Review: Bol
Director: Shoaib Mansoor
Cast: Atif Aslam, Humaima Malick, Iman Ali, Mahira Khan, Manzar Sehbai, Shafqat Cheema, Zaib Rehman, Amr Kashmiri
According to me, Shoaib Mansoor is undoubtedly one of the best film-makers that Pakistan has produced. In 2007, his first directorial venture, Khuda Kay Liye received critical acclaim and praise because of the way he had addressed the issue of terrorism. Four years later, he is back with Bol, a film that is as good, if not better, than the last one.
Bol starts off with a woman in Pakistan who is on the verge of getting hanged. Her presidential pardon is rejected. However, her last wish is to relate the story of her life in front of the media. The movie then goes into a flashback. With powerful performances and some fine direction, Bol brings to surface the atrocious behaviour that women in Pakistan are subjected to and the reasons behind all of it. Without being prejudiced against any nation or religion, it brings out the biases held against people with alternate sexual orientations, the wrath of fundamentalism, the nauseating attitude that is fostered towards women in many countries, and how being subjected to poverty can forcefully influence a man’s behaviour, though his conscience may not allow it.
Each and every single actor has done a brilliant job. Debutante Humaima Malick, as Zainab is probably one of the finest female actors I have seen in recent times. Manzar Sehbai, as the old Hakeem, brings out his character beautifully. One is not left with a choice but to sympathize with him, even though he plays a negative character, because all his actions are out of need and are dictated by society and his orthodox beliefs. Atif Aslam shows his mettle as an actor and proves beyond doubt that there is much more to him than just his melodious voice. A special mention must be made of Sagar who plays the young Saifi and does a pretty good job.
This music is soulful and melancholic, and complements the theme of the film. ‘Hona Tha Pyaar’ and ‘Aaj Bol Do’ leaves a taste that you’d want to cling on to long after the movie is over. The cinematography is simple, yet crafty and wonderful. The editing could have been better in a couple of places, but overall, it was neat. Add to that a tight and well-written script and Bol easily makes it to my list of top releases this year. It is a tad bit long, which is probably the only shortcoming of the film, but the film manages to keep the audience gripped on for the vast majority of the time.
Bol is one of the movies which will make you squirm a little while watching. Not only is it bold, but it also deals with the truth in a fashion so raw, that you’d wish you had not experienced. The movie is slightly disturbing at times because of the amount of suffering portrayed and it leaves the viewer with a deep sense of pathos by the end of it. It is not a weekend family movie, or a movie that you’d want to watch to get away from your hectic work schedule. It is a movie which touches you deeply and stimulates you to think.
However, if you are strong enough to handle it, this is one movie you should definitely watch.
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About the Author: Lipi Mehta
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