- Posted on: May 27, 2013 | 
Comments
Google Translation: اُردو | 中文
CHAMBAILI
Pakistani film 2013
Actors: Salman Peerzada, Maira Khan and Shafqat Cheema
Director: Ismail Jilani
Production: Independent Film in association with Geo Films
Currently showing at Cinepax Rawalpindi
REVIEW
The film is about the angst of the Pakistani middle class faced with the challenges of a corrupt ruling class turned land mafia. The storyline might appear simplistic, but the issues are familiar for Pakistanis: the political class feels that they are born to rule, being “sardars” they perpetuate their hold on political and economic power with the use of coercion and violence, when necessary; in the shadows is the unsavoury character of the son, being groomed to take over the family enterprise; that the middle classes are effete and self-absorbed, wanting an easy way out, if necessary through emigration. The message of the film is that change can be brought about by committed youth, and no sacrifice is great enough for the “sohni dharti”.
The first half of the film is faster paced and less predictable than the second half, and the acting is superb. The trials that the nation has undergone over the last five years have led to a burst of creative activity in Pakistan, this film being one example of it. Definitely worth seeing, unless addicted to the mindless opiate of Bollywood.
