The Cinema in its truest form is a people gathering activity where large number of people sit together in a dark hall to share the ‘entertainment’ via mother of all art forms which we call a Film. But then the whole world was hit by a Pandemic and if any industry that was hit in the worst possible way was the global Cinema. The Eid-ul-Fitr of 2022, after 2 years of closed cinema halls brought back the smile for Pakistani Cine-lovers in the form of 5 Films that carried mass appeal.
Although I personally feel that this is a very large number for our available infrastructure and it hurts the overall business for every film; being a very expensive mode of entertainment, but still people responded. I personally believe that in Pakistan we must have some 40-45 fresh releases scattered all around the year so it doesn’t remain an Eid only event eating up competitor’s business but Evolve as a regular habit all across the year, but still it was a breath of Fresh air, to test the changing tastes as well.


Parde Mein Rehne Do is my 3rd pick among this bonanza after ‘Dum Mastam’ (READ REVIEW HERE) and ‘Ghabrana Nai Hai’ (READ REVIEW HERE) and it brought a smile to my face. This one is directed by Wajahat Rauf, the most experienced one in comparison to other 2 and it shows. It is his finest film (and I feel that although he took his time but he actually arrived with this one) as far as the subject and its treatment is concerned. This film discusses a real and prevalent issue of our society in an apt way and I would like to first applaud him on bringing this issue to lime light.
Infertility “Banjhpan” and Manhood “Mardangi” – In our society these kind of subjects are not very easy to portray in any art form let alone cinematically where everything is visual, but Wajahat made sure that he delivers a strong message and educate our society as a whole, keeping all limitations intact and not going overboard on anything which may take FAMILIES away from his film being such a bold subject.
This film is an eye-opener for some segments of our pigeon-natured society which is so desperately starved to keep their bloodlines moving ahead that would even make Darwin feel ashamed of his idea. Yes all living species are born to take this task seriously but ‘the crown of creation’ is found to be most thirsty for it. If a married couple remain “issue-less”, all of Humanity around starts showing concerns specially the closed ones, and it doesn’t remain that couple’s problem anymore but grow out to become a family’s main concern.
Yes it is a matter of concern for any couple and a genuine desire but in our society women are made the biggest reason for this “crime” called “Ranu’n Ki Nasal Khatam Ho jaye gi”. The woman who is the clear victim and sufferer here is treated as the Main Criminal if she can’t bear a child. Men on the other hand (thanks to the polygamist acceptance) themselves or sometimes under pressure from family starts looking for a new girl themselves or are forced to find a new mate so the bloodline may move on, even before checking where the actual problem could have been. It is now a proven fact that MAN can be infertile too and this misconception that only women could be the sole reason, it was necessary to educate masses. In the same way as they are to be educated that giving births to “girls” rather “boys” is not her fault too. Rather it’s neither one’s, but even if anyone has to be associated to it, a MAN plays more important role in that too. And this film does that beautifully. It tells a story of infertility and makes a beautiful and appropriate resolution in the finale.


I am not saying that this is a flawless film. Yes there are many major and serious hiccups: For 1, the friend’s constantly (irritatingly) making fun of the situation of our protagonist. The female lead creating more drama than required where man has not committed a sin to deserve that magnitude of response. The Hero’s frustration is under-cooked too as his role didn’t have any serious perceived “man-hood” issues from where he should have risen. But these I am happily willing to ignore because the overall package has a desired impact and it conveys clearly what it meant to do.
The casting department has done a fine job in gathering very believable and capable actors as per assigned roles. For me Munazza Arif stole the show, she has a supporting role as Rehman’s mother but she’s not only cute but also create real laughable stuff through her portrayal.
Ali Rehman and Hania Amir did a good job. They both look cute together and between Janaan and PMRD, they show a clear growth in their art. Though in later half (pre-climax), Hania went a little over the top and Ali Rehman remained a little undertone against the ongoing crises but for me that’s on director, otherwise they nailed their parts.
What can one add about Javed Shiekh that’s missing in the book of adjectives? He’s a veteran and every time he proves that he’s Javed Shiekh. Hassan Raza’s role was irritating otherwise he delivered what his director wanted him to do. Yasir Hussain’s “Maan wala” joke was good but that role required a serious act rather than comedy. It’s something very serious that we are involved in as viewer and comedy makes it cheasy and bad. Aashir Wajahat as an actor was missed.
Although the screen time is great and editing is better but Hassan Ali Khan should have made it crispier at places (especially pre-interval half hour where pace drops). All other creative and technical crew have done a decent job. But again Music is weak. Though it’s from maker’s son and Hassan Ali, but only “Rana Ji” song is enjoyable. Rest of them are just songs that lack “playlist quality”.
Again I would say that Wajahat Rauf, our ‘voice over man’ has made an intelligent film with perfect blend of arts and commerce. This subject might not be too mass appealing (especially for youth) but he made a film with perfect sense of economics and didn’t go over the board and wasted precious budget. And that’s why he might come out safely.
Overall PMRD stands on a good plot, have some funny moments, loud and clear in its message and written using proper “film-writing” theory. It’s going to be enjoyable for couples and families.
I would rate this one 3.5/5 and it has potential to stand alive in the second week. It’s lifetime business should cross 120-150 Million mark.

*Guest post by Ali Tanveer Author has a major interest in movies as business as well as movies as the art. He reviews films based on their script value and market potential

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