Written by: Shahnawaz Ramay
Posted on: May 25, 2022 | 
| 中文
Hania Aamir and Ali Rehman in the song 'Parde Mein Rehne de jo hai Chupa re Balma'
Parde Mein Rehne Do is a 2022 Pakistani social romantic comedy film written by Mohsin Ali, directed and produced by Wajahat Rauf under Showcase Productions. It was released on Eid al-Fitr, 3 May 2022 by Eveready Pictures and Geo Films with Hania Aamir and Ali Rehman Khan in the lead roles, and the veteran Javed Sheikh and Hasan Raza in strong supporting roles.
Shazia Wajahat, Hania Aamir, Ali Rehman and Wajahat Rauf during a promotion event
The film depicts the trials and tribulations of a seemingly Punjabi household, fed up with their son for not agreeing to marry a girl back in their village. Shaani, the film's main protagonist, comes under fire for his refusal to wed his cousin from the village. Rana Sb, Shaani’s father had promised his brother the match when both were children. After witnessing numerous weddings while his only son refuses to marry a girl of his father’s choice, he decides to do what any good Punjabi father does and threatens suicide.
This is where the film gets confusing. The film jumps to a scene where Shaani appears with Nazo, played by Hania Amir, revealing they both were in love since college days and have got married secretly. Shaani’s family still blissfully unaware, calls his uncle over, and the usual comedic route of hilarity ensues. Shaani is forced to reveal that he is already married, and his parents begrudgingly agree to meet Nazo’s father only to discover that he was already aware of it and has given his blessings to the couple.
Hania Aamir and Ali Rehman in the movie
The film then progresses through the typical montage of a happy couple in love, spending each waking moment together but alas, as is with Punjabi families, the pressure to have a child gets increasingly strong. In the 3 years of marriage to Nazo, their neighbor has had 9 children already, because of which Rana sb can’t control his anger and demands a child. Worried, Nazo decides to get checked by a doctor but when asked to do the same, Shaani initially refuses but finally gives in. When getting his reports, he is told he will never be a father because of low sperm count, which has made him impotent.
Shaani then spends a lot of time alone, depending on his best friend to find quacks, seers, and peers to help him find a cure. But nothing works. The frustration mounts as Rana sb grows increasingly impatient after the neighbor’s wife keeps producing kids. Finally, Nazo discovers the test reports, feels betrayed and decides to shoulder the blame for being infertile. Shaani, increasingly worried about the prospect of never becoming a father, struggles to mend his relationship, but because of pressure, is forced to consider a second marriage. Finally at the peak of his frustration, he reveals the truth about his impotency in quite a dramatic speech that has no business being this dramatic. Everyone is ashamed. Nazo is declared a saint. Everyone gets back together and they decide to adopt a child and the film ends.
Hania Aamir as Nazo
The film is shot well and has a high production quality. The humor is not overly crass and neither are the dialogues. However, I do believe the film is made for a specific audience and it does provide the right entertainment to them. It is also a step in the right direction, in terms of discussing topics and issues that sometimes fly under the radar like male impotency and the struggle of women in Pakistan with regard to their sexual and reproductive rights.
The film does miss out on a number of points as well. Starting with Javed Sheikh, a veteran actor, the role did not suit him well. His delivery was monotonous. I am not even sure he was supposed to be a Punjabi, but because of the word Rajput being thrown about and the colorful set and attires, I am assuming it to be so. Ali Rehman Khan also seemed like a disconnected choice to play a Punjabi son. Although not as bad as Javed Sheikh, there just seemed something off about his portrayal. Hania Amir, on the other hand shines as Nazo. She manages to capture the mischievousness and sultry appeal quite well.
Munazzah Arif and Javed Sheikh as Shani's parents
Some decisions in the creative set department did not measure up. Shaani, despite being a Truck Station Manager is riding around on a chopper motorcycle. The truck station itself is very awkwardly designed with elements that seem more forced than natural. Throughout the film, I kept getting confused as to what city the film was supposed to be based in. Some elements are distinctly Karachi, but others seemed more up North. The actors also kept slipping into wrong accents, thus making it more confusing.
If there is anyone who shone in their role, it was Hasan Raza. The trusty bestie of Shaani, who is always there at the drop of a hat, he plays his role unbelievably well, lending an authentic charm and wit to his character. His comedic timing is great, and his sincerity towards Shaani’s problems seem real.
Ali Rehman and Hasan Raza at a Peer's place in ‘Parde Mein Rehne Do’
Walking into the film, I was apprehensive about what it would be like. Growing up on films from Shoaib Mansoor, and the more recent ventures into more daring approaches, it was a pleasant surprise to see that the film was not boring. The whole boy meets girl formula has been tried out by Bollywood ad nauseum, but our industry needs to come up with something more original.
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