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    Film Review: Not Much is Positive for 'Ishq Positive'

    Written by: Syed Hashir Ali
    Posted on: July 29, 2016 | | 中文

    Walli Hamid Khan plays the lead in 'Ishq Positive'

    Ever since its reincarnation, the nascent Pakistani cinema has produced some remarkable films, striving to run head-to-head with Bollywood (at least within Pakistan). However, in a tedious attempt to catch up with the local filmmaking talent that has come forth in recent years, Ishq Positive simply marks an instance where Lollywood has tripped and fallen over.

    This romantic comedy is directed by Noor Bukhari, who also happens to be the lead actress. Coincidentally, the lead actor is her husband Walli Hamid, who has also made musical contributions to the movie. Moreover, Noor’s sister Faria Bukhari plays a supporting role in the film. While such occurrences are not unusual in the industry, cost-cutting should not go so far as to undermine the quality of the production. 

    Film Ishq Positive Review

    Walli Hamid Khan as 'Walli' and Noor Bukhari as 'Rajjo'

    Written by Sooraj Baba, and produced by Shazia Hussain and Kashif Latif, Ishq Positive promised more than what its direction could deliver. The movie revolves around the gleeful Rajjo (Noor Bukhari), who runs away from home on her wedding day, only to run into the kind-hearted Walli (Walli Hamid Khan). Together, the two somehow end up in the beautiful Northern Areas of Pakistan, – where the first half of the movie is set – and soon discover their love for each other. However, Rajjo is engaged to Chaudry Basheer (Saud), a prickly pear personality and the main villain, and Walli is engaged to his sister. The scriptwriter soon unfolds the crooked story as the protagonists head home to meet Chaudry Basheer. After a few frustrating sequences, everything falls back in place and the movie finally reaches its unsatisfying conclusion.

    Film Ishq Positive Review

    Saud as 'Chaudry Basheer'

    The storyline has so many traces of popular Bollywood flicks like Jab We Met, that at some point they become impossible to ignore. Despite the frequent injections of humor and songs, the storyline remains a banal imitation of popular works, and stagnant development permeates the plot. A self-defeating element of vapidity seems to infect the narrative long before it can mature.  

    Pageant costumes that were far from elegant, along with frequent makeup disasters, overshadowed the performances of several characters throughout the film. Perhaps, in an attempt to rescue her performance as debut director, Noor overexposed herself to an audience that is used to seeing much younger lead actresses. While all else was going astray, Bollywood actor Sonu Sood’s much-hyped cameo also went in vain.   

    Film Ishq Positive Review

    Despite being released under the banner of Hum Films, Ishq Positive has not managed to pick up a steady pace at the box office either. Released on the same day as the Indian crime-drama, ‘Madari’, Ishq Positive has found it difficult to attract and retain fans in its initial days. According to unofficial reports, the movie had yet to cross the 10 million PKR mark by the end of the first two days of its release. 

    All that being said, Ishq Positive cannot be taken off the screens without whipping up some praise either. For starters, a considerable proportion of the movie was filmed in the lush green Northern Areas. Insightful videography coupled with the scenic beauty of the area helps portray a positive image of Pakistan. Moreover, plausible performances by Durdana Butt, Saud and Hina Rizvi keep the humor alive in the film and help retain the interest of the audience. Lastly, the musical release saved the movie from the damage dealt by its self-destructive trailer, and apart from the gaudy item number, the songs are mostly commendable.

    Film Ishq Positive Review

    Durdana Butt provides some much-needed comic relief

    In short, Lollywood’s loyal fans, desperately craving a few good laughs, will certainly enjoy the movie despite its many textbook errors. However, others, spoiled by choice, should know that overall the movie is no better than its trailer.


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021