Daily Times

LAHORE: On this year’s Eidul Fitr, cinemagoers were spoilt for choice, between two films of very different genres; action or romance?

Heavy-budgeted ambitious project of Hassan Rana, ‘Yalghaar’, opened to packed-audiences but romantic socio/comedy ‘Mehrunisa V Lub U’ also held its ground in mustering a humongous audience to its call. It’s true the war-epic film ‘Yalghaar’ had been the most-eagerly-awaited movie of the year, but going by the box office figures, ‘Mehrunisa V Lub U’ was successful in making its presence felt among the masses, where people flocked to cinemas to let their hair down and enjoy a family entertainer that the film boasted to be.

“I think the USP of the film was that it was a complete paisa vasool movie, for instance there were a lot of good, memorable songs, there was humour that people thoroughly enjoy. There was romance and some action involved too, so I feel like the main aim of the film was accomplished – we brought to the audience what they wanted to see on Eid,” the film’s lead protagonist Danish Taimur said, while talking exclusively to Daily Times. “I remember while I was reading the script prior to me signing the film, I was envisioning the whole story playing out in my mind, and I just knew that this was exactly what our audiences look for in a film. They have to be entertained, with the film leaving a taste in everyone’s mouth and be impactful in a way that they have something to take home,” he added. The title of the film might have Mehrunisa’s name in it, making many believe the film wholly and solely revolves around Sana Javed’s character, but Danish Taimur carried the film on his shoulders with effortless skill, grace and aplomb.

One thing is for sure. If making a serious film is a tough job, making people laugh is Herculean! And for most, ‘Mehrunisa V Lub U’ turned out to be a decent film with a lot of beauty, fun and memorable bits.

The film was shot in a span of 45 days in Karachi and the stunning northern areas of Pakistan, which have been shot beautifully by ace director Yasir Nawaz of ‘Wrong Number’ fame.

“I had been working in drama serials mainly, so I was a little hesitant in signing the film, though I loved the story and the script which I had read. So, I had this meeting with Yasir Hussain, and he convinced me how this role of Mehrunisa was apt for me. I immediately said, ‘yes’ and the journey right from the pre-production to the execution and then to its release, has been amazing. I was sad, when the film’s shooting was coming to an end,” Sana Javed said, also while talking exclusively to Daily Times.

Seemingly, the cast and crew of the film shared great camaraderie between themselves, which is why the film’s shoot felt like home to all rather than work. I am told the film’s title was spelt in slang language, to keep up with the modern trend of having short names and titles, targeting youngsters as well!

‘Mehrunisa V Lub U’ was produced by Nida Yasir and Hassan Zia under the YNH Films production company, and distributed by Eveready and Urdu 1 Pictures. And yes, we indeed loved Mehrunisa throughout the film, or should I say “lubd”?

Published in Daily Times, July 16^th , 2017.