Aik Hi Nigar is a biopic telefilm about the life and career of Lt Gen Nigar Johar. Produced by the Inter Services Public Relations and aired on ARY Digital, starring Mahira Khan in the title role, Bilal Ashraf, Sohail Sameer and Khushal Khan in supporting roles, it is written by Umera Ahmed and directed by Adnan Sarwar.

Early on in the film, we are shown Nigar’s childhood and the heart-warming relationship that she has with her father, played by Sohail Sameer. Her father encourages her to reach for the stars and follow her dreams. We need to have more positive depictions of a familial support system.

While the ragging scenes from her time at medical school can be harrowing for some viewers, they do serve to highlight an important issue at such institutions. It also goes to show how prevalent the practice is.

One of the major highlights of the movie is the loving and supportive relationship between Nigar and her husband, Johar, played by Bilal Ashraf. Like her father, he stands by her throughout the course of their marriage. After the tragic demise of her parents and when she gets a promotion, Johar is there to lend her a shoulder to cry on and cheer her on. Their relationship on-screen truly is a partnership, and breaks several toxic stereotypes.

Despite personal tragedies, such as the death of her loved ones, Nigar keeps trudging on and reaching for the skies to eventually be the first woman in the history of Pakistan Army to attain the rank of lieutenant general.

The heart and soul of Aik Hai Nigar, is Nigar herself, of course. Mahira Khan’s acting chops are commendable. She does an inspired job of showcasing the resilience of Nigar’s character. Despite going through personal tragedies, such as the death of her loved ones, Nigar keeps trudging on and reaching for the skies to eventually be the first woman in the history of Pakistan Army to attain the rank of lieutenant general. Some of the tragedies would have made lesser souls give up. Nigar, however, keeps going through life with exceptional tenacity.

Despite some poor vocabulary choices making the rounds on social media and causing outrage, Aik Hai Nigar is a must-watch. As a biopic, it covers factual happenings, both sad and uplifting, which showcase the emotional and mental rollercoaster that is Nigar’s life. As the story follows Nigar through trying times, and times of prosperity, it does not shy away from humanising her and stays true to the essence of her real-life progression. Just as the protagonist ‘wins’ towards the end of the movie, the real life woman that the protagonist portrays has won, against all odds, as well. There is a dearth of well-directed female-lead films all over the world. This movie is a valuable contribution towards a trend that aims to change that. The telefilm was first screened on ARY Digital. It is also available on their platform.

The author is a staff member. She is a politics and international relations graduate from the   University of Hertfordshire