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    Film Review: Mehrunisa V Lub U

    Film Mehrunisa V Lub U Review

    Written by: Syed Hashir Ali
    Posted on: June 29, 2017 | | 中文

    Sana Javed and Danish Taimoor in 'Mehrunisa V Lub U'

    ‘Mehrunisa V Lub U’ is Yasir Nawaz’s second shot at directing a film, after making “Wrong No.” two years earlier, and he has retained the services of Danish Taimoor and Javed Sheikh for this film also. The movie can be best described as a simple romantic comedy with an even simpler social message. Despite the intense marketing campaign, not many people were expecting a masterpiece from the newbie director.

    I heard mixed reviews about Mehrunisa V Lub U, since some viewers were disappointed by the storyline and discredited the performances of the cast, while others found the theme of the film relatable. Despite the variation in reviews, no one would disagree that the makers deserve credit for the main plot’s originality, and for managing to touch upon several issues that are part of our social fabric. 

    Ali addresses the neighbourhood regarding uncleanliness - Film Mehrunisa V Lub U Review

    Ali addresses the neighbourhood

    The film starts with the homecoming of Ali (Danish Taimoor), who returns from China after studying there for three years; an interesting first, since in the past our students were shown as returning from a Western country. He is shown as a kind hearted and responsible family man, who is adored by everyone in his neighbourhood. He hopes to meet his childhood love, the gorgeous Mehrunisa (Sana Javed), who is introduced as a shy girl brought up in the quiet and peaceful Northern Areas. Ali, without much trouble, marries Mehrunisa and brings her to Karachi. However, the chaos and dirt of Ali’s low-income neighbourhood, a far cry from the peace and beauty of the northern areas unsettles Mehrunisa. It is soon revealed that she cannot give birth to a child due to the stress she feels in her new environment. Ali channels his energy in motivating people to clean up the neighbourhood. The cast of the film includes big names such as Javed Sheikh and Qavi Khan in significant roles.

    Javed Sheikh as Ali's Father - Film Mehrunisa V Lub U Review

    Javed Sheikh as Ali's Father

    By making a romantic-comedy, as well as addressing several social issues, the movie attempts to attract a big audience. The comedy and romance have been overdone, which results in it being cheesy and vulgar on various occasions, while the social message gets lost.

    Moreover, there are several inconsistencies in the movie. The title of the film suggests that the storyline would revolve around Mehrunisa, but instead it revolves around Ali. Walking out of the cinema, one realizes that everyone in the neighbourhood changes their way of life because of Ali and not Mehrunisa, and in the end, Ali is actually the only one, who “lubs” Mehrunisa. Despite all the screen time Sana Javed gets, neither the script nor the storyline allows adequate development of her character. There is heavy reliance on the good looks of the lead stars, but weaknesses in the plot remain and cannot be ignored.

    Ali, the central character, and his neighbours - Film Mehrunisa V Lub U Review

    Ali with his neighbours

    Another rather serious issue is that most would see Mehrunisa as emblematic of the objectification of women in films. Mehrunisa is a female character created to not do much besides looking pretty, marrying the lead male character, and giving birth to his child.

    Such issues deprive the film of being worthy enough for a second viewing, but are not discouraging for the casual cinema goer. In fact, there are several reasons to watch it on a weekend.  For instance, Nayyer Ijaz as Miss Marzi, and Saqib Sameer in his dual role, provide much needed comic relief. The movie progresses at the right pace and keeps on getting better, especially after the intermission. The social issues discussed in the film are very real and woven well into the story.

    Nayyer Ejaz as Marzi, a local thug - Film Mehrunisa V Lub U Review

    Nayyer Ejaz as Marzi

    Overall, it is an entertaining film, although there are moments when the timing of songs and jokes completely miss the mark. However, as a package of a romantic comedy paired with an interesting social theme, it is likely to appeal to a wide audience.


    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