The Martial Artist

I was blown away by this movie. Shaz Khan delivers a deeply personal and compelling story about Ibby "The Prince" Bakran, a Pakistani-American MMA fighter whose journey is as much about conquering his inner demons as it is about winning in the ring. The film's striking blend of high-octane fight sequences set against the desolate beauty of Death Valley and the lush serenity of Pakistan creates a unique visual feast that enhances Ibby's emotional voyage. Khan's raw performance, alongside standout supporting turns from Sanam Saeed and Faran Tahir, pulls you into a world where ambition and personal loss collide, and where rediscovering one's roots becomes the ultimate path to redemption.

What really sets the film apart is its fearless fusion of East and West, a cultural dialogue not often seen in the MMA genre. Despite some narrative rough edges and moments that feel a bit rushed, the authenticity in every frame, from the meticulously choreographed combat scenes to the breathtaking natural landscapes, makes it an unforgettable experience. I'm giving The Martial Artist 9 stars for its bold vision, heartfelt storytelling, and the impressive way it marries intense physicality with genuine emotional depth.

For the last 10 years, I've been wondering when the Pakistani film industry released a martial arts-related film. My question has finally been answered after such a long time. Funny I've heard about this film was in production since two years ago, I've managed to book it in Nantgawr of all places (strange they didn't bother to screen it in Cardiff where most Pakistani communities are).

The story isn't something original that I haven't seen before; however, it is unique to Pakistani standards. The main protagonist happens to be the antagonist for himself, too, and the story is pretty simple, too.

The fight choreography was pretty good, no quick cuts or shaky cams, all in one take and especially for cinematic quality it was pretty good, although films like Teefa in Trouble did much better in creativity, this film is not only serious in tone but also one on one most of the time.

Overall, the film wasn't the best martial arts film, but it certainly delivers. It's also catered to the more Western-born audience as 90% of the film is in English instead of Urdu, don't expect your typical masala type of film because it's quite serious in tone. 7.5/10.

I enjoyed the film . Fight scenes were great , film showed the cultural differences and intra family dynamics very well. This film shows the "fighter " as a whole person who is dealing with real life situations.

These guys pulled this off is amazing all by itself. I feel we need to support the new guys otherwise all we will have is superhero movies.

Looking at it from a desi standpoint, these guys covered the social pressures and attitudes towards any career other than STEM.

From my point of view these guys did a lot with limited resources , I wish they had more dates at my local cinema. Hope people give this team the chance they deserve.

The directorial debut of Shaz Khan is not only about a martial artist, as the title says, but a story of human connections. Ibby's complex family dynamics are very relatable. The movie is an emotional roller coaster highlighting the journey of an angry and scared young man learning to face his fears. He's seeking the truth about his identity while managing the relationships with his loved ones. Ibby's journey is soulful and kept me engaged throughout the movie.

Shaz has beautifully blended both eastern and western cultures. The fight scenes were realistic and meticulously choreographed. They showed how intensely he trained for this role. The story, though a little confusing at times, didn't take anything from the movie. I am in complete awe of the gorgeous cinematography. Shaz has done justice to the beautiful landscape of Pakistan. As an actor Shaz was excellent, and his costars - Thesa Loving, Babar Peerzada, Faran Tahir & Sanam Saeed - all performed exceedingly well. Beautiful background score was serene & intense at the same time depending on scenes. It truly touched my heart.

His hard work and dedication to his craft are apparent. Shaz - you've done a remarkable job. We look forward to seeing you on the silver screen in years to come!

From the moment the lights dimmed, the audience was irresistibly drawn into the world of Ibby, a martial artist whose journey lay fraught with unexpected hardships that resonate deeply with the struggles we all face in life. As Ibby navigates the trials and tribulations of his path, the film transcending a martial arts narrative, evolving into a spiritually guided journey that invites viewers to reflect on their own burdens and the meaning of existence when the earth beneath our feet shifts beyond all recognition.

Each challenge encountered by Ibby serves as a powerful homage to the battles we all face, making the experience feel both personal and universal. The film pays tribute to the resilience of the human spirit, portraying the undeniable collective strength that is imbedded in being an active part of, and supporting a spiritual system much greater than any individual mortal. It beautifully illustrates a system that pushes believers to the brink, where the only option remaining is to surpass what is perceived as humanly possible. It encourages us to confront our own fears that lurk in the shadows of personal doubt as we strive to overcome the most daunting obstacles.

Ibby's unwavering commitment to prevail against all odds, fueled by a belief that transcends the pain of even the darkest days, is conveyed with such authenticity that it fills the room with an overwhelming sense of collective emotion. This is a feeling I've never experienced in a cinematic setting before; it was as if we were all connected by the shared weight of our struggles and the hope for redemption. The experience lingered long after the credits rolled, leaving me with a profound hunger for understanding the strength that lies within us all, especially when it feels as though the odds are stacked miles high against us.