Zinda Bhaag

Before even seeing this, the pressure was already one; submitted as Pakistan's entry for the Oscars (although it's not really the genre of film that wins that category), a star appearance from Indian actor Naseeruddin Shah and a hit soundtrack from Sahir Ali Bagga to boot- my expectations were very high. Fifteen minutes through the film I was reassured; the script is well written, making you empathise with the characters almost instantly and the narrative is perfectly timed. In my opinion this is much more relevant Pakistani film than say "Waar", because it's about people rather than stunts and action. Three star turns come from Khurram Pataras who is perfectly cast as Khaldi, supported by the equally excellent Zohaib Ashgar, whose character's insecurities and naivety make him immediately likable. The third friend is played by Salman Ahmed Khan and although less developed a character than the other two, it's another engaging performance. Both Naseeruddin Shah and Amna Ilyas of course turn in excellent performances, but for me it's the three friends who make the film what it is. This is exactly the kind of production Pakistan needs to be making; a serious topic light-heartedly portrayed with touches of ironic and black humour. In the much-touted "resurgence of..." tag that every new Pakistani film of the last 3-4 years seems to be labelled with, this one is wholly deserving of that accolade for simply trying and succeeding at doing something different. If you haven't seen this yet, you're missing out on one of the exciting slices of south Asian cinema released in the last year.

Realistic presentation of people living among us who have only one aim to go abroad to earn money for their families back, no matter what are the means of going abroad. The street culture, gambling, huge difference between the classes and frustration to get all in one day is what is beautifully shown in this movie.

It is in a line for consideration for the Oscars and if get a nod will be something for the Cinema here in Pakistan which now seems to be going in a good direction with lots of people filling the cinema halls and what I perceive in coming years we will be able to make some quality movies.

To be honest I stumbled upon this movie accidentally. But what turned out was a ride that I didn't regret.

This is a punjabi movie and has its touch of humor but some things in the movie are actually thought provoking and would make you nod your head. It shows the struggles of what it means to try to do better and try to achieve things.

The movie was a worthy experience and left me coming out of it with a lot on my mind. I would recommend you to watch it.

It is a movie about modern Pakistani Dream of the lower middle class youth. It simply shows the modern life in Lahore and peoples obsession of going abroad.(and I might add) It shows the everyday life quite beautifully.Like serials,snooker or planning...

The cinematography and the screenplay is quite modern or artistic(at least tries to be). Acting is the weak point mostly but Puhlwan will cheer you up.Writing is good and quite original.Some great old Punjabi Sayings spread around.Music is well used & captures the mood.

Overall It is a good movie with a deep message.With the amount of movies being made it becomes a must see!!

Zinda Bhaag will not win the Oscar. Not because it is not good enough, but because it is impossible for its nuance, humour and wit to be translated into English. The very thing that will make it a sensation in Pakistan and India will work against it at the Academy: its authentic voice that speaks loud and clear to and for the people that it represents.

When asked about the movie, co-director Meenu Gaur said, "We wanted to make a movie that we ourselves would like to go and watch in the theatre." Zinda Bhaag is a very distinct film that employs cinema verite along with Lollywood kitsch to create a strong narrative that is both entertaining and conscientious. It is a Punjabi film that takes pride in its heritage without compromising its integrity. With Zinda Bhaag, the Pakistani film industry embarks on its nouvelle vague while setting an entirely new standard for South Asian cinema. It is the quintessential representation of the existential crisis facing young Pakistanis. However, most importantly, the film addresses the dwindling middle class and the working poor. The film recounts the story of three friends trying to get out of Pakistan as narrated by Naseeruddin Shah's character Pehlwan, who happens to be the area godfather. In a country where gambling is prohibited by law but still quite rampant, young men are willing to gamble with their own lives in order to realise their 'American Dream'. Zinda Bhaag is a cautionary tale that somehow avoids being preachy.

Pakistani cinema has revived due to the lifting of restrictions against Indian films. As film is one of the most collaborative forms of art, without cross-border cooperation, nothing would have been possible. Art house cinema actor Naseeruddin Shah invested in the industry with his participation in several hit films. With his patronage and performance in Zinda Bhaag, the industry is indebted to Shah.

Farjad and Meenu derive stellar performances. Amna Ilyas plays the true 'hero' Rubina — a young, ambitious woman trying to earn an honest living in a corrupt nation. She sees the potential in Khaldi (played flawlessly by Khurram Patras) and tries to help him. In a brilliant tete-a-tete, which involves proverbs, hilarious Punjabi sayings and play on words, the entire structure of their relationship is revealed. The filmmakers pay a tribute to the industry by offering Naghma Begum the memorable role of a selfish mother pushing her children's buttons while consuming trash television.

Sahir Ali Bhagga's music is an essential element in the construction of the ebbs and flows in the film. Every song is deliberately woven and moves the narrative while layering it. How would the Oscar voters understand the foreshadowing of events and the multiple associations of "Par Chana De" where the conversation between Sohni and her ghara (clay pot) are not translatable? Punjabis, however, will be delightfully reintroduced to the kinship between cinema and literature, and enjoy the language of cinema once again.

Zinda Bhaag is the most beautiful and complex film to come from Pakistan in decades and proves that great storytelling does not need massive budgets or a Bollywood repertoire. This year Zinda Bhaag will run for a spot on the Oscar shortlist with the likes of other remarkable films like Omar, La Passe, Child's Pose, Cannibal, and Gloria. However, in the hearts of Pakistanis everywhere, when they see Zinda Bhaag, they already know it's a winner. Published in The Express Tribune, October 1st, 2013.