All cinemas of Pakistan opened their gates on Eid ul Azha to the gentry for the screening for, “Na Maloom Afraad 2” and “Punjab Nahi Jao Gi”. Na Maloom Afraad 2 is directed by the returning due Fizza Ali Meerza and Nabeel Qureshi who managed to wrap up the film in a budget of Rs.15 Crore.
Before we get into the movie the cinema industry deserves a back clap for reaching this milestone. It’s a valid evidence that the cinematic work force has came back to life and it’s up and building again. The response to this revival has been phenomenal, the industry has managed to attract impressive crowds into the cinema houses. They have finally gain a momentum we can trust to last.
The Story
Na Maloom Afraad 2, features the original trio and kicks off right where its prequel concluded. The story plot is relatively simple. Farhan (Fahad Mustafa) is married to Naina (Urwa Hocane) Farhan is now the CEO of their company called Shama Achaar and works with his brother in law Shakeel (Javed Sheikh). Unfortunately, their factory is burned down and a notorious offshore gangster is demanding extortion money from them.
Meanwhile Moon ( Mohsin Abbas Haider) is getting hitched to Parri (Hania Aamir) and invites Farhan, Shakeel and Naina to attend his wedding in Cape Town. Somehow the party ends up with a Sheikh al Baklawa’s (Nayyar Ejaz) 24-carat gold commode.
The story lacks unpredictability and kept reminding me of “Hangover”. Despite a deadpan story and almost no script value, the movie still engages the audience. That’s the achievement of the actors.
The Actors
Fahad Mustafa delivers his role with great calibre. The shits of his character were delivered beautifully and he’s reminded us once more of his talent as an actor.
Javed Sheikh is a legend who fits right in and doesn’t fail to make us laugh with his appropriately balanced antics. The veteran actor steels the limelight flawlessly.
Mohsin Abbas Haider does not forfeit any chance to flaunt his six packs and exists only as a comic relief. This time around he seems to have ran his character along the rails of too much. In some instances, he seems almost excessive with his antics.
Urwa Hocane and Hania Aamir were an unfortunate cast. Nothing they said left an impression and their screen time was merely for eye candy purposes. This was gravely unsatisfactory as both the actresses have the talent to deliver but not the content. If you’re going to cast two of the most popular actresses of the industry common sense implies that their value exceeds that of props.
Behind the Camera
Rana Kamran the DOP for Na Maloom Afraad 2 has outdone himself. The movie was visually aesthetic, stunning and vibrant. The establishing shots for Cape Town were mesmerising and no shot felt unnecessary. Kudos to him for well timed music cues, slowmos and seamless editing. All thumbs up.
Marina khan seemed dull in the movie. I was really looking for something from her. I mean she is the Marina Khan for god sakes!
The fails to come full circle. The scripting was uncreative and predictable. The excellent deliverance by the actors was what saved it. Na Maloom Afraad 2 pales in comparison to it’s prequel which was lighter and relied on good scripting rather than dragged out vulgar jokes.
Despite that the movie has managed to rack up a hefty Rs. 65 million in the opening weekend.
