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    NA BALIGH AFRAAD (Yet to Reach Maturity): The Coming-of-age Comedy

    Written by: Muhammad Suhayb
    Posted on: July 01, 2024 | | 中文

    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.


    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