SHAH – A Lost Battle
Pakistan is the land of talent and gifted people. With no proper infrastructure, citizens of Pakistan have outdone themselves and brought pride and prosperity to their motherland. SHAH is a movie which is based on one such individual who rose from the streets of Layari, Karachi, Pakistan. From scratch to pride of Pakistan and from pride of Pakistan to a lost name in the history; SHAH is about what happened to a national hero of Pakistan. This Independence Day “SHAH” has released to give tribute to Pakistan’s National Pride. The ideology and concept behind SHAH is amazing and worth applause; let’s dissect the movie as a whole.
SHAH starts with a girl inquiring about Syed Hussain Shah the boxer who once used to win Gold and Bronze medals for his country named Pakistan by participating in international Boxing matches. He even won Bronze Medal in Olympics Boxing in 1988. She encounters a person who shares the entire story of Hussain Shah with her. The story is engaging and based on true life events of Hussain Shah.
Performance wise the movie SHAH depends upon Adnan Sarwar (who has also directed the movie and is also the writer). The accent and dialect he has carried out through the film is impressive. Some scenes are clap worthy, like when he wins his first boxing fight in Calcutta and Indians tease him with “Jootay Do Shah Ko” (Give shoes to SHAH) – that scene with Pakistan’s National Anthem in background is amazing. Similarly, when SHAH wins his London’s fight is superb. The other actor who leaves a mark is veteran Gulaab Chandio. He portrays his character with complete gusto. It’s a delight to watch him. The other actors in the movie are not very impressive and have very limited screen presence.
In terms of giving message and paying tribute to Pakistan’s national pride and heroes, SHAH is very impressive and leaves a strong mark but unfortunately the film lacks quality and aesthetics on other grounds. For instance, the editing by Tahir Ali is the weakest part of the movie. Cinematography by Omar Daraz and Hassan Zaidi is not something to look forward for. Dialogues which are in language other than Urdu needed to be showcased with subtitles for majority of the viewers to understand; but they aren’t.
There are a few dialogues in the movie which are close to life and those who suffered from the same situation which Hussain Shah had to go through would definitely relate to those.
I would rate SHAH a 2.5/5 keeping the entire package in mind. The message is very strong but the treatment made it a lost battle. If you want to support the revival of Pakistani Cinema then go watch SHAH – as it’s a good gesture that should be appreciated by masses.
- Performance
- Direction
- Editing
- Treatment
Ali Bangash
It’s so easy to make audience cry but this movie failed to make its viewers cry. Your analysis is great
Sara
Spot on review. I was at the public premiere last night. This film could have been better if flaws pointed by you have taken care of. Good review.
Shahid Rasool
I keep looking out for your reviews. I was planning to watch this movie but with your review I think I’ll opt for other releases like Moor or Brothers.
Azrah
To support Pakistani Cinema I will watch this movie. Thanks for sharing your in depth review.
Anum
SHAH is about our national hero. The effort is worth appreciating. I agree with the reviewer. Editing and script could be better.
Syed
It’s Easy to say that it Lack this and that But Look at Dekh Magar Pyar Say and Moor Both have Big Names and Financial Supports with Fame they are making the movie. While coming to Shah, Adnan Sarwar Lack Finances, Fame and Big Names Still he managed to give us the story of Our Unforgotten Hero Syed Hussain Shah. If you can appreciate kindly Not Criticize by your reviews that Pakistani people go for indian brothers which is a total Flop if given the circumstances like SHAH has faced!!! Thumbs Up to SHAH Proud of Our HERO!!!
Nida
Those movies are a step in the positive direction as well. The problem I have with this review is that it does not offer any details.
Well said.. Also Brothers is a rip off of Tom Hardy’s “Warrior”. Bollywood should not be compared to our own movies.
Joseph
Your reviews are always spot on. But I have to say you reveal a bit too much of the story in your reviews. I usually read your reviews before watching a movie as they give me a pretty good picture of what to expect. Good job man!
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