Before I begin this conversation, let me make a confession – not a proud one though. I am finicky when it comes to watching any movie in cinema. It involves both money and time, you see. Those 120 to 180 minutes are important. Pakistani films are particularly a difficult decision. Often I try skipping them despite being a huge movie buff. Not that Khuda Kay Liye, Manto and Mah-e-Mir did not leave a mark on me, the current wave of cinema is probably not what I am looking for. Most of the films are highly inspired from Bollywood with a strong impression of Pakistani drama. Digging the history of cinema and the two countries, one cannot negate the similarities between the two cultures but in my humble opinion things have changed a great deal in these seventy years hence films should evolve too.
When Cake’s promotions took over the social media, I chose just to scroll down. My hopes were not too high although the cast seemed promising. The name was intriguing but my eyes decided to stay shut. It was soon to release in Dubai cinemas but yours truly was busy being enchanted with shoe sales instead of the promotions in cinema. Thanks to my friend Mahwash who had to review this film and wanted me to be with her. She was travelling soon and this was the only opportunity for us to spend some time together before she flew.
‘I have bought the tickets!’ and the phone was hung.
First day first show, guys. Pretty early for my morning standards, we entered an almost empty cinema hall. Soon the film started. My phone was fully charged just in case I got bored and could pass my time on Instagram stalking Kareena Kapoor.
But soon, all my speculations were set aside. I was proven wrong once again. Aamina Sheikh, one of the finest actors of our times, was there to cast her dusky spell on the big screen. Set in the urban settings of Karachi, Cake is a story of a Sindhi feudal family settled in Pakistan’s largest city. Zareen (Aamina Sheikh) is the only child who chooses her parents and land over her dreams and aspirations. Her siblings, Zara and Zain, are both unhappily/happily married and living their dream lives in London and New York respectively. Siraj Jamali and Habiba, the parents, are ailing yet happy and contented with their lives. The character of Habiba played effortlessly by Beo Rana Zafar leaves no stone unturned to bring smiles and joy to the audiences through her spontaneity. Rolling on the floor with fits of laughter is guaranteed with Habiba’s unapologetic humour. All is well till one day Siraj Jamali falls sick and Zara (Sanam Saeed) has to return home. There is a hint of tension among her and Siraj which unfolds as the story progresses. Soon Zain also visits and the whole family is together under one roof.
The use of symbolism like ‘Cake’ itself is not only intricate but also skillful. Aamina Sheikh has probably played the best role of her life by crafting finesse in bitterness and love.
This film being a family drama unfolds in multiple layers; so much that one cannot even bat an eye. Be it the direction, script, cinematography or acting, Cake refuses to show any flaw that you might expect. Not highly budgeted yet creatively mastered, you need to take your brains with you to the cinema. The use of symbolism like ‘Cake’ itself is not only intricate but also skillful. Aamina Sheikh has probably played the best role of her life by crafting finesse in bitterness and love. Romeo, a catholic guy played by Adnan Malik, is quite unlike what we have formerly seen of him. Mohammad Ahmed playing Siraj Jamali and Sanam Saeed are surprisingly refreshing and an absolute treat to watch.
The script is immaculate. Many dialogues and situations leave you spellbound and make you think aloud. There were many instants where I being an expat could both laugh and cry on being away from what we actually mean home. The message is clear and yet not a sermon. Music also is one of the strongest features of this film. It has been arranged and sung by the contemporary Sindhi folk band The Sketches. This again is something that places this film on a high pedestal. You will probably not come across Sindhi folk music of this sort in any Pakistani film. Lyrics, like the dialogues of this film, are extremely powerful. The realism in cinematography is heartening. Flowing lehangas, unrealistic skin fairness filters, heroes flaunting their six packs and expensive cars crashing into the concrete walls are not what you come across in Cake.
I entered the cinema with no hopes but came out with my head held high in pride. Asim Abbasi has found the elixir that most of the Pakistani filmmakers are still looking for. The key is exploiting your strengths and creating a unique identity of Pakistani cinema which is there to live and survive.
If I hope this film gets nominated for the Oscars, is it too much to ask for? Hold your heads high and not wait to watch this masterpiece of Pakistani film industry in cinemas at the soonest possible.
P.S. It is alright if your phone battery is low. This film won’t let you look down.
The author is a bilingual writer and has keen interest in politics, culture, history and social issues. She can be reached at @khwamkhwah