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    Review of 'Dobara Phir Se' and Mehreen Jabbar’s Take on the Pakistani Film Industry

    Written by: Uzma Nawaz
    Posted on: November 28, 2016 | | 中文

    Hareem Farooq as Zainab and Adeel Hussain as Hammad in 'Dobara Phir Se'

    For Mehreen Jabbar, “a film is like a wedding”: so many people come together to produce one major event, and during the course of it there are disagreements, inspirations, and if all goes well, something magical that emerges out of it.

    Directing a film after a gap of seven years, Mehreen had to be constantly aware of shedding the skin of a TV director, which wasn’t quite achieved, as her recent film Dobara Phir Se is more like a long TV drama. The idea of this film came out of a telefilm that Bilal Sami and Mehreen had worked on. Ultimately, it evolved into a full-fledged feature with a focus on human relationships and all their complexities and surprises.

    Film Dobara Phir Se Review and Mehreen Jabbar's Interview

    Mehreen Jabbar, the director of the film (source: Tribune)

    Dobara Phir Se starts with a scene on a ferry in New York where Hammad (Adeel Hussain) sees Zainab (Hareem Farooq) and seems to fall in love with her at first sight. They keep meeting in different places despite many complications: Zainab is already married to a bossy, headstrong Asim (Shaz Khan) and Hammad is starting a relationship with Natasha (Tooba Siddiqui).

    Film Dobara Phir Se Review and Mehreen Jabbar's Interview

    Natasha (Tooba Siddiqui) and Hammad (Adeel Hussain) in Central Park

    The first few scenes of the movie feature a cheerful, fun loving and carefree Samar (Sanam Saeed), who is in a relationship with the equally down-to-earth and easy-going Vassay (Ali Kazmi). In the environs of New York, the story progresses slowly through a string of events that cause Hammad and Zainab to come closer to each other.

    Filmed in Karachi and New York, the movie has many weak points. For instance, Zainab and Hammad are shown exploring Karachi atop a public bus, which makes for an unrealistic scene. Similarly, the potential role of Zainab’s mother-in-law whom she calls Ammi – the seasoned Atiqa Odho – remains untapped. There were many instances where viewers waited for that one big apex of the movie that never came; Dobara Phir Se seemed to have a flat progression. Perhaps intentionally so, as Mehreen opines, “I think Dobara Phir Se is a simple story about relationships that can get complicated. We cover some important themes in the film, but overall it has a lightness of touch to it.”

    The storyline is too clichéd with mediocre dialogues; however, the cast selection, Samar and Hammad’s acting skills, the beautiful New York scenes and landscapes, and the stunning wardrobe selection are a plus in the movie. It is a light, sometimes entertaining film, but one that lacks a profound theme or message.

    Film Dobara Phir Se Review and Mehreen Jabbar's Interview

    (L-R) Adeel Hussain, Ali Kazmi, Hareem Farooq and Sanam Saeed

    There were many challenges for Mehreen as the movie was shot in New York and Karachi, with new sets of teams in both places. For her, “The key was to be efficient in time and production while remaining true to the artistic vision and storytelling. It was a huge learning experience while being lots of fun as well.”

    At this point in time, Mehreen’s opinion about the potential of the Pakistani film industry is positive. With a steady stream of films being produced, and more people interested in investing in the industry, she feels the current environment is very encouraging, and it is “a critical time for the Pakistani film industry.”

    Mehreen is aware of the importance of a good script, and feels that the moviemakers should put their greatest effort into it, since that is the backbone of any good film and nothing can save a bad script. Even the most stunning cinematography, wardrobe, production design and acting can fall flat if the story doesn't hold up. She also emphasizes the need for a variety of genres of films, and that the industry should not restrict itself to just 'rom-coms', 'comedies' or 'action films', as “exploration and experimentation is what will eventually make our industry robust.” 
    The main challenge for the film industry in Pakistan is finding investment and distribution partners. Most of the leading distribution companies are also television channels themselves, so obviously they have a much bigger advantage in promoting and marketing films, but some of these channels have been risk takers and have supported films of different genres.

    Film Dobara Phir Se Review and Mehreen Jabbar's Interview

    Zainab (Hareem Farooq) in Times Square

    Mehreen strongly supports projecting Pakistani stories and does not believe in copying Bollywood themes, stressing the need for “finding our own voices.” To enhance the image of the Pakistani film industry, she proposes exploring international avenues through digital media and film festivals around the globe.

    Mehreen at this time is basking in the afterglow of the release of Dobara Phir Se. Despite its simple storyline, cinema houses are packed to the hilt and the film is doing good business. This has also encouraged her to work on other projects – she discloses that she is in the process of working on a psychological thriller, and is looking for investment!


    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