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Young love takes centerstage in Zindagi Kitni Haseen Hay

By Buraq Shabbir
10 September, 2016

One of the three most awaited films to release this Eid-ul-Azha is Anjum Shahzad’s romantic drama, Zindagi Kitni Haseen Hay that stars television’s ‘it’ couple Sajal Aly and Feroze Khan in lead roles.

The film’s lead pair, Feroze Khan and Sajal Aly with Khan’s sister Humaima Malick, who was there to support the film.

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The film, premiered in Karachi on Thursday, got mixed reviews from those in attendance.

Karachi :One of the three most awaited films to release this Eid-ul-Azha is Anjum Shahzad’s romantic drama, Zindagi Kitni Haseen Hay that stars television’s ‘it’ couple Sajal Aly and Feroze Khan in lead roles.

The film’s premiere, held at Nueplex Cinema in Karachi on Thursday night, was a star-studded affair as a number of industry veterans such as Humayun Saeed, Behroze Sabzwari, Saba Waseem Abbas, Adnan Siddiqui as well as newbies like Yasir Hussain, Gohar Rasheed, Neelam Munir and Danish Taimoor showed up to support the cause of Pakistani cinema.

Like all major movie events, this one too had a red carpet but as is the norm, the film’s star couple turned up an hour later than expected, which meant that the screening of the film began an hour late and those who showed up on time could be seen killing time with popcorns and drinks. One thing that our stars need to learn, apart from being punctual, is how to dress up for the red carpet as their fashion choices continue to disappoint us.

Child actor Jibrayl Ahmed, who stars as Dodo in the film, performed well for his age.
Child actor Jibrayl Ahmed, who stars as Dodo in the film, performed well for his age.

Moving on to the actual film, it was an average cinematic outing.  The beginning of the film didn’t make for a strong opening but things improved from there, partially at least.

ZKHH tells the story of two young individuals who fall in love (albeit too quickly), get married and have a kid. The end. No, it’s marginally better. The film is about how this young couple is torn between pursuing their relationship and their dreams.

The good news for fans is that this film offers something new, a story about modern day romance and intensity of love. It deals with themes that will feel new to those who have been watching the current crop of Pakistani films.

Feroze Khan, who stars in the film as Zain Ahmed, is the star of the show here, more than any other actor. Given the material, he did the best he could have.

Zindagi Kitni Haseen Hay director Anjum Shahzad and Humayun Saeed pose for the shutterbugs at the film’s Karachi premiere.
Zindagi Kitni Haseen Hay director Anjum Shahzad and Humayun Saeed pose for the shutterbugs at the film’s Karachi premiere.

Sajal Aly, on the other hand, is playing a reincarnation of her TV roles. The over-emotional saga brings to mind Sajal’s earlier performances in dramas like Aasmanon Pay Likha, Chup Raho and Gul-e-Rana.

The film does try to highlight and comment on the issue of morning shows and TV dramas that project women as weeping willows in order to attain high ratings. The irony, however, is that ZKHH ends up doing the same thing as the lead pair weep throughout proceedings.

As for other actors in the film, it goes without saying Aly Khan did complete justice to his role of a greedy producer who is only concerned about the ratings of his show. His behaviour with Mahira (Sajal) is a bit confounding though and fairly aggressive. 

The child actor, Jibrayl, did well while Shafqat Cheema, playing a goon in a leather jacket, was not as effective as some of his earlier performances.

Ahmed Ali Butt, who came to watch the film, told Instep that the film was decent.

“It’s a decent film. The actors were brilliant in it. As newcomers, they were far better than one expected. There were loopholes here and there, the characterization could have been much better. Shafqat Cheema was extremely disappointing. Overall, it’s a good film.”

On the plus side, ZKHH looks like a film (as opposed to a drama) and has a cinematic feel. The cinematography is commendable and rescues the film from looking like a TV production. Compared to other recent releases, ZKHH does offer some substance.

Aside from the lead pair’s presence, it’s the film’s music that remains a memorable feature. Shahzad (the director) was probably right when he said that “the music will lift the film up”.

Director Wajahat Rauf, whose next film Lahore Se Aagey (sequel to Karachi Se Lahore) is releasing in November, this year, also shared his thoughts on the film.

“ZKHH is a well directed film by Anjum Shahzad who is without a doubt one of the best directors in Pakistan,” Rauf told Instep. “The story keeps you engaged and both Sajal and Feroze have done a great job. A special mention for the child actor who played Dodo. I think the film will do really well with our drama watching audience,” he concluded.