Umro Ayyar – A New Beginning ☆☆☆ 

Starring: Usman Mukhtar, Faran Tahir, Sanam Saeed, Hamza Ali Abbasi, Ali Kazmi, Adnan

Siddiqui, Seemi Raheel, Sana Fakhar, Manzar Sehbai, Daniyal Raheel, Salmaan Shaukat, Osama Karamat, and
Uloomi Karim

Direction: Azfar Jafri

Umro Ayyar – A New Beginning has consistently emphasized its central theme of good versus evil, a concept that strikingly parallels the foundational premise of The Legend of Maula Jatt.

Both films share a large cast and international production elements, sparking questions about box office dominance and audience reception. Can Umro Ayyar capture the magic that propelled The Legend of Maula Jatt to success?

However, those questions are secondary. When you watched The Legend of Maula Jatt, did you feel like you were watching The Gladiator? Will Umro Ayyar- A New Beginning captivate audiences the way The Legend of Maula Jatt did? Here’s the thing though, while comparisons are inevitable, enjoying a film shouldn’t hinge on it feeling like something else. This is where Umro Ayyar - A New Beginning, described as a sci-fi/fantasy film, struggles. Has it lived up to that description?

The opening scene throws us into the heart of the action. Sana Nawaz confronts Osama Karamat Ali, and things take a dark turn. A dagger, a bowl of blood, and muttered incantations – is she a villainous sorceress? Lakka’s entrance adds another layer. Appearing in a cloud of smoke, Faran Tahir’s character evokes comparisons – but to a beloved fantasy franchise rather than a historical epic.

Lakka completes his grim task, leaving his prisoner lifeless. This ruthless duo, Faran Tahir and Sana Nawaz, set the stage for the world of Umro Ayyar.

The opening credits unveil the Ayyars’ legacy. These wise counselors and hidden protectors echo a familiar trope: a world of magic existing unseen alongside ordinary people (often called Muggles in a certain popular series). Just like those unsuspecting humans, most in this world are oblivious to the battle between good and evil waged by the Ayyars. Interdimensional travel? check. Powerful artifacts? check. The Ayyars seem to share some intriguing traits with a certain boy wizard. History whispers of a legendary Umro Ayyar, but these protectors now operate in the shadows. Their mission? Mastering combat, forbidden knowledge, and strategy for a purpose yet unknown.

Okay, at this point, it’s almost humorous to mention Harry Potter, given the similarities. Like the Ayyars, Harry has a wand, a broom, and is embroiled in a war.

This is where the comparisons to Harry Potter become less apt. Unlike Harry’s clear goal of vanquishing Voldemort, the Ayyars’ motives remain shrouded. Are they hunting something specific? Preparing for a larger conflict? The film keeps us guessing. Their leader, the prophesied Umro Ayyar, is missing, lost in a world far removed from their mystical purpose. This echoes a familiar hero’s journey, but the film avoids a direct retread. Unlike Harry, burdened by his destiny, the Ayyars search for their leader, leaving his role and motivations shrouded.

We meet Usman Mukhtar (Professor Amar), a science professor firmly rooted in quantum science. Unlike his students, enthralled by tales of the supernatural, Amar scoffs at the idea of Djinn. A man of unwavering logic, he dismisses any talk of the supernatural as mere fantasy.

But logic crumbles when Amar finds himself targeted by shadowy figures. On one hand Lakka’s sinister forces are determined to keep Amar oblivious to his destiny. On the other, a mysterious group led by Ali Kazmi and Sanam Saeed swoops in to rescue him, whisking him away to a hidden realm – the domain of the Ayyars. Here, amidst the confusion, Mr. Manzar Sehbai attempts to bridge the gap between science and the fantastical, offering answers to Amar’s growing bewilderment.

Lost in a world of logic, Usman throws out a desperate explanation – alien technology. Mr. Sehbai, suppressing a smile, steers him away from sci-fi tropes. Instead, he delves into the power of energy, a concept with surprising links to the multiverse (a not-so-subtle nod to popular Dr. Strange films).

Sehbai’s measured explanation dismantles Usman’s skepticism, revealing the truth about the Djinns. He sheds light on the true nature of the Djinns, a revelation that chills Amar to the core. But the biggest revelation is yet to come: Amar learns he’s not just an outsider, but a descendant of Umro Ayyar himself.

This sets the stage for a legendary clash – a war for peace against the formidable and evil Faran Tahir.

Unraveling the film’s intricate plot would be a disservice – the journey of discovery is half the fun. Does our hero rise to the challenge? Let’s just say there wouldn’t be a story otherwise.

Are some actors underutilized? Absolutely. Umro Ayyar struggles to match the impact of The Legend of Maula Jatt, and some might find the script to be a weaker element. Dialogues could’ve been sharper, and a richer color palette might have elevated the visuals beyond decent. While Umro Ayyar might evoke comparisons to other films, originality can be a double-edged sword in a genre saturated with fantastical concepts. The film’s true strength lies in its cast. Each actor brings conviction and depth to their roles, regardless of screen time. This dedication elevates the material, even when the script feels derivative.

Sana Nawaz, in particular, brings a surprising intensity to her role as a dark magic user, a side rarely seen in her work. The rest of the cast is equally impressive – from Sanam Saeed and Ali Kazmi to the veterans such as Manzar Sehbai and Faran Tahir. Even Usman Mukhtar holds his own.

Umro Ayyar might not be a groundbreaking film, and it doesn’t dethrone The Legend of Maula Jatt. But the effort is clear, the special effects are surprisingly good, and the cast delivers. It’s worth a watch – you might be surprised by how much you enjoy it.

Sana Nawaz, in particular, brings a surprising intensity to her role as a dark magic user, a side rarely seen in her work. The rest of the cast is equally impressive – from Sanam Saeed and Ali Kazmi to the veterans such as Manzar Sehbai and Faran Tahir. Even Usman Mukhtar holds his own. Umro Ayyar might not be a groundbreaking film, and it doesn’t dethrone The Legend of Maula Jatt. But the effort is clear and you might be surprised by how much you enjoy it.