Written by: Sania Ahmed Khan
Posted on: August 16, 2019 | 
Mahira Khan as Noor Malik
Mohammed Ehteshamuddin’s Superstar was one of Eid-ul-Azha’s big releases this year, which earned Rs. 20.3 million in its first two days at the box office. Mahira Khan and Bilal Ashraf come together for the first time, hoping to improve their track record after delivering flop films like 7 Din Mohabbat In, and Rangreza respectively.
Produced under the banner of Momina and Duraid Films, Superstar cashes on the star power of its female lead Mahira Khan who plays Noor Malik, a small-town girl from Bhaati Gate, Lahore. Azaan Sami Khan wrote Noor’s character with Mahira in mind, and offered her the role when the film went into production nearly 7 years ago.
Khan is not the only one to look out for. Ashraf may have found his big break with this role, as he held his own with the likes of Javed Sheikh and Nadeem Baig, while performing elaborate stunts and dance numbers. The Janaan actor, who was previously criticized for lack of expression, had the chance to redeem himself with this multifaceted role. He plays Sameer Khan, a local hero who falls in love with Noor.
Noor has been acting on stage since she was 10 years old. She inherits her love for acting from her grandfather Agha Jaan (Nadeem Baig), a retired film director from the 70s, who now maintains a local theatre house. Although she has done countless TV commercials, she remains an undiscovered talent, and pesters her agent Bobby (Waqar Hussain) for a worthwhile role. Innocent but ambitious, Noor’s role is similar to many that Mahira Khan has already done in the past.
Sameer Khan is introduced to the audience in Dharrak Bharrak, an energetic item song that features a cameo from Kubra Khan. He falls in love with Noor, and thus begins an endless pursuit of her affection. That is, until he leaves everything behind for greener pastures in mainstream films.
Along with the main characters, Ali Kazmi plays Shaan, an aspiring director and Sameer’s close friend. After Noor, he seems to be the one most affected by Sameer’s shift to international stardom. He then launches Noor’s career as a lead actress, helping her build a career as a more popular and in-demand actress than Sameer. 18-year old Alizeh Shah, who stars as Noor’s younger sister, was also breath of fresh air. Her fawning over celebrities provided much needed comic relief in the dramatic plot.
Superstar’s trailers promised something more than just a love story, but also star’s journey, and the sacrifices that come with it. However, the film fails to highlight this aspect properly, for Superstar comes across as another love story. There is very little explanation or exposition given on the behind-the-scenes politics of film or theatre, and the hurdles which Noor had to cross to become a mainstream star.
When Sameer is disowned by Shaan and Noor after his betrayal, he realizes his mistake and tries to make amends. He goes back to basics, and receives theatre training from Agha Jaan. The film conveys a subtle message, that to be good actor one must first excel in theatre. But his need to hone his craft is overshadowed by his need to win Noor’s approval.
The film’s climax is abrupt, unexplained, and comes off as overambitious. Azaan Sami Khan’s script incorporates all sorts of events from a tragic death, and a failed romance, to the repercussions of the Uri attack on Pakistani actors. By juggling so many subplots, it fails to give Ashraf’s character much depth and resolution by the end of the film.
As for Khan, in one of her first scenes as a successful actor, Noor is shown dancing to the original song Noori, which has led critics to compare Khan to Madhuri Dixit. But as soon as the shot is cut, her lively expressions turn cold, indicating that Noor has hardened after the events in her life. Again, there is no justification to the buildup of this rage and bitterness Noor has towards the film industry.
There is also introduction of new characters at the end of the film, due to which the audience feels cheated. It is as if important information was withheld to create drama. The film picks up pace in the second half, but the scenes are cut short abruptly.
However, with catchy songs and visually appealing sets, Superstar is bound to pull more crowds to cinema houses. The film’s biggest weakness however, will be its unsatisfying plot and character development.
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