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.

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 is for sure one of the best efforts from Pakistan in 2013 ... but with 4-5 mainstream movies getting made in a year - not much to compare it against!!

In a nutshell, Zinda Bhaag talks of the "Pakistani Dream" of an average Pakistani youth – the one where he is willing to take any route to migrate from Pakistan – be it to Doobai, Amereeka, Europe or Englaand!! – where all his life's problems will get solved, because that's where his Pot of Gold is waiting.

Zinda Bhaag is not your mainstream masala entertainment – it is a film with a message.Go prepared with your thinking hats on and if you don't know Punjabi, with someone who can translate the dialogues for you …(because the movie is 80% in Punjabi)

I just watched Zinda Bhaag with my friends at Cinestar Lahore and to be honest, I wasn't prepared for such a good and thought provoking ride.

Direction,writing and acting was superb and takes audience into the situation to feel the depth of the issue discussed. Zinda Bhaag is no doubt the one of the best efforts in struggling cinema of Pakistan.

In my opinion every cinema goer should go to watch it. Those of you who don't want to watch it for its dark issue. Don't worry, issue is very lightly presented with very good laughter combo and pace of the film slowly drives you to the core.

So Go for It!! To support your own cinema and for good local entertainment!

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.