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    Film Review: Khel Khel Mein, Capturing a Spirit of Resilience

    Written by: Nayha Jehangir Khan
    Posted on: November 24, 2021 | | 中文

    The cast of "Khel Khel Mein"

    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.

    Bilal Abbas as Saad and Sajal Ali as Zara in 'Khel Khel Mein'.

    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 Ali as Zara in Khel Khel Mein

    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.

    Marina Khan as Mrs. Haque

    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.

    An intense scene from Khel Khel Mein

    “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.

    A dance sequel from Khel Khel Mein

    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.

    Saad in a cart


    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