"And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it." If not before but now Mr. Nomaan Khan the writer & producer of recently released Pakistani film "SherDil" would have started believing in this famous quote from "The Alchemist". Nomaan Khan started working on this film project couple of years ago but events shown in "SherDil" has startling resemblance with recent Indo-Pak tension. "SherDil" is one of the most anticipated Pakistani films of this year and timely tribute to Pakistan Air Force.
"SherDil" has been directed by Azfar Jafri who is known for films like "Siyaah", "Janaan" and "Parchi". Though he has been associated with films from different genre but with "SherDil" he has added one more feather in his cap. Directing war film is not a child's play in Pakistan but Jafri has pulled it off with an ease. There are certain dull moments in "SherDil" but ignorable due to some witty dialogues and situations which maintain audience's interest in the film till the end.
The main offering of "SherDil" is its visual effects and cinematography of aerial combats which have been shot magnificently. Arguably such dogfights we have never seen in any film from subcontinent. There should be no doubt that "SherDil" will always be remembered for combat scenes between JF-17 Thunder and Mirage 2000. We must thank Scott Newman for providing believable visual effects and Riki Butland for unbelievable cinematography. Prior "SherDil" Riki Butland has been associated with Hollywood blockbusters like "Star Trek Byond" and "Fast & Furious 7". Services rendered by Scott Newman and Riki Butland for "SherDil" has raised the bar of Pakistani films to the next level.
Mikaal Zulfiqar is one of the main heartthrobs of Pakistani dramas and films, shines in "SherDil". There is always a low opportunity to show acting prowess in an out and out action film but still Mikaal Zulfiqar has done satisfactory job as a main lead and he looks believable in uniform. Hassan Niazi as nemesis of Mikaal Zulfiqar justifies his selection in "SherDil". His verbal confrontations with Mikaal Zulfiqar are one of the main features of "SherDil" which does not only provide entertainment but also shows glimpses of irk between Pakistan and India.
Writer and director of "SherDil" should be commended for not doing mud sledging while showing confrontation between a Pakistani and Indian fighter pilot. Though "SherDil" is an effort to boost patriotic and nationalistic feelings but same time refrains from spreading jingoism and war hysteria. Armeena Rana Khan and Sabeeka Imam are completely wasted in the film. May be storyline does not require their extended roles but one thing is certain their importance in "SherDil" is not more than the props. Music is completely irrelevant and forgettable, only drags the pacing of the film.
On the whole, "SherDil" is refined cinematic product from Pakistan which does not only entertain but also explain the current Pakistani standpoint towards India. One may brag to claim that "SherDil" has a power to convert the happenings of 26-27 February into mere its promotion. On positive note "SherDil" seems like Prime Minister Imran Khan's message to India in cinematic form which is nothing but Peace and Mutual Respect.
