‘Ho Mann Jahaan’ revolves around an identifiable storyline, which makes us realise that the lead protagonists Adeel Hussain, Mahira Khan, Sheheryar Munawar and Sonya Jehan have certain characteristics that everyone of us own. I am sure you all must be aware of Pink Floyd’s rock classic song ‘Time,’
“You are young and life is long and there is time to kill today. And then one day you find that ten years have got behind you. No one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun.”
The gist of this song is pretty much the premise of this Film, a story of four people intertwined by their fates.On the other hand, there is no novelty in the storyline.
It’s not like something that we haven’t seen before, but still the heart-warming narrative makes it worth a watch. Director Asim Raza has peppered the film with heart-rending moments in order to create an engaging affair that the audience is happy to emotionally invest in. Raza has infused the premise with honesty along with great attention to details and some terrific ensemble acting.
‘Ho Mann Jahaan’ seriously falters in the editing and writing department. Had Raza’s directorial finesse not accompanied this meandering screenplay [co-wrriten by Raza, Imtisal Abbasi and Rashna Abidi], it would’ve seriously suffered a tremendous loss. The editing is tedious as well, with the movie stretching to almost three hours.
I believe the episodes of Hamza Ali Abbasi and Fawad Afzal Khan could have easilybeen chopped off along with a song or two to make the narrative crisper.
Despite its minor flaws, ‘Ho Mann Jahaan’ works brilliantly because of some tremendous and understated work from all departments. The dialogues are refreshingly witty but quite cheesy at some instances.
However, the casual dialogue writing makes it easier for the viewers to relate with the characters.
Raza’s investment in the details - the colours, the close-ups, the costumes, the furniture, the sets and the visage of his characters - is praiseworthy. His players, especially Sonya Jehan and Sheheryar Munawar, create an aura of exuberance that is very rejoicing and pleasing to the sensibilities.
Jehan gives a controlled performance with her smile, eyes and face. It’s Jehan and her alone who spellbinds the audience with an endearingly refreshing act, which is the film’s biggest strength. She adequately uses her eyes, her finely-pitched smile and her voice to bring the best out of Sabina. This is 2016’s first most assured performance.
Jehan is complemented to a large extent by Munawar, who invests sincerity into Arhan’s spirit. His charmingly absorbing portrait of a brat is finely written and acted. On the other hand, Mahira Khan gives a sturdily tremulous performance. Her finely calibrated close-ups will make you fall in awe of her. Brilliant!
Adeel Hussain essays the role of Nadir with great amount of restraint and poise.
Overall, he gives a confident performance. Nimra Bucha is the real surprise in the film, giving such a finely nuanced performance.
‘Ho Mann Jahaan’ has an appealing innocence and a beautiful heart. Director Asim Raza expertly mixes a dash of humour and few drops of poignancy into the lives of his lead protagonists to provide a richly entertaining drama to the audience. Healso buttresses sublimely subtle performance from Sonya Jehan that tugs at the heartstrings. Watch it, and be awestruck byJehan.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
