Maalik

Overwhelmed, saddened but still hopeful are the three words that would naturally come to your experience once you watch Maalik, Pakistan’s latest cinematic adventure. As expected, Ashir Azeem was fabulous and every actor gave their best. I still remember the craze and phenomena of 'Dhooan', it was very the first action-thriller TV play and it took the entire country by storm, we all just loved it. Today there is Maalik, a great achievement for Pakistan's cinema. 

  

What I most admire about Ashir Azeem is the way he portrays women, he brilliantly presents the perfect amalgamation of feminine fragility and strength- the lover and the warrior. 

Although the film was released worldwide and received adulation, however, it was banned in Pakistan for offending someone in Government, Ashir had to face a lot of hell after the release of this movie. His job was threatened to the point of terminating him, various investigations and cases have been opened up, his personal and professional credibility and integrity is being questioned. Yet with all the attacks, bans and false propaganda justice prevailed and Sindh High Court removed the ban on the film. 

Cinema hall was packed and the audience appreciated the film all the way, every scene received clappings- this is huge for Karachites because we are very strict about giving our appreciation but once we see something as great as Maalik we have to give its due. At the end of the movie when  names of Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Force were shown on the screen, huge cheers came from audience and the hall echoed with applause. 

We all live and breathe in a society which has so many negative forces at work and when such brutal reality is brought right at your face- it is sad. Yet there is silver lining, in the midst of all miseries good forces are also at work or else this country would have collapsed years ago.

Wherever we look, whatever news comes to us it involves some devastating situation for Muslims everywhere. Aleppo, Syria is nothing but dust and rubble; Kashmiris are facing unimaginable atrocities; Pakistan is threatened by war both internally and externally; Palestine; Lebanon; civil un-rest in Turkey, the list goes on. Every time I see CNN or BBC some young Muslim is being hunted down by police for attacking Americans or Europeans. Millions of Muslims are treated worse than animals at international borders with absolutely no hope of future.

Everyone hates everybody else, and the rest are lost in corruption and greed. Each year long, majestic halls of Kaaba Shareef are filled with millions of people crying and asking for mercy- but it seems prayers are not accepted, gates of mercy and blessings are sealed.

I know this is all depressing, but you know what? Sometimes it is better to be officially and completely sad and feel the pain. It is better to un-numb yourself. It is better to see things as they are and not live in our la-la land. Once we start to feel the pain we would try to heal it, either through some action or prayers.

Still, fingers are crossed. See you soon.

Sonya Syed. (Day 562)