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    Film Review: Motorcycle Girl

    Written by: Syed Hashir Ali
    Posted on: April 23, 2018 | | 中文

    Zenith (Sohai Ali Abro) is taught how to ride a bike by her brother

    Motorcycle Girl is a Pakistani biopic film, based on the true story of Zenith Irfan, produced under the banner of LOGOS Films. After Shah, Motorcycle Girl is Adnan Sarwar’s second attempt at introducing a fresh and independent story that cherishes a local hero.

    Adnan Sarwar is a trained doctor who started his career as a guitarist for various local musicians. His debut film, Shah, was about the Pakistani boxing champion, Syed Hussain Shah. Released in 2015, the critically acclaimed film was directed and written by Adnan Sarwar, who also played the protagonist’s role. Motorcycle Girl is the second film in what has been called the ‘Heroes Trilogy.’

    For those who somehow missed the headlines when Zenith Irfan made news, Zenith is Pakistan’s first female motorcyclist to have completed a solo trip to the northern areas of the country. Her father, who passed away at the age of 34, used to dream about traveling the world on a motorbike. Zenith started learning how to ride a motorbike at the age of 18, after the urge of reconnecting with her father through living his dream overcame her. In 2015, she traveled from Lahore, across KPK, into Gilgit Baltistan and finally arrived at Khunjerab Pass, breaking stereotypes all along the way.

    Sohai Ali Abro as Zenith

    Sohai Ali Abro as Zenith

    The story mainly revolves around the protagonist, Zenith, who is considered a symbol of national pride today. Zenith is shown as an average Pakistani girl, who has to face the hardships and routine hindrances that most women face in our conventional and tradition bound set up. Zenith’s role in the film has been played by the talented Sohai Ali Abro, who learnt how to ride a motorbike in a difficult terrain especially for the film. Her dedication as an actor is evident in how she fits into the role of Zenith Irfan.

    Ali Kazmi as a suitor of Zenith

    Ali Kazmi as a suitor of Zenith

    When Zenith faces extreme difficulties in using public transport, she decides to hop onto a two wheeler for commuting to work. However, she soon faces serious backlash from society, especially her misogynistic boss played by Sarmad Khoosat. He does justice to his character, demonstrating the typical narrow mindedness of a Pakistani boss. He completely disapproves of the idea of a woman traveling to work on a motorbike. The viewer is bound to hate his negative role but love the performance.

    Amid such social pressure and domestic responsibilities, Zenith decides to fulfill her father’s dream and ride solo on a motorbike to the northern areas of Pakistan. With support from her brother and mother (Samina Peerzada), Zenith finally sets off on the journey that her late father had dreamt about. The versatile Samina Peerzada’s performance was unexceptional, because she was given poor dialogues to deliver.

    The wedding scene

    The wedding scene

    The most valuable asset of the movie is its concept. The film is about the social constraints faced by women in Pakistani society, and an ode to a young woman who breaks out of the glass ceiling placed on our women.

    The film is full of spectacular acting, with Sarmad Khoosat and Sohai Ali Abro delivering stand-out performances. The direction and production of the storyline is only marred by some minor glitches, which can be ignored after watching the complete film. The cinematography deserves praise as well. The majestic barren mountains, the Karakoram Highway, the Attabad Lake and the tunnels have been captured beautifully. The soundtracks prove to be melodious enough to transfix the viewer to the mesmerizing view on the big screen.

    Zenith (Sohai Ali Abro) on the Karakoram Highway

    Zenith (Sohai Ali Abro) on the Karakoram Highway

    Despite all these praises, Motorcycle Girl is not a mass entertainer. It is not the typical mindless action or romance-comedy film that will entertain you for a couple of hours. Instead, it forces you to reflect upon social dynamics. It’s a little too long, and is not quite an adventure film. However, if you like “coming-of-age” films, or movies with a simple yet thought provoking message, then the film is meant for you. You will definitely appreciate the intelligent filmmaking, and the story will have a profound impact on you.

    Read the review of Shah (2015)


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021