I doubt there exists any channel other than Geo that has earned the titles of ‘most hated’ and ‘most watched’ simultaneously. It has been banned, had its offices vandalized, reporters attacked, yet somehow it has always managed to stay strong. No, I am not getting paid to write this (I swear upon my books). I did however attend Geo’s quarter launch and the music premier of Manto the Film, a biopic on the life of Saadat Hasan Manto. But more on that later.
First let me tell you all about the new drama serials that you guys soon won’t be able to avoid watching, namely ‘DilIshq’, ‘IshqaWaay’, ‘Dua’ and ‘Thora Sa Aasman. For this quarter these four serials will be aired on Geo Entertainment, and trust me when I say this, you can pretty much guess their stories from the trailers (before the music launch, we got our private screening). Almost all four revolve around marital problems people of subcontinent face, with glaring hints of extra marital affairs, the inability of a couple to breed, resulting in a second marriage, and the after effects of divorce that takes place during the heat of the moment (all my observations of course).
‘Dill Ishq’ stars the well known actor emmm Aslam (I am going to leap and say Baig?) and an actress with a round nose. They two appear happily married, but then enters a third, much younger woman, who I believe is also a part of the household (my observations told me she is the surrogate hired by the round nosed wife to help her hubby breed). Of course we are a God fearing nation, so the surrogate must be married to the hubby as well. Clippings of the drama show the surrogate expressing intense hatred for the hubby, however in the promo song, she’s seen dancing to him playing the piano (whaat?) Also the promo song has the guitarist trying to get his rock on in a very black desi shairwani (honey no!)
The other dramas are pretty much following the same theme, love marriage, enter the third wheel, Talaq to the power 3, you get the idea I believe.
And now the reason you are all really here. Manto the Film.
The film starring Sarmad Sultan Khoosat in the leading role, depicts the story of the writer, showcasing a particular time in his life which leads to his eventual downfall. Also in the film, playing Manto’s wife is the legendary Sania Saeed, and Saba Qamar as Madam Noor Jahan who is said to have had a tremendous influence on his life.
The story also focuses on Manto’s inspirations and thought process behind the various stories he penned down. These stories within the story feature Mahira Khan playing a role unlike any before, that of a juggler (Madari) and the second as a passenger on a train going from Lahore to Peshawar (Kya Hoga)
The film has music by Ali Sethi, “AahKoChahiye”, Javed Bashir’s “Kon Hai Yeh Gustakh” and a rendition of “Mehram Dilaan De Mahi, performed by MeeshaShafi.
The movie, to me is just what Pakistani cinema needs to cement its presence. The extremely artsy feel along with soulful music and brilliant acting definitely makes it worth watching! The Film is set to release on September 11th 2015.
The PR and event was being managed by Phegency PR & Events.
A few highlights:
Sidra Rizvi Says 