Cake

On the insistence of my biwi, who tried her best to show me the trailor of a movie, I was still hesitant, unsure and felt bad, inside me (for some patriotic reasons) to even go and watch it. But later on, good sense prevailed.

So for the 1st time, tried my hand at a Pakistani movie about human relationship, families, sisters, brothers, lovers ... called *Cake* Talk about your roots, about emotions, a dysfunctional family from the outside but still connected from the heart. A story of well to do middle-class family.. 2 sisters and a brother who all live in different parts of the world, come together for their parents who is looked after the middle daughter and their house servant. What follows is a turmoil of emotions, funny moments, flashback, tragedy, poetry, ex lovers and romance and sacrifices. Brilliantly acted by all... the heart of the movie is the mother with her flamboyant style and language, that is so Mumbaiya and the beautiful relationship between the parents. Now having lived in the Middle East, I have come across Pakistani families but I didn't realise their movies would be so such high class and forward thinking. I have not seen any paki serials, and have been time and again reminded to watch it, for their story and emotions. Now I am tempted to try my hands at 1. A tragedy that happened some years back, which divided the family and how after so many years, it makes them come back, overflowing in a turmoil of emotions and tears and smiles. Without leaking any story, I would recommend you somehow try your hand at this movie. Watch it in theatre (if you are in the Middle East or other parts of the world), torrent it (if you are in India)... and u won't regret it. RD Burman would be twisting and turning in his grave, unaware how 1 of his songs will be an integral part of a Pakistani movie.

This Cake is sweet and I recommend everyone must have a bite.

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.

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.

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.

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.