Parey Hut Love

Once I was discussing about revival of Pakistani cinema with my friend who happens to be a big fan of South Korean movies. We know our neighboring film industry also carries extreme fondness for South Korean cinematic work to the extent that they are often found copying the same. We also discussed chances of someone from Pakistan copies from other regions then what should be the benchmark for that filmmaker. We had difference of opinion but had consensus on one point that no Pakistani filmmaker go for replicating Bollywood movies ever because it will be like the copying the copied stuff. It gives us extreme satisfaction to learn that Asim Raza who debuted with a great film like "Ho Mann Jahaan" took a different path and went for getting "inspired" from one of the best rom-coms ever."Parey Hut Love" is an unofficial Pakistani remake of Hugh Grant's "Four Weddings and a Funeral".

As an avid moviegoer I was always keen to see how a Pakistani director with the caliber of Asim Raza interprets British aesthetics for such common denominators whose taste buds have completely been corrupted by Bollywood Masala for decades. It was a tricky job maintaining a shaky balance between "Desi" sensitivities and a Western plot line because our audience may feel estranged from the plot and higher dose of Bollywood ingredient can downgrade the slick quality which has been a trademark of every better Pakistani film of this revival period. Good news Asim Raza narrowly escapes and slightly achieves what exactly he was aiming for with "Parey Hut Love" but the title of the movie could have been better.

Sheharyar Munawar, who lacks in displaying the ability of being nervous and frisky same time like Hugh Grant, plays lover-boy-next-door kind of a role which seems to be the requirement of the script to increase the acceptability of his character for the audience. And he does with an ease but element of loudness in his character could have been toned down. Overall he looks good and he performs well.

Maya Ali who won everyone in her debut film "Teefa in Trouble" mesmerizes again but this time her character becomes slightly serious. Ahmad Ali Butt who was completely unstoppable in "Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2" remains off color. Veteran actor Nadeem Baig is completely wasted and Hina Dilpazir is just repeating herself and there are scenes in which she seems overdoing. Zara Noor Abbas has a spark and deserves more brownie points. Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan appear in cameo roles.

Azaan Sami Khan proves his genes by composing one of the best melodies of the year for "Parey Hut Love". Every song has its own appeal and delight. Visuals are stunning and cinematography by Serkan Erzin and Salman Razzaq makes "Parey Hut Love" as one of the well shot movies of Pakistan. Production design and art work are magnificent and raise the bar. They just needed to refrain from product placement which is nothing but irritating.

On the whole "Parey Hut Love" is a diligent cinematic piece of work with narrative style which has never been explored before in Pakistani films. Asim Raza has taken an enormous risk with this kind of storytelling but glittering effect of "Parey Hut Love" makes it worth of your time and money.

Acting, songs, visuals and direction is one of the finest to come out in the modern day Pakistani cinema. Maya Ali looked perfect as Saniya in the movie. Her expressions were excellent. She was actually giving the Audrey Hepburn vibes. I hope she gets to do more movies in the future. Shehreyar Munnawar looked handsome and very convincing in his role as a struggling actor. The supporting cast Zara Noor, Ahmed Ali, Hina Dilpazeer and the legend Nadeem Baig did an amazing job and they were perfect for their respective roles. However, I feel like Mahira Khan stole the show in her special appearance. She looked like a true diva in her role as Zeena. Her song Morey Saiyan gave the Madhubala vibes. Infact, she is the Madhubala or the Marilyn Monroe of the modern Pakistani cinema!!!!! The story was good too and it is one of the movies which will be loved by the youngsters in the country. And the songs will get popular among the masses too!!

This movie was a testament how far Lollywood has progressed in cinematography, set design, choreography and lighting. But lollywood still hasn't changed from overacting and screaming. This movie was a modified copy of the 1994 British movie "Four Weddings and a funeral", and some scenes were exact copy. Fawad Khan's one minute character was inserted just to get more fame. Mahira Khan's role also didn't do justice. Songs were good, especially the Rahat Fateh Ali Khan qawali was very good. Nadeem's acting was really good. The hero Sheheryar Munawar and heroin Maya Ali were average. Rest of the cast was mediocre. I am being lenient to give this movie 5/10.

I think all the investment was on Songs, costumes and Sets. Otherwise, there is no story or feel in this movie. Sheryar Munawar was Good though as far as Acting is concern.

I expected a lot more from this movie after watching the trailer and songs during the films promotion period. No doubt, the visual aspect of this film is remarkable - specifically set designs and locations but the script and acting, very unimpressive. The cinematography and soundtrack definitely exceeded my expectations, however the story line not so much. I felt as though there were many plot holes which made the movie hard to understand and really get into. A lot of scenes seemed unrealistic, rushed, and overplayed and there were way too many guest appearances. The mediocre acting was not expected from most of the cast who do such an amazing job in Pakistani dramas. Also, can we please stop openly showing characters drinking alcohol in Pakistani films unnecessarily - I mean, it was so not needed in this film.

Anyways, do watch it for the visual characteristics and delightful music, but do expect a weak story line and average acting.