ZINDA BHAAG- A Must Watch!

Meray Sheyr Lahore di gull hi aur hai!  Farjad Nabi and Meenu Gaur, filmmakers and writers with soul have captured the sights, sounds and spirit of Lahore, in their movie, Zinda Bhaag.  From the first frame with the stunning Wazir Khan Mosque to an inner city neighborhood, they take us on a colorful journey about three friends, Khaldi, Taambi and Chitta, who all believe that running away abroad is the ticket to success in life. What follows, is their desperate attempt to leave and the web of society and situations that draws them deeper and deeper into the dangerous world of illegal immigration, gambling, lies and deceit. Nasseruddin Shah is superbly created and cast as the menacing ‘Phalwaan’, the mohallay ka don with a spiritual side of who has everyone under his spell.

 

The movie is thought provoking but there is also romance, chemistry and laughs. Amna Illyas, as Rubina hard selling, Facelook soap, is endearing in her simplicity and charm and together with the intense Khurram Patras as Khaldi, they provide just the right dash of onscreen sizzle. The songs compliment the storyline and are well shot with cool truck art graphics and old Pakistani film pop art. The soundtrack is a mixture of catchy Lahore street tunes, like Abrar-ul-Haq’s Pani Ka Bulbula,  Kurri Yes A by Amanat Ali and the soulful Pata Yar Da by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. But it is the mesmerizing Par Channah by Arif Lohar and Saleema Jawwad that sets the tone for the entire film. The dialogue is witty, funny and authentic. There is thankfully no masala, glamour or cheap humor added just for the heck of it.

 

The whole film is a labor of love. From the cinematography to the cast, the music, dialogue to the storyline, Zinda Bhaag’s every frame is a treat to watch and it’s a movie that all Pakistanis can be proud of.  Its message is simple but profound, ‘in the desperate need to runaway, the cost of life is a big price to pay…look closely, your best life is right here, where you are...not where you’re trying to run off to...’ Zinda Bhaag is Pakistan’s first entry in over 50 years, for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 86th Academy Awards. Fingers crossed for an Oscar! Go Watch It!