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Ghabrana Nahi Hai (Review): Must-Watch Entertainer With Great Teamwork

By
Hassan Hassan
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Film: Ghabrana Nahi Hai

Release Date: 3rd May, 2022

Director: Saqib Khan

Review by: Hassan Hassan

After watching “Ghabrana Nahi Hai”, and leaving the theatre, carrying amused thoughts, the man behind films like “The Bourne Identity” and “Mr. & Mrs. Smith”, Doug Liman, crosses one’s mind, with the following words, “Almost anything can be justified as a style of filmmaking if it works.”

This is a film that surprises you with a myriad of flavours in such a way that you don’t mind enjoying it when it transforms from a female centric romantic social comedy to a heist affair. Pakistani cinema, with its pandemic-ridden drought of two years, couldn’t have asked for a better masala entertainer than “Ghabrana Nahi Hai.”

The Plot

The story follows Zubaida aka Zuby (Saba Qamar) and her fight and journey as a headstrong Faisalabadi daughter to a blue-collar lower-middle class father who loses his all life’s hard earned property to a rogue, powerful land-grabber Bhai Miyaan (Nayyar Ijaz) who is assisted by his strong network that includes a corrupt, yet charming cop (Zahid Ahmad). Zubaida is joined by her amicable cousin Vicky (Syed Jibran) on this journey. Zubaida’s confidence and charm make her the attention of almost every eye. Our heroine, however, is fixated on her goal and everything else is secondary.

With this narrative at heart, there are various elements woven around that ultimately concentrate into a solid screenplay that manages to grab your attention till the very end credits, perhaps analogous to Bhai Mian’s strong hold on Zubaida’s property.

The Execution

The strength of Ghabrana Nahi Hai lies in its tight and well written screenplay helmed by Saqib Khan and Mohsin Ali. This could be easily dubbed as Mohsin Ali’s best cinematic work. It’s indeed exhilarating that the lull period of the pandemic was utilised by the makers by coming up with a strong screenplay and well written dialogues. The film’s success would be, in a considerable proportion, attributed to this department for sure. This, combined with sharp and intelligent direction, and a cast where every actor performs upto the mark makes the film a thoroughly well-made cinematic experience.

Collaborations That Work

The collaboration of a cinema-owner-cum-producer (Jamil Baig) with a seasoned producer (Hassan Zia), the film is a demonstration of what the public, and local cinema business needs – entertainers that also have a brain.

Saqib Khan, as a debutant director, seems to have captained this ship with palpable command from the first to the last frame. His art direction team is another department that works splendidly with their attention to detail. There are countless subtle hints and moments in the film, which, if you notice, make the film even more amusing. Vicky’s character when he receives Zuby at the train station wearing a “Be mine” T shirt with love emojis, Zubaida’s choice of wardrobe from monochromes to bright, embellished and feisty ensembles when she seems to be in love, a scene depicting her failure where there is a poster on achieving goals, reconsidering plans and never giving up with a decor piece of “LOVE” in capital letters beneath it, Zahid and Jibran’s rooms and their wardrobes depicting their respective characters’ natures – these are just a few examples of such subtleties.

Well-Rounded Characters

While the film is female-centric, with Zubaida’s character at the centre stage, the men surrounding her, including the fearsome Bhai Mian, have their own grounds and emotional quotient. Each character has its vulnerabilities and strengths that make them unique in such a way that viewers may come out of the theatre with their favourite.

Stealing the limelight is the silver screen debutant Syed Jibran who, with his impeccable comic timing and innocence, makes you root for him. Jibran’s body of work on TV has been mostly serious roles and his role in Ghabrana Nahi Hai is surely going to bring him many accolades both in cinema halls and award seasons.

The baritone, Zahid Ahmed, with his strong screen presence proves his mettle as a love stricken corrupt cop, who always has an intelligent plan to save the day. Although he appears to deliver some of the assertive dialogues with extra enthusiasm, most of his act is balanced and well performed.

Playing the character of a strong Punjabi woman who is adamant to prove herself could not have been done better by any of Saba Qamar’s contemporaries. With Kamli in the pipeline, she is undoubtedly amongst the most bankable female leads in Lollywood, alongside Mehwish Hayat and Mahira Khan.

Nayyar Ijaz, a living legend, is one actor the industry is proud to have. He is the Shafqat Cheema of new age Pakistani cinema and his Bhai Mian is just another feather in the legend’s cap.

Apart from the three main male characters, the rest of the supporting cast isn’t given much space to perform. In a stark contrast to Hassan Zia’s commendable Wrong No 2, Ghabrana Nahi Hai has Afzal Khan Rambo and Saleem Mairaj, who are rather underutilized. The two, however, are entertaining and effective in whatever space is assigned to them.

More Positives

The editing team, though, has done a splendid job in keeping the screenplay tight. There are certain places, which if chopped, could have made the film shorter and crisper. The background score and sound design are further strengths of the film in making it a crisp experience.

Lackluster Music

However, save for the romantic and sad number, the music by Shuja Haider leaves much to be desired. The first and end credit songs were particularly off, not to mention how poorly they were choreographed.

The Verdict

Despite not being the absolute best of what Pakistani cinema has produced, Ghabrana Nahi Hai is surely one film that you can spend your hard earned bucks on, without any fear, if you want to be entertained with your family (or even alone) and leave the cinema hall content.

Rating: 4/5

Paristan Engages Viewers With A Light-hearted Storyline

By
Ozair Majeed
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Ramazan entertainers are all about compelling viewers on a light-hearted and fun note. The benchmark set by the well-crafted Suno Chanda and Chupke Chupke is so high that only great shows can work, with mediocrity biting the dust. Where does HUM TV’s Paristan lie on this spectrum? Let’s dissect and analyze.

About The Show

Paristan has been written by Samra Bukhari and directed by Ali Hassan. It stars Arsalan Naseer, Aymen Saleem, Navin Waqar, Asad Siddiqui, Merub Ali, Junaid Jamshaid Niazi, Ali Safina, Javeria Saud, Safie Hasan, and Azra Mansoor. The show had all the elements that could have made it a huge success: romance, friendship, and wholesome entertainment.

The Analysis

The initial episodes of Paristan surely grabbed eyeballs, but the problem was that ‘logic’ was somehow kept on the back burner. It seemed as though writers struggled to maintain momentum, especially after fifteen episodes.

The Performances

While the show suffered from certain downsides, there were positive elements to Paristan as well. The performances kept the viewers hooked throughout. Arsalan Naseer and Aymen Saleem must be applauded for creating an engaging chemistry between Pari and Arsam, which became the USP of the play. Arsalan Naseer shows incredible maturity as an actor, and Aymen Saleem is highly likable as the girl-next-door.

Junaid Jamshaid Niazi and Merub Ali brought forth a refreshing aspect and performed very well throughout. Navin Waqar’s track was written well, too, but there was definitely room for furthering the role in a meatier way. Ali Safina committed fully to his character, and his energy and sincerity to the enterprise is commendable.

The Star Performers

Mooroo aka Amanullah and Mira Sethi aka Zubaida emerge as the star performers of the show. They fully commit to their accents, postures, and gestures, and highlight that abundance of welcome innocence that comedy requires. It wouldn’t be wrong to call them the modern-day Sona Chandi. A separate show can be designed to keep these characters as the protagonists.

Final Word

Summing it up, Paristan was an engaging watch for many good with some memorable moments. It leaves room for improvement in many ways, and had those changes been incorporated, Paristan would have, undoubtedly, been on another level. Nonetheless, the love shown to this play is evident, and it kept many entertained throughout Ramazan.

Pakistani Filmmakers Unhappy With The Release Of ‘Doctor Strange’

By
Sajeer Shaikh
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Members of Pakistan’s film fraternity have taken to the press to address the release of what they have termed “imported films” as a preference over local cinema, despite a promising post-COVID Eid influx. Pakistani filmmakers such as Adnan Siddiqui, Wajahat Rauf, Yasir Nawaz, Syed Noor, and Hasan Zia called for a press conference at Arts Council Karachi on Saturday at 4 PM, to shed light on why the decision may be a “deathly blow” to local film producers.

Background

As far as numbers go, Eid films such as the Saba Qamar-Zahid Ahmed-Syed Jibran starrer Ghabrana Nahi Hai, Imran Ashraf-Amar Khan starrer Dum Mastam, Ali Rehman Khan-Hania Aamir starrer Parde Mein Rehne Do, Neelum Muneer-Ahsan Khan-Yasir Nawaz starrer Chakkar and Jannat Mirza-Saima Noor starrer Tere Bajri Di Rakhi have shown great promise at local cinemas, with their collective box office collections even hinting at an encouraging nod in the journey towards the revival of local cinema. However, the fact that Benedict Cumberbatch starrer, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, was always going to pose a threat was no secret.

The Delay

As per news reports, the Marvel film was to face a delay with regards to its initial release. However, with some cinemas already showcasing the film, the perceived threat to local cinema has become pertinent to address by local filmmakers.

The Release

According to trade analyst Ali Zain, there has been a “massive and close to capacity start” for Doctor Strange in Punjab and Karachi, with “opening day numbers [to] easily be the biggest of the year,” despite the film not being released in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

Furthermore, in a tweet shared yesterday, he goes onto state that “Eid films have been sidelined” in Punjab and Karachi owing to the massive release of Doctor Strange, leading to a huge reduction in the number of shows for all films, despite the films managing good occupancies at multiplexes.

As a result, the aforementioned Pakistani filmmakers have taken to the public to address their concerns, touching upon a myriad of topics.

Choosing Foreign Films Over Local Cinema

The team of Pakistani filmmakers wishes to address how, despite the four Urdu films and one Punjabi film – all of which have been in production for over two years – showing “a healthy performance at the box office,” in a post-COVID Pakistan, “cinemas still choose foreign over local production.” Their qualm lies with the “foreign film” in question, which has occupied “more than 50% of screens and even 100% in some cinemas.”

Financial Loss

They also wish to address how governments all over the world protect their own industry as a priority. Moreover, these Pakistani filmmakers were allegedly assured by Ministry of Information that “protection will be given.” The release of Doctor Strange, however, has put a spanner in the works, with financial ruin on the horizon, “just because restraint could not be shown for a mere three days.”

The group of Pakistani filmmakers did reiterate that while they are not againsy the release of “imported films,” and they want local cinemas to make profits, it cannot be at the cost of the local film industry.

What Happens Next?

As this appeal is made, many wait with bated breath to see which way the dice rolls. Will local films continue to be impacted by the Marvel giant, or will their concerns be taken into account? It would be safe to say that there are countless people who await this decision.

Hum Tum Becomes A Modern Classic That Teaches Powerful Lessons

By
Ifrah Butt
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The latest HUM TV Ramzan special that came to an end i.e. Hum Tum was absolutely excellent in so many ways. The Ahad Raza Mir, Ramsha Khan, Junaid Khan, and Sarah Khan, starrer was not only well executed, but it handled intricate issues so well, that not only were we entertained, we enjoyed each and every episode and loved how subtly the message was passed onto us.

Public Love For Hum Tum

A lot of netizens have been saying that Hum Tum significantly brought back memories of the golden era of PTV, when they had classic dramas that handled significant issues with intricacy while maintaining the entertainment quotient. The credit here goes to the writer, Saima Akram Chaudhry, who delicately handled topics like toxic relationships, ageism, dysfunctional families, marriage after divorce, female independence, and a number of other sub topics, each of which got proper closure.

The Plot

Hum Tum was a story about two dysfunctional families living as neighbors. While one house has three daughters, the Qutubuddin sisters, excellent at everything but the stereotypical house chores that girls “must” know, the other housed two older sons, Sarmad (Junaid Khan) and Adam (Ahad Raza Mir) who would not only look after house chores but also their youngest sister, Millie (Aina Asif). While Sarmad loved Maha (Sara Khan), the other duo, Adam and Neha (Ramsha Khan) had many differences and a rift that wouldn’t stop them from tearing each other apart at every possible occasion.

Hum Tum followed the cliched hate turned into love story and that’s why, when another man walked into Neha’s life, Adam realised his true feelings for his arch nemesis and tried to win her over. However, what we liked here is how the writer portrayed the feelings of a man upon being rejected. An important lesson was imparted by Adam when he maturely dealt with rejection rather than making her life miserable. The much awaited confession came at the end of the show with Mr. Qutubuddin realizing how similar Adam was to him, and yet, he would be the one his daughter would be happiest with.

Undermined As A Ramzan Show?

It is entirely possible that Hum Tum was undermined as a Ramzan special. Nevertheless, the drama did break many stereotypes and that is what is applause-worthy about Hum Tum. The show challenged gender stereotypes, addressed inequality, mental health, and ageism, while maintaining its light-hearted tone.

Brilliance In Subtlety

Hum Tum also subtly handled the topic of how daughters deserved to be a part of their father’s will and how something concrete should be done while the father is alive, especially when he doesn’t have a son. Kudos, especially to Saima Akram Chaudhry for bringing about such a story.

The Performances

The official cast of Hum Tum included Ahad Raza Mir, Ramsha Khan, Sarah Khan, Junaid Khan, Uzma Beg, Farhan Ali Agha, Syed Mohammad Ahmed, Adnan Jaffar, Arjumand Rahim, Munazza Arif, Saife Hasan, Aina Asif, Danish Ali, Omer Shahzad, and Anoosheh Rania Khan. Not only was the casting spot on, each and every actor delivered top notch performances, providing proper closure to their character and portraying potent emotions, not only through dialogues but with their expressions as well. A note of praise should also go to director Danish Nawaz, who brought about another masterpiece with his expertise.

Final Thoughts

What we love about HUM TV is the fact that the channel never focuses on providing mindless entertainment. Instead, the dramas that air on HUM TV are mostly educational and even if they are highly entertaining, they do impart a strong lesson, though subtly, but one that definitely makes a big difference.

As for Hum Tum – we’re big fans! Let us know what you think about the drama in the comments.

Box Office: A Promising Post-Pandemic Start For Eid Films

By
Zaryan Khawar
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Post-pandemic Eid films have hit the cinemas and Pakistan had a line-up of a whopping five films.

Before the pandemic, the business with Bollywood, Lollywood, and Hollywood films was on a big high. Numbers were going as high as approximately 21 crores for Wrong No 2 and around 18 crores approximately for Chalawa. These figures are for Eid-ul-Fitr 2019 and the same directors (Yasir Nawaz and Wajahat Rauf) have releases this Eid as well.

Business definitely has been impacted after Covid-19, and apart from a few big films (Spiderman: No Way Home, Batman) most have failed at the box office. However, this Eid the audiences have come out to see local films and the numbers are promising.

Ghabrana Nahi Hai

Leading at the number one spot is the Saba Qamar, Zahid Ahmed, and Syed Jibran starrer. Here’s a day-wise breakdown:

Tuesday ( Eid Day 1): 68 lacs

Wednesday ( Eid Day 2): 1.15 crore

Thursday ( Eid Day 3): 1.17 crore

Total: 3 crore

Dum Mastam

Second in line is the Imran Ashraf and Amar Khan starrer Dum Mastam. Here’s a day-wise breakdown:

Tuesday ( Eid Day 1): 65 lacs

Wednesday ( Eid Day 2): 1.11 crore

Thursday ( Eid Day 3): 1.08 crore

Total: 2.84 crore

Parde Mein Rehne Do

The Ali Rehman and Hania Aaamir starrer is at the third spot. Here’s a day-wise breakdown:

Tuesday ( Eid Day 1): 44 lacs

Wednesday ( Eid Day 2): 76 lacs

Thursday ( Eid Day 3): 75 lacs

Total: 1.95 crore

Chakkar

The Ahsan Khan and Neelam Muneer starrer is at the last spot, but the film did get a lot less shows as compared to its competitors. Here’s a day-wise breakdown:

Tuesday ( Eid Day 1): 28 lacs

Wednesday ( Eid Day 2): 54 lacs

Thursday ( Eid Day 3): 50 lacs

Total: 1.32 crore

Analysis

This being the first Eid-ul-Fitr post-Covid, the numbers are encouraging to say the least. Right now we are not going into word of mouth or any verdict the audience has given for these films. People spending their money on local movies and giving them a chance is a heartening thing to see.

The films over the coming days need to sustain well in order to become a clean success at the box office. The first few days of Eid have, over the years, seen a good walk-in of customers, but good films sustain and make use of the summer holiday period.

Possible Competition

These films will face very stiff competition from the new Marvel release Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness – when it eventually releases here. The aforementioned film has already sold tickets worth Rs. 1 crore. Poised to take a huge opening, it will be interesting to see the numbers it brings in and how these Eid films will sustain themselves in front of the mega phenomenon.

Interesting times ahead for the local industry, with faith being shown by the audience for local films is a good push start for the industry post pandemic.

Chaudhry And Sons Packs A Punch With Entertaining Performances

By
Sajeer Shaikh
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All good things must come to and end, and such us the case with Chaudhry And Sons. The Ramazan play gripped many, inducing laughter whilst also tugging at heart strings. Without giving too much away, here’s what we loved about the show.

The Plot

Saima Akram’s ‘Chaudhry And Sons’ centred around a Punjabi household – but with a dash of Hyderabad Deccan this time around. The head of the household, Chaudhry Dildaar, is shown to be a man with a great deal of pride, especially in family values and principles. No one in his family has ever married outside the caste, except his daughter Sabahat, who is no longer a part of the family. Sabahat and her husband, who have passed away in a car accident, leave behind their daughter Parisa (Ayeza Khan) with her grandmother Malka Begum (Irsa Ghazal).

The duo reach the Chaudhry household, unaware of their real identity. It is here that the adorable Billu (Imran Ashraf) falls in love with Parisa instantly. And so, with a secret at the heart of this tale, the story unfolds.

The Performances

Undoubtedly, the powerhouse that is Imran Ashraf deserves yet another shoutout for his convincing and jovial portrayal of Billu. Ayeza Khan makes an excellent Pari, and it’s wonderful to see these two talented actors combine their skills to create the chemistry that they have in Chaudhry And Sons.

Moreover, Irsa Ghazal and Sohail Ahmed as the grandparents were phenomenal as well. The audience adored the duo, as did we, and they definitely add to the show’s overall appeal. Saqib Sumeer, Madiha Rizvi, Shagufta Ejaz, Noorul Hassan, Asma Abbas, Sami Khan, Yasir Nawaz, Zoya Nasir, Ashraf Khan, Usman Peerzada, Hammad Shoaib, and Beenish Chohan portray their parts well too.

The Verdict

While the plot-line isn’t entirely fresh or new, it tweaked just enough material for things to stay engaging. Once again, the show does manage to keep audiences hooked throughout, and the performances must be credited for this as well. Many also loved the fact that the show focused on family values and emphasized upon reunions, which undoubtedly makes for a wholesome watch. Overall, Chaudhry And Sons is an entertaining watch, and if you haven’t watched it – well, you’re certainly missing out.

Ms Marvel To Be Released In Cinemas Across Pakistan

By
Sajeer Shaikh
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Fans have been provided with a reason to rejoice when it comes to cinema-going activities: as announced on Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy’s Instagram, Ms Marvel is set to release in cinemas across Pakistan as an Eid gift.

The News

The Walt Disney Company and Marvel are going to create a special cinema version of the series that spans six episodes, which will be split up into three parts. Episodes 1 and 2 will air on 16th June, Episodes 3 and 4 on 30th June, and episodes 5 and 6 on 14th July. This exclusive release in Pakistan has been made possible through licensee HKC Entertainment.

The Reason

This is a major first, where a Pakistani hero is being introduced as a Marvel superhero into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Kamala Khan, played by Iman Vellani, is set to be the face of the series, and the makers wanted Pakistan to fully celebrate the representation. Moreover, the series also has a diverse cast and crew in general, which is yet another celebratory factor.

The Reaction

Many are elated to hear this news, and one can expect that audiences might just flock to cinemas out of excitement. Many people are part jubilant, part nervous about this series for many reasons. Yet, Iman Vellani remains to be a focal point of celebration, especially since she is also going to co-star in the sequel, The Marvels, alongside Brie Larson and Teyonah Parris.

What is your take on the news? Let us know in the comments.

Mere Humnasheen Teasers Set Expectations High

By
Ozair Majeed
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Ever since the first teasers of ‘Mere Humnasheen’ went on air, viewers have been buzzing with excitement. The intriguing teasers showcase the traditional values of the people living in the northern areas of Pakistan. The narrative also highlights the obstacles made in the name of honor and vengeance.

Mere Humnasheen is written by Misbah Ali Syed, directed by Ali Faizan and is produced by 7th Sky Entertainment (Abdullah Kadwani & Asad Qureshi). It features an exciting mix of talented actors like Ahsan Khan, Hiba Bukhari, Shehzad Sheikh, Syed Jibran and others.

Storyline

The first two teasers right away introduce the protagonist Hiba Bukhari, a young Pakhtun girl who aspires to be a doctor. Her ambition to serve humanity isn’t very easy as Ahsan Khan (her fiancé) is a rigid Pakhtun who doesn’t want her to be progressive and pursue her studies. He goes to all extents and creates hurdles to stop her, but she, being the daughter of the mountains, is rock solid in her decision.   

The Twist

The third teaser introduces us to Dr. Hadi Shehreyar (Shehzad Sheikh) who is highly impressed with Hiba’s personality & intelligence and falls in love with her. Does she have the same feelings for him though? There’s a love triangle in the making. Ahsan is furious to see both of them together. We also come across a dreamy sequence between Hiba and Shehzad. It won’t be a smooth sailing journey for Hiba as she is stuck between family traditions and love. As of now, the teasers successfully work in building the pre-hype making the viewers anxious to watch the drama.

Other Highlights

One of the major highlights of Mere Humnasheen is its fresh on-screen pairing. Ahsan Khan, Hiba Bukhari, and Shehzad Sheikh pair up for the first time and their connection comes across as highly impactful. 7th Sky Entertainment is well known for injecting its heart and soul into their projects. And this one is no different. The cinematography is top class. Each frame captures the scenic beauty of the Northern areas to perfection. The splendid camera work promises a lasting visual experience for the viewers. 

Expectations

As of now, Mere Humnasheen give us the right amount of the entertainment quotient. It would be exciting to witness how these characters would connect to the story. The smartly edited teasers do not reveal it all and prepare us for an intriguing watch ahead.  

Mere Humnasheen will air from 6th May on GEO TV.

Doctor Strange Will Not Be Releasing This Friday In Pakistan

By
Sajeer Shaikh
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Marvel’s much-awaited Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, which has already faced a ban in multiple countries due to the presence of an LGBTQ character (America Chavez) is facing obstacles pertaining to its release this Friday in Pakistan.

About The Ban

Amidst sources whispering hints of the Marvel film facing a delay in release or a possible ban, news has surfaced that the film will not be releasing on its intended date of global release (6th May) in Pakistan.

Sources also state that Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness has been referred to a full board review by the Central Board of Film Censors (CBFC), while two out of the three operative censor boards, i.e; Punjab Film Censor Board (PFCB) and Sindh Board of Film Censors (SBFC) have already allegedly issued the film a censor certificate.

Furthermore, journalist Hasan Kazmi shared in a post that the Chairman of the CBFC, Mr. Arshad Munir, has allegedly confirmed that owing to the presence of LGBTQ characters and dialogues, the Marvel film could not be issued a censor certificate. However, his post also mentioned that the full board review will be held after Eid holidays on Friday, 6th May, which is also when the film is set to release globally.

About The Film

The Benedict Cumberbatch starrer is a sequel to the 2016 precursor, and has Sam Raimi (of the original Spider-Man trilogy) grasping the directorial helm. In this installment, Doctor Strange is to team up with Scarlet Witch, played by Elizabeth Olsen. As per the trailer, audiences see Doctor Strange aiming to curb the impact of the spell he cast in Spider-Man: No Way Home.

Eid Films

The fact that five Pakistani films are also releasing on Eid has been evident through abundant promotional activity. However, as discussed in a previous article, the distribution of slots in cinemas, and the hanging question mark regarding where audiences would be drawn to when the all films release, come up as points to ponder over once again.

A ban on Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness could undoubtedly bode well for all the local releases that, albeit laden with glitz, glamor, and gripping tales, will then no longer have the Marvel giant against which to compete.

This, of course, is a segue into a larger debate about local cinema and its comparison with foreign cinema. However, barring that discussion for now, it will be interesting to see how the Eid films fare, given this recent development, and whether or not Pakistani audiences get to experience the Marvel film.

Kanika Kapoor Responds To Hadiqa Kiani’s Claim Of Boohey Barian’s Theft

By
Sajeer Shaikh
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In the most unexpected twist to this peculiar saga, Kanika Kapoor has responded to Hadiqa Kiani claiming that her song “Boohey Barian” was stolen, with regards to a rendition perfomed by the Indian artist, posted on Saregama Music’s YouTube channel.

Context

Hadiqa Kiani recently took to her stories to address the “thieving” of her song. Kanika Kapoor’s rendition of Boohey Barian, titled Buhe Baariyan, became the focal point of Hadiqa’s anger. Posted on Saregama Music’s YouTube channel, the song has credited Gourov Dasgupta and Shruti Rane as composers, with lyrics being credited to Kunwar Juneja. Hadiqa Kiani was not been mentioned anywhere.

Now, it’s no secret that in 1998, Hadiqa Kiani released her second album, Roshni, that featured Boohey Barian as the sixth single on the album, and it is still considered to be one of the most well-known Pakistani songs.

The Reaction

As a result, with the involvement of Hadiqa Kiani, director Nabeel Qureshi, and Indian digital platform Diet Sabya, the conversation catapulted into Hadiqa Kiani clarifying that the rights to the song have not been sold, and Kanika Kapoor’s version can, therefore, be considered the theft of the song in question.

Kanika Kapoor’s Take

In an interview with Times of India, Kanika Kapoor has issued a statement, claiming that while she and everyone she knows are huge fans of music from Pakistan, Afghanistan, North of India and Punjab, “it is just sad that there is so much hatred on a topic, which we don’t even know what is right and what is wrong.”

She goes on to state the following:

“I mean, for me, we made an original song Juneja ji has written the song, Shruti has composed this song with Gourov Dasgupta, and have used a line of an old Punjabi folk song that being heard. So actually it is not a cover version, it’s a new song completely. If anyone listens to this and it’s just a little hook line, we used from an old Punjabi folk song, which I have seen more than 60 versions of on YouTube.”

Kanika Kapoor then claims to not know where the song comes from or originated, and doubles down on the fact that Saregama is a “respectable” label.

“None of us have any intention of stealing anybody’s work or not crediting anybody. And if they feel that way, then it makes us very sad and we feel very sorry. But to be honest, we also find out because none of us know the truth behind copyright.”

Kanika then goes on in the interview to state the following:

“And not just this song, many, many folks that we all love, have the same plan, there’s nothing that we know of it. So if someone is claiming right over them, it’s not something I can do anything about. But I had no intentions of upsetting anybody. I have a lot of love and respect for all fellows singers in Pakistan, and I will continue to follow and love their music. Also, I think, people should not bring religion and country and craft in middle of a song. They should not create so much hatred, you know, maybe sometimes you can deal with things with more love than hatred and that’s what the world needs today.”

Well – Hadiqa has yet to respond, but what do you make of the answer?

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