Written by: Muhammad Suhayb
Posted on: July 01, 2024 | 
Aashir Wajahat and Samar Jafri in Na Baligh Afraad
Producers Nabeel Qureshi and Fizza Ali Meerza have indeed carved a niche for themselves in the Pakistani film industry, consistently delivering successful and engaging films, especially timed for Eid. Their latest film, ‘Na Baligh Afraad’, continues this tradition but with a distinct shift in focus. Unlike previous films which involved financial corruption, (dowry, bribery and extortion) ‘Na Baligh Afraad’, explores more profound and personal themes, described as ‘corruption of the soul.’
Samar Jafri and Aashir Wajahat, the lead actors
True to its title, the movie focuses on the lives of two teenage brothers, Mazhar and Fakhar, who are yet to mature in many ways. The story highlights the brothers' struggles and misadventures as they navigate the challenges of growing up. Mazhar (played by 21-year-old Aashir Wajahat) is the older brother, while Fakhar (played by 20-year-old Samar Jafri), is the younger one. Born with a gap of ten months, both study in the same class at an all-boys school. Son of renowned filmmaker Wajahat Rauf, the adult Aashir is still remembered as the younger and talkative brother of Ayesha Umar, Zeezo, in Karachi se Lahore (From Karachi to Lahore, 2015). Last year, he was launched as a lead in John (2023) and did a commendable job. Samar Jafri, an upcoming singer and actor, was also a child actor turned lead. Both kids have done an amazing job as confused teens, with Samar edging out Aashir in some scenes. Helped out by their visiting cousin, Jugnu Bhai, they begin their journey towards adolescence. Aadi Adeal Amjad, a known face on television, plays Jugnu’s role, and has a soft spot for the brothers. Jugnu often helps them out of tricky situations, adding a layer of complexity to his character. However, the trickiest of the situations occur when a VCR is rented by their father. As all other family members leave to attend a wedding, Mazhar and Fakhar attempt to watch a film that they believe would help in their growth. As predicted, the light goes out, only to return the moment the family returns from the event. What happens to the VCR? Who takes out the VHS Cassette? Did the kids spill the beans? There are more twists and turns than an Agatha Christie story.
Samar Jafri, Aadi Adeal Amjad and Aashir Wajahat
The other two characters who provide comic relief, are the veterans; Salman Saquib a.k.a. Mani, and Saleem Mairaj. Mani has been around for over twenty years, and was the soul of Indus television’s show Sab Set Hai (All is well). Ironically, in one of the famous episodes of Sab Set Hai, a similar situation arose, with VCR, light, and parent’s absence being common in both. The Bobby of the show is now Sir Kashif of Mazhar and Fakhar’s school, who is into every bad habit one can think of, at that age. However, it is Shaukat Baba, the video shop owner, who receives the lion’s share of applause. A Sanjay-Dutt lookalike from Khalnayak (1993), Baba, a die-hard Sanju fan, attracts hoots and claps every time he appears on the screen. Saleem Mairaj is a trained actor who has been around since the time Mani was fooling around as Bobby. After a successful stint on television, Saleem has now been a regular in films, enacting even the most complex characters with ease.
Mani and Adi rehearsing their role
There is little female representation in the movie. Khushi, Baji, Ammi and Phuppi (father’s sister) are the only ladies who have something to offer. A female track is deeply lacking here and the story could have moved beyond the VCR/Adult film issues, but the makers thought otherwise.
Saleem Mairaj in the film
Full marks must go to the art directors of the movie, who re-created the ‘90s to perfection. The clothing, looks, the slang language, the products and the VCR culture, have been beautifully depicted. Even the mention of pop icons Hassan Jahangir and Saleem Javed, bring a smile or two on the faces of the audience.
Aashir Wajahat, Rimha Ahmed and Samar Jafri
The film does have some negative points. It would be better to watch without children who are not even teens. It is the fault of our education system that still keeps kids from knowing the basic facts, even in today's world. The Censor Board should have issued the movie a PG-13 certificate, as the central theme revolves around the brothers' journey to adulthood, and issues highlighting the innocence and impetuousness of youth. Many relevant questions by your kid could ruin the film, as many families were seen leaving the theatre in the initial moments of the screening. The other point is that the movie is not a film’s film, for it has no songs and no treatment that is required for a feature film. So go to the cinema, with a friend or a cousin you have grown up with, and enjoy the movie. Nabeel and Fizza have pushed the boundaries of Pakistani cinema with the 1 hour and 45 minutes flick.
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