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    Film Review: Chalay Thay Saath

    Film Chalay Thay Saath Review

    Written by: Hira Aftab
    Posted on: April 24, 2017 | | 中文

    Kent S. Leung as Adam and Syra Shehroz as Resham (source: Dispatch News Desk)

    Rarely has a Pakistani film been as eagerly anticipated as Chalay Thay Saath (CTS). The months leading up to its release were filled with excitement as everyone held their breath, anticipating the new direction Pakistani cinema could be taking. With veteran talent alongside a host of new faces, as well as the introduction of an international actor as the main lead for the first time in a Pakistani film, the pressure was on for Chalay Thay Saath to deliver.

    The movie wastes no time in introducing the main characters and commencing its storyline. Resham (Syra Shehroz) is shown as a Karachi-based doctor, embarking on a farewell trip organized by her friends Tania, Zain and Faraz (Mansha Pasha, Osama Tahir and Faris Khalid, respectively) marking her return to her mountainous homeland. However, just as they are about to set off, their tour guide informs them that they need to pick up one last passenger, who turns out to be a Chinese tourist named Adam (Kent S. Leung). From the moment their eyes first meet, there is undeniable attraction between Resham and Adam. And so, for the first time in the cinematic history of Pakistan, a Chinese-Pakistani love story unfolds on the big screen, proving that love doesn’t have any boundaries.

    The CTS cast - Film Chalay Thay Saath Review

    The CTS cast (source: Dawn Images)

    Although Adam doesn’t know a word of Urdu, he still interacts with the locals through a mobile app, resulting in adorable and oftentimes hilarious moments between him and the rest of the group. As the story unfolds, Resham and Adam slowly become closer and discover that they have more in common than they could have imagined. From this point on, the movie is a mesmerizing mix of cultures, captivating characters and a brilliant storyline.

    Khunjerab Pass, the Pakistan-China border - Film Chalay Thay Saath Review

    Khunjerab Pass, the Pakistan-China border

    The trailer actually didn’t do the film justice, and for once the majority of the surprises were left for the movie itself. The filmography alone was enough to awaken a feeling of wanderlust in anyone, with scenes set against the beautiful backdrop of the crystal clear lakes of Hunza, meandering through its breathtaking mountain ranges. Alongside this, scenes shot in China showed the bustling metropolis of Beijing as never seen before in Pakistani cinema.

     

    However, it isn’t just the scenery that is praiseworthy. A stellar performance by the cast brings the script written by Atiya Zaidi to life. The actors take the audience on a rollercoaster of emotions and deliver their lines in a way that has you rooting for them. Women in the film are unapologetically strong and independent, easily holding their own throughout its duration. Moreover, the supporting roles of Behroze Sabzwari and Shamim Hilali provide depth to this youth-dominated story, demonstrating why they are both heavyweights of the Pakistani industry. Syra and Kent, however, deserve a special mention for their truly exceptional performances. From expertly delivering lines in languages not their own, to building bridges between cultures, they help prove that if one looks beyond the differences, it is easy to find similarities.

    Behroze Sabzwari and Shamim Hilali - Film Chalay Thay Saath Review

    Behroze Sabzwari (L), Shamim Hilali (R)

    I loved the witty interactions between the characters and the way the story was interwoven with real events. However, the film could have benefited from Kent being given more lines. His character truly drives the story forward, and while he excels in his portrayal of Adam, it would have allowed the audience to connect with him more. Furthermore, certain aspects of Adam’s life were touched upon that could have been explored in greater depth. Finally, perhaps the addition of a Mandarin song to the scenes shot in Beijing would have complemented the theme of the film, allowing viewers to further immerse themselves in the experience.

     

    Overall, though, Chalay Thay Saath is a must-watch for anyone who wants to witness the new direction of Pakistani cinema and the increasing depth of the Pak-China bond. Umer Adil’s directorial debut wonderfully depicts this interplay of cultures, set against the backdrop of the breathtaking northern areas of Pakistan. The film more than lives up to its expectations, not only paving the way for future Pakistan-China cinematic collaborations, but also demonstrating that the Pakistani film industry is slowly but surely finding its own voice.


    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