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    Kan Nagar: A Ray of Hope

    Written by: Muhammad Suhayb
    Posted on: October 15, 2024 | | 中文

    Taqi Ahmed as the protagonist in Kan Nagar

    In recent years, cine-goers in Pakistan have been met with a string of underwhelming films from Lollywood, the country's film industry. Many of these productions seem to be uninspired imitations of Bollywood or diluted versions of Hollywood, offering little originality. Audiences appear to be visiting cinemas more out of routine than out of genuine excitement for what’s on screen. The repetitive focus on predictable themes such as marriage, divorce, rape and kidnappings has made many films feel stale. Pakistani filmmakers urgently need to move beyond these overused tropes, and explore the vast array of untold stories the country has to offer.

    One film that takes at least a small step in the right direction, albeit with its flaws, is Kan Nagar (mining place). This 90-minute film delves deeply into the socio-economic challenges surrounding a coal mine in the fictional town of Kan Nagar, a place that metaphorically represents Pakistan itself.

    Laborers in Kan Nagar

    Although the film is not without its shortcomings, it ventures into territory largely ignored by mainstream cinema. Kan Nagar addresses critical issues related to Pakistan’s wealth in natural resources and the mismanagement that prevents the country from fully realizing its potential. The movie boldly suggests that with proper governance, Pakistan could rely on its own resources and reduce its dependence on international financial aid packages like those from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    The screenplay is written by Talha Masood, a Deputy Commissioner in the Inland Revenue Service, whose professional understanding of Pakistan’s economic landscape brings depth to the story. Hailing from Balochistan, and having spent nearly a decade working in the province, Masood critiques the nation's own failures. The narrative revolves around the plundering of Pakistan’s natural wealth and the long-term consequences this has for the country’s future. Masood, a charismatic individual, could have easily stepped into the lead role himself but instead opted for a minor part. However, the casting of Taqi Ahmed as the protagonist, Affan, proved to be a misstep. Ahmed, last seen in the forgettable Dhai Chaal, lacked the emotional depth and vocal command necessary for such an important role. His wooden performance would have been better suited to a supporting character like Faraz Marri, another actor from Dhai Chaal, whose brief appearance was similarly underwhelming. The title role was more suited to an actor who at least looked like a Deputy Commissioner, and I bet budget constraints kept the makers from going there.

    Taqi Ahmed and Faraz Marri

    Despite these casting flaws, some members of the ensemble cast shone. Javed Jamal, a veteran actor from Quetta who rose to fame in the 90s, delivered a solid performance as Asfand Khan, a subordinate well-versed in the region’s laws and customs. Hina Chaudhary, who took on a dual role, did a commendable job, although her character could have been given more substance. As a daughter of an influential figure, she plays the role of a filmmaker working on a documentary investigating Pakistan’s shadow economy. Veteran actor Sajid Hassan, though impressive in his brief appearance, was unfortunately underutilized in a role that could have had much more impact.

    Sajid Hassan as a bureaucrat

    Having recently watched the Yash Chopra's multi-starrer Kaala Patthar (1979), which focuses on the lives of coal miners, I couldn’t help but compare the two films. Despite being made 45 years ago, Kaala Patthar felt far ahead of its time, with a compelling narrative and superior production. The portrayal of a journalist, played by Parveen Babi, who investigates the miners' plight with help from Amitabh Bachchan and Shashi Kapoor, had far more impact than what Kan Nagar delivered. Even Pakistan Television’s long play from June 1986, starring Anwar Iqbal, tackled the issue of a gas pipeline and was more tightly conceived, with an intense climax that featured a filmi fight.

    Javed Jamal in the climax of Kan Nagar

    Unfortunately, Kan Nagar’s climactic moments felt more like a cartoon sequence than a powerful conclusion. When one of the good characters is shot, and the hero threatens to eliminate the opposition with just a few bullets, the scene feels more like a parody than a dramatic crescendo. Talha Masood's intentions were noble, but he may need to consider more carefully what Pakistani audiences truly seek. With a stronger cast and a more experienced director, Kan Nagar could have been a much more powerful film.

    Hina Chaudhry in Kan Nagar

    While Kan Nagar is far from perfect, it marks a notable shift towards a more meaningful storytelling in Pakistani cinema. It brings attention to underexplored issues and serves as a reminder to filmmakers that there are countless stories beyond the overused clichés, stories that can resonate with audiences and spark important conversations.


    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