination, which makes it safer for people to watch upcoming movies on their favourite cinema screens. Filmwala Pictures, which was founded by Nabeel Qureshi in 2004, has delivered multiple hit movies including Actor in Law, Load Wedding, and Na Maloom Afraad 1 and 2. Filmwala Pictures is set to release “Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad” on Eid ul Azha in 2022.
Nabeel Qureshi’s latest film, “Khel Khel Mein”, consists of a star-studded lineup of actors and a host of new faces. The story revolves around the experiences of a group of university students, with Zara, who is portrayed by the actress Sajal Aly, and Saad, who is depicted by the actor Bilal Abbas Khan, featuring as protagonists. The campus life depicted in the film takes place in a fictional university called the Institute of Management Science, which feels all too real due to its strict bureaucracy, censorship, and endless red tape. In the film “Khel Khel Mein”, Fizza Ali Meerza and Nabeel Qureshi have created individual storylines for each of their characters, which eventually tie into the main message of the film. The side characters, who develop their distinct voices over the course of the film, add their unique backgrounds, personalities, and identities to the plot, and deliver memorable performances.
Sajal Aly’s scenes commence with her grandmother addressing other students and eventually talking to authoritative figures of the university. Sajal’s character has socially reflective and self-aware moments, which allow audiences to connect with her. She delivers an emotional, compassionate, and sincere commitment to her character Zara, who aspires to positively reshape her family’s history. The film carries a message of peace, which is revealed through staging a shared history of the subcontinent that has yet to fully recover from the grief and tragedy of the past. It shifts the focus from the centralized and dogmatic narrative of politics to the stories of individuals. “Khel Khel Mein” highlights the efforts of individuals who aspire to recover and break free from hateful and political propaganda.
Bilal Abbas Khan’s character, Saad, is depicted as a perfect example of a misunderstood artist who struggles under the pressures of family legacy—he has been rejected and humiliated for not being good enough. Even though he is loved by all his friends and is the most popular guy on campus, he needs to mature as a person. Audiences will enjoy Saad’s ability to connect with others during the film and will observe his transition into an inspirational leader. They will witness his ability to both stand up for himself in difficult situations and turn negative situations into positive ones. Bilal Abbas Khan’s great energy on screen is guaranteed to leave the audience with smiles on their faces. The film revolves around the theme of student empowerment and highlights the importance of students’ demands to be heard by the administration. Creativity and the arts are an integral part of the education system, and “Khel Khel Mein” shows students who rise up to the occasion, believe in themselves, and choose to express themselves through art, drama, music, and dance. It shows that the arts can be an ideal medium for political dialogue, reformation, and welcoming peace. The film gives the message that taking controversial subject matters and turning them into art can be healing and meaningful.
“Khel Khel Mein” asks audiences to reflect on: why we choose to live in ignorance of our past, our ability to separate fact from fiction, and our reluctance to deeply investigate our history. By showcasing the stories of a group of university students, the film reminds the audience that the future lies in the hands of the new generation. Zara’s quest becomes a metaphor for peace and it pushes her friends and contemporaries to realize significant truths about our shared history. The flashbacks of communities and neighborhoods which are fraught with conflict and war, are gripping as well as intense and leave the audience feeling emotional. As we move from the past to the present, we begin to understand how little we know of that period of conflict. We see these young people either too busy with achieving material success, managing family expectations or handling financial burdens to be overly concerned about the past.
Shuja Haider’s music has powerful anthems which capture the spirit and passion of student life. The songs in the movie are uplifting as well as empowering and have hints of folk, rock, and festive melodies. They bring a naturalistic and wholesome atmosphere to the film which is enjoyable. The nationalistic song “Is Mulk Ko Rakhna Mere Bacho Sambhal Ke” ignites a sense of patriotism. Haider’s music is the bridge which helps audiences connect to the characters and visuals of the film. “Khel Khel Mein” explores the meaning of belonging to a place and guides the audience about how to return home if they are bound by the dictates of history. Through the laughter, joy, passion, and hardships experienced by a group of young people, the audience realizes that peace can be achieved through joint efforts.
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