Media Magick

In Pakistan, we don’t witness many musicals, and one should appreciate Shah Sharahbeel to bring an Urdu Musical titled Twins Apart for Pakistani audience. The musical play which is directed by Shah Sharahbeel is written by Kulsoom Aftab features a number of new actors and actresses in pivotal characters. Is Twins Apart engaging, entertaining and worth a watch for those who appreciate theater plays and musicals? Well, let’s find out.

(L – R) Umer Naru, Kanwal & Muslim

The story of Twins Apart starts when Mrs. Qazalbash (Faiza) gets to know that her maid Safia (Ifrah) is pregnant with twins and Mrs. Qazalbash asks her to give one of her kids to her as she can’t have kids and wanting to adopt a child but Mr. Qazalbash (Hammad) will never approve of it. Mrs. Qazalbash influences the poor Safia and she hands over one of her kid Essa (Umer Naru) to her and keeps Musa (Muslim). What happens next in the lives of Musa, Essa, Safia and Mrs. Qazalbash is what Twins Apart is all about.

Twins Apart is decently directed by Shah Sharahbeel and brilliantly choreographed by Shezi and Ghani. There are many dance performances and action sequences which are wonderfully conceived, executed and performed by the cast.

Ifrah as Safia

Ifrah is brilliant in emotional scenes and she aptly performs her part. Umer has great vocals and his performance is decent.

Ghani as Raju & choreographer of Twins Apart

Ghani, who is one of the choreographers of Twins Apart, also performs in the play as Raju; besides very few dialogues, he is superb. Ghani gives an astonishing performance hands down and audience wants to see him more. He plays the “tapori” and reminds of actors like Mithun Chakraborty, Anil Kapoor and Varun Dhawan – he’s a perfect fit for silver screen.

Kanwal as Noori in Twins Apart

Kanwal (who is playing Noori) is another promising actress and she gives a realistic performance. Musa is okay, goes a little louder at places. Faiza is okay.

Rehan – The Narrator in Twins Apart

Special mention for the narrator (Rehan), he is star material; Rehan is blessed with great voice, beautiful accent and strong stage presence. This is one actor who definitely deserves to be spotted by those Pakistani filmmakers who are looking for fresh actors for celluloid.

Songs are good but one song which stands out is “Dosti” which is on the tune of “Kolaveri Di” but the lyrics are different and it’s the highlight of the play undoubtedly.

Entire Team of Twins Apart

The weak part of Twins Apart is its script, it’s very clichéd, and reminds audience of many Bollywood films, it might be because of the treatment as the play is loosely inspired from Blood Brothers by Willy Russel. The writing, at times, leaves audience a little bored and lacks impressive punchlines. It’s the young cast that lifts the show on their shoulders.

Watch Twins Apart is produced by Nomad Productions at Arts Council Karachi, playing till 17^th March, 2019.

I rate Twins Apart 3 out of 5 stars because

• Twins Apart offers great performances by promising cast
• For a musical songs and choreography are integral part and Twins Apart impresses in both departments
• Execution and direction of the play is clap-worthy