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    Film Review: Chaudhry, The Martyr

    Written by: Muna Moini
    Posted on: July 05, 2022 | | 中文

    Late Chaudhry Aslam (right) and DSP Tariq Islam as Chaudhry Aslam in the film

    Based on the true story of a courageous police officer, SSP Chaudhry Aslam Khan, ‘Chaudhry - The Martyr’ was released in cinemas on June 24, 2022. The film revolves around the heroics of Ch. Aslam who was martyred in Jan, 2014. Ch. Aslam was not an ordinary cop; he was a symbol of "terror for the terrorists" in the conflict-ridden Karachi back in the days. Throughout his career, he survived several assassination attempts, arrested criminals, brought an end to gang warfare and eventually, lost his life in a terrorist attack on the Lyari expressway.

    Late Chaudhry Aslam Khan

    Considering what a fearless man he was and how he was celebrated for taking the law in his own hands, one enters the cinema expecting nothing less than a masterpiece full of action, thrill, passion and suspense. However, while the biopic, produced by Neha Laaj and directed by Azeem Sajjad, had the potential to become a masterpiece due to its genre, it is unfortunate that the film fails to impress the audience or pay befitting tribute to its central character, a true hero. In fact, almost everything about the film left the audience traumatized.

    DSP Tariq Islam Khan, who played Ch. Aslam in the movie, seems to be an excellent choice for the role considering the visible/physical similarities between the two. Moreover, he had served with late Ch. Aslam in the police department, which bolstered his credentials to play Ch. Aslam. It won't be wrong to say that he fits the character’s requirements perfectly, however, his lack of screen presence, poor acting skills, plot loopholes and technical faults makes the film a painful watch.

    DSP Tariq Islam as Chaudhry Aslam (center) and Shamoon Abbasi as his bodyguard (left)

    Given that the titular role was messed up greatly is not the only thing that contributes to the failure. While writing about my experience as a viewer, I simply cannot think of one thing worthy of praise. The film features a huge cast, however, none of the actors have meaty roles that add value to the plot. In fact, as soon as you feel intrigued by a certain character, they are killed off, along with whatever little interest that one develops in the story.

    The film begins with a January 9, 2014 time stamp, the day Chaudhry was killed in an explosion. Yasir Hussain, who plays the role of a freelance journalist (Kashan), is featured presenting PowerPoint slides in front of several police officers and Chaudhry's wife (Sana Fakhar) who is in the audience. “Is he a hero or a villain? What is he?” Kashan asks people who already know who he is/was. Kashan starts as someone who harshly criticizes Ch. Aslam for his alleged involvement in police shootouts, but after a thorough research, ends up becoming one of his many admirers for bringing peace to Karachi.

    DSP Tariq Islam, Yasir Hussain and Iqra Aziz during promotions

    Kashan’s friend/love interest in the film, Zoya, played by Nawal Saeed, who seems to be an admirer of the police officer, is bitter throughout the film and keeps telling Kashan to stop getting involved in or going after Chaudhry's story. The inserting of their relationship in the film looks unnecessary and annoying, like several other underdeveloped characters in the story.

    Kallu, a gangster played by Sohail Sameer, Chaudhary’s bodyguard, played by Shamoon Abbasi, a police officer essayed by Saleem Mairaj, the right-hand of Kallu, played by Irfan Motiwala and Chaudhry’s wife, played by Sana Fakhar, are fully developed characters and the actors have done justice to their roles. However, another gang leader, Bhurra, played by Amir Qureshi, and several other unnecessary sub-plots and characters were quite unnecessary and only took away from the film.

    Sana Fakhar as Naureen, Chaudhry Aslam's wife

    All that the film portrayed is that as a young cop, Ch. Aslam made a huge difference to the city while staying true to his professional responsibilities. There is no artistic or creative depth in the story, and the presentation is also faulty. In fact, newspapers probably did a better job at celebrating the hero.

    DSP Tariq Islam as Chaudhry Aslam

    The film has Bollywood elements such as an item song, 'Aatish', sung by Sunidhi Chauhan, choreographed by Wahab Shah and performed by Amna Illyas. The film also has Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi’s classic 'Kameez Teri Kali', and a Sufi track at a shrine. However, they just serve the purpose of forced fillers and nothing more.

    Released by Hum Films, ‘Chaudhry — The Martyr’ is a failed attempt, and would have probably made more sense if it was a telefilm with fewer actors and a better screenplay.


    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









    Video message by Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed on Black Day of Indian Occupation of Kashmir



    Video message by Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed on Black Day of Indian Occupation of Kashmir, 27 October 1947, when Indian military troops forcibly occupied Kashmir illegally, claiming a fraudulent ‘Instrument of Accession’ which never existed as documented by eminent British historian Alastair Lamb! Kashmir & Palestine are examples of illegal occupation & continued Resistance to Repression! There are so many commonalities in Kashmir & Palestine: both under brutal military occupation of foreign powers, both are facing an indigenous, popular, spontaneous & widespread Resistance & Uprising, both are in violation of UN Resolutions which haven’t been implemented, both are witnessing an attempted change in the demographic balance, both are facing the use of rape as a weapon of war, both are testimony to double-standards & hypocrisy of Western powers on human rights & fundamental rights, and both conflicts have an element of racism and Islamophobia, while enduring peace, security and stability will remain elusive in both regions, South Asia & Middle East, until these issues are resolved in accordance with popular aspirations.