Bol – Movie Review

Shoaib Mansoor, one of the best storytellers of our times has set a very high standard for himself after his very mature and sensible tackling of the theme of terrorism in Khuda Kay Liye released in 2007.

This time again with Bol, the director does not fail to impress and come up with a bold, gripping and hard-hitting story of a woman's struggle and addresses the religious extremism in Pakistan. Bol is a story of a daughter who defies her father and the society that treat women as lesser beings. Bol clearly brings to light the status of women in developing countries that brags about equal rights for men and women.

Bol revolves around a family living in Pakistan. Hakeem Sahab wants to have a son and therefore sees his wife give birth to fourteen children, out of which only seven girls survive. Hakeem, however is very embarrassed with his eighth child who is a hermaphrodite. Bol has a gripping narrative as it showcases the struggle, agony and the determination of a family to survive against all odds.

The twists and turns in the bold and captivating plot leaves you gripped till the end and is undoubtedly one of the best realistic cinemas of our times.

Shoaib Mansoor is an excellent narrator and that is evident in his mature handling of scenes. He takes you into a roller-coaster of emotions. The scene showcasing the difference of opinion between the eldest daughter played by Humaima Malik and her father (Manzar Sehbai) is superb. Anybody can sense the tension between the two every time they are together. Humaima's narration of her experiences at the start of the film, and the progression of the plot is impeccable.

However, what could have been avoided are certain scenes involving Iman Ali. A song picturised on her was totally uncalled for. The narration after the first hour also gets a little monotonous.

Humaima Malik and Manzar Sehbai are outstanding and portray their character with utmost ease. While Atif Aslam and Mahira Khan give average performance, Shafqat Cheema is brilliant. Zaib Rehman, playing the role of the mother is also good.

Bol, needless to say is a brilliant film which exposes certain grave issues plaguing our society. Adorn your thinking cap and go and watch Bol at the nearest theatre. A must watch!

Banner: Shoman Production, Geo Films

Director: Shoaib Mansoor

Cast: Atif Aslam, Iman Ali, Mahira Khan, Humaima Malik, Shafqat Cheema, Manzar Sehbai, Zaib Rehman, Amr Kashmiri

Music Director: Shoaib Mansoor, Atif Aslam, Sarmad Ghafoor, Sajjad Ali