Written by: Haroon Shuaib
Posted on: October 28, 2019 | 
| 中文
Sami Khan as Ali Mustafa (Left) and Eshal Fayyaz as Kangana (Right)
Kaaf Kangna is a film penned by the brilliant writer Khalil ur Rehman Qamar (KRQ), who has, for the first time, simultaneously ventured into production and direction with this cross-border love story. KRQ is known for essaying compelling scripts for both the silver screen – Koi Tujh Sa Kahan and Punjab Nahi Jaungi and television dramas – Boota from Toba Tek Singh, Landa Bazar, Pyarey Afzal, and Sadqay Tumharay.
His effortless storylines have always been well received by the viewers, and his signature style of intense dialogues have resonated with the audience. So his loyal followers obviously expect a lot from “Kaaf Kangna”, released under the banner of ARY Films.
“Kaaf Kangana” is the story of the stout Ali Mustafa, played convincingly by wholesome Sami Khan. Ali Mustafa is the son of a proud father, played by Shafqat Cheema, and a bit of a celebrity in the neighbourhood because of his intelligence and humility. This same astuteness takes him from Bhatti Gate, Lahore to Islamabad in order to represent Pakistan in a quiz competition of gifted youth from SAARC countries.
As luck would have it, Ali Mustafa ends up in the final round against a young lady from India, Ms. Kangana Rathore, played by Eshal Fayyaz. What unravels after this chance meeting is a story of love and hate, that goes back many generations, even before Ali, Kangana or their respective countries were born.
Ali Mustafa and Kangana soon become two young lovers, oblivious to the bad blood that exists between their nations. “Kaaf Kangana” is a story of love in the times of hate, bitterness, and violence. Love triumphs at the end, or so they say. But in “Kaaf Kangana”, the audience must sit through almost 150 minutes of gruelling trauma and drama, to find out if Ali Mustafa and Kangana finally rise above this history of hate. A bit more focus on sharp editing would have worked in the film’s favour.
Fiza Ali (Left) and Eshal Fayyaz (Right)
What works in “Kaaf Kangana”’s favour are the dialogues of KRQ. The man can actually work magic with his pen. His characters talk in poetic rhymes and theatrical idioms, and yet never lose the interest of the viewers. KRQ also manages to get some decent performances from his actors. The familiar and endearing Sami Khan and veterans Sajid Hasan and Shafqat Cheema, were the standouts due to their strong performances. The ever-bubbly Ayesha Omer and Fiza Ali, were also impressive, despite short screen times.
Sajid Hasan (Right)
Kaaf Kangna introduces Eshal Fayyaz, who was noticed for her maiden performance as the titular “Abro” in a recent drama serial. Here she plays the role of Kangana with confidence. The film also introduces Abi Khan, son of KRQ, in a significant role, who gives an entertaining performance. The mirthful Naseem Vicky, in a short but rib-tickling role, provides the much needed comic relief, and is funny without being over the top.
Much has been said and written about the ditty featuring Neelum Muneer, who looks ethereal in her cameo. The particular number featuring Muneer actually turns out to be the most memorable tune from the otherwise forgettable soundtrack, which is a disappointment, considering the lyrics for most songs were really good and all penned by KRQ.
Neelum Munir (Left)
If released in the 1990s, “Kaaf Kangana” would have been a runaway hit, but in recent years with the rise of the multiplex culture, one department where our films have really improved is the production value and production design. “Kaaf Kangana” regrettably falters big time in this. The costumes are gaudy, the sets are behind the times, and the makeup of the actors is plain bad.
Film is a language of visual storytelling, and so the visuals captured by the camera matter immensely. Everything from the locations to the sets, from the costumes to the lights must add to the world that the director wishes to create for his story. While KRQ had a good story to tell, and the best words in town to tell it in, he obviously was trying to do too many things singlehandedly. For me, “Kaaf Kangna” was a 2 and a half out of 5.
Watch the trailer for the film here.
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