Much is being said about the six telefilms that went on air on Geo and PTV in the last few weeks. The films include: Armaan, Aaina, Anjuman, Dil Mera Dharkan Teri, Devar Bhabi and Abhi Tu Mein Jawan Hoon. The contest is on as to which one of them is the best and second best! The knives are out, the favourites are being cheered at, and the best place to see that happening is social media, which is abuzz with arguments, debates and discussions about the six productions.

First, let me congratulate Tarang for bringing the Pakistani cinema back in town with a touch flavour of newness and liveliness. This sure seems to a grand effort to revive cinema in the country, unlike the past efforts of making movies with funds that represent certain interests — that is to say, the audience is not being fed with certain narrow ideas about neo-liberalism.

Now let’s get to the point: which one of the Tarang films is the best. Well, to my mind, the best should be judged on a number of elements rather than mere likes and dislikes of fans of respective movies. Top of the list should be: Does any of them look like a film? Like a film that you can go and watch in a cinema hall or Cineplex.

Second, does the film in question have all the necessary ingredients that it takes to make a film? Third, does the production have sufficient elements to support the writer, actors and director of the film? And last but not the least: Does the film bring back masses? Like does it have the potential to be featured for the silver screen so that masses can come and enjoy their pop corns while watching the film?

These are the questions that every reviewer in Hollywood and Bollywood asks and notices when it reviews a new film put up on screens across India on every Friday. The reviewer visits cinema halls and observes the audience response. This is exactly what I am doing now.

Luckily, I happen to be at Atrium Cinemas in Karachi just last week with a couple of friends. We had plans to watch the newly released The Reluctant Fundamentalist, whose tickets we could not grab since it was all booked beforehand. An argument soon followed with despair among ourselves about what to do the rest of the evening that’s already been spoiled. In the midst of all that drama, one of my friends Sara Ghulam* glimpsed across a poser right above the ticket counter that said: Armaan – 05 tickets available! Since she is a huge Fawad Khan fan, so am I (But I don’t go over the top with my love for Fawad), she screamed at the top of her throat and announced the plan to watch Armaan in excitement. Without wasting another second, we rushed to the counter, grabbed three tickets and went inside the hall that was packed. Luckily the seats we got were right in the middle, next to us sitting an old couple that seemed to have come to refresh their memories of youth. Armaan was a super hit back in the day!

Our excitement grew larger than normal when Fawad Khan and Amina Sheikh had a flirtatiously fun sequence at the wedding, which is followed by the famous Ko Ko Korina song. The audience went cheerful with joy as Fawad and Amina captured then essence of youthful romance – right from their attire to the dance sequence and the pranks, it was a treat to watch. The song itself is beautifully remixed with raw but new voices – thank god it was not recorded to copy the voice and style the great Ahmed Rushdie. It had somewhat a fresh feel to it. Also, I have to mention this, the way the song was filmed and choreographed, it could match any item song from Bollywood. The couple looked so grandly romantic and funny as I happened to hear the muttering of “wow” and “woohoo” from the audiences along the constant clap.

The story followed the track as it did in the old Armaan. Wasay Chaudhry and Mohsin Ali, the writers, though added a new flavour to its subtle elements of comedy. It was quite evident when Danny (Wasay) is asked by Armaan to seek permission of Zarnaab’s (Amina Sheikh) mother to go and attend the wedding of another old friend. The mother agrees, but the punch line “Paani ki Billi” delivered Danny sent the audience in a mad laughing mode.

Fawad Khan was the heartthrob, his acting skills have widely been appreciated. However, Amina Sheikh plays the sweetest girl ever! Amina’s acting skills need no introduction though, she is a class of her own. The way she performed the girl-next-door was way above the pompous and over-the-top acting skills of other actresses in town. The way she’s been shot for the other songs while playing piano was so beautiful that I fell in love with the instrument as well as its player. In one sentence, she is the most versatile actress we have in Pakistan!

The story is flawless and deeply romantic; I swear to have witnessed laughter and tears – most of all by my friend Sara. The climax was perfectly crafted as it did not linger on for too long or too short, the sequences of Zarnaab’s leaving her house and her sister Zartaab’s wedding are edited very nicely. Nobody in the hall seemed to have an I-am-bored look, as we all walked out of the hall after the sinuous but funny end where Fawad says: “Jaldi bolo yaar! Mujhe sardi lag rahi hei.” He looked so cute!

So here comes the first statement of this review: Armaan, the film, is larger than life; it is a true-to-the-heart effort by the director Anjum Shahzad, a movie which is beautifully written and produced. The cinematography by Mr. Kamran was excellent as it did have the feel of a feature film rather than a mere telefilm.

Secondly, Armaan has what it takes: the flirtation, the trivial fights, the stalking, the fun, the romance, heartbreak and a happy ending. In one sentence: it was a Paisa Wasool flick.

Thirdly, the production quality of the film was higher than anyone else. Or maybe, I watched the other two Anjuman and Aaina on television. But they looked like drama to me rather than a film. Maybe, I may have a better view of them if I watch them on the big screen. But I am sure their stories will not be as engrossing and entertaining as was Armaan’s – which has all the elements and looked like a brilliant team effort by the director, writers, actors, etc.

Lastly: I am pretty sure that if Tarang launches the film with proper digital dubbing, Armaan will surely bring back the masses to the cinemas. I am damn sure, cent per cent that it will be a massive hit!

Here is my request to Tarang: Keep making films as the brand that brings happiness to us is what we love. Also, if possible, release Armaan on cinemas even for a week along with other films like Aaina and Anjuman. I cannot say much about the impact the other two will have on the masses when they see it on the silver screen, but I am pretty sure Armaan will sweep us all off our feet.

*The name of my friend has been changed for personal reasons.

By Maha Malik~