Cake

Peter Guber says, "Stories are not icing on the cake; they are the cake!" One may confirm the validity of Peter Guber's words after watching newly released Pakistani family drama film "Cake" directed by newcomer in tinsel town Asim Abbasi who previously directed few short films. Still young but the kind of immaculate maturity Abbasi has shown in his first full length feature film is sufficient to make us believe that land of our film industry is fertile. Where most of our film makers and directors are more focus on Bollywood type spicy masala, Abbasi bakes dessert like "Cake" in which he values adequate amount of right ingredients to mesmerize the taste buds his consumers to the optimum level and he sufficiently succeeds in it. First, as writer Abbasi transforms his thoughts on the paper to develop such a content which brushes the sensitive boundaries of our society but do not cross it and same time adopts an outlook to fulfill taste and requirements of the modern day. With amazing writing and interesting screenplay Abbasi has actually proved the authenticity of an old axiom that content is the king.

As far as performances are concerned, Pakistan film industry is fortunate to have services of an actress like Aamina Shaikh who is as glamorous as Depika Padukone and as talented as Smita Patil or Shabana Azmi. "Cake" is the second film after "Seedlings-Lamha" which has shown her acting prowess on silver screen with full power. Her actions and reactions on grim situations of the film are worth of watching. Sanam Saeed has performed magnificently as Aamina Shaikh's younger sister whose is battling with ghosts from her past to find late but valid vindication.

Though all the actors have performed stupendous job in "Cake" but Beo Raana Zafar is real gem of the film. Her flamboyant old age persona is novel for Pakistani viewers but her blatant comments spread joy on silver screen and save the film from dull moments. There is no doubt Beo Raana Zafar will be top contender to win few awards next year. Muhammad Ahmed as Beo's husband in first half of the film is more like a backup player but he comes in forefront in second half and steals the show. Adnan Malik has done satisfactory job and Mikaal Zulfiqar appears as cameo.

On the Whole, "Cake" is surprise addition into tally of mature films from Pakistan. Watertight script, interesting screenplay and Impact ful performances make "Cake" delightful experience for cinema goers. Films like "Cake" revitalizes our confidence in new breed of Pakistani film makers.

This movie is a true depiction of Pakistani upper class. I am glad Pakistani filmmakers have finally got rid of Indian culture which had harmed quite a bit to the industry. We must understand Pakistani culture and values are different from Bollywood. Pakistan is famous for poets, intellectuals, artists. Sufis and critical thinkers. The movie Cake has it all. Whenever Pakistani filmmakers tried to follow Bollywood's footsteps by showing vulgar item numbers, stupid songs and dances , and foolishness of family politics, thay failed. I am glad Pakistani industry is back with a bang. This is a must watch movie. Pakistanis are different from India and their culture, and I strongly believe that Pakistani cinema is way better than current Bollywood. Hats off to the team of Cake for producing such a masterpiece.

Well directed/ acted, a fun and emotional movie. It's all about Family and what goes around it. Simple and smooth script. Has to be one of the better ones I have seen this year. A much needed relief from 'Humayun Saeed and his favourite bunch' movies...was really tired of the same old useless scripts. This might create some competition again! There is hope yet!

Cake is definitely a must watch. It has all the right ingredients humor, drama, emotions.

The plot is engaging, all the while remaining realistic, a feature that most of the past Pakistani movies lacked. It is a bit slow in the first half, but builds up nicely for the climax.

The acting was top notch from the leads Aamina Shaikh and Sanam Saeed. The chemistry between them is excellent, and you still want more of them at the end. Adnan Malik also excels in his debut. The mother played by Beo Raana Zafar and father had a wonderful chemistry. Barring one or two scenes, the acting is very good for a family drama. There are almost no cringeworthy moments (a pattern common in previous movies).

Asim Abbasi as a director in his first movie could teach the Pakistani veterans a thing or two. The plot isn't rushed at any point. The director takes his time for viewers to understand the characters and it looked though every scene was executed to perfection.

Cinematography is excellent. This movie required good camerawork due to the many important scenes it had and it surely didn't disappoint.

Music although not catchy looked in place.

If you are going inside to watch a happy-romantic-comedy then this movie is not for you. If you are expecting songs and lots of dance and bhangra, this movie is not for you. But if you are expecting genuine acting, tight script and extraordinary direction, this movie is definitely for you. I went in and i was enthralled by how Asim Abbasi made this simple knitted script into a visual treat. I have to say that it was not the script but the direction that kept me hooked to my seat. Sanam Saeed and Aminah Sheikh give solid performances and successfully manage to showcase a nuanced love-hate relationship of siblings which Pakistani audience can largely relate to. Its the details in the movie that make you smile because those details are so unnoticed in our daily lives. The AC leak, the flushing the cigarette bud in toilet and your parents accidentally farting. I was very happy when they announced that they will be coming up with the Cake-Prologue. I dont get the hatred, this movie is amazing. But maybe Pakistani audience is going to take sometime grow out of typical cliched rom-com movies and start appreciating artistic direction and simple movies.