‘Ho Mann Jahaan’, a musical romantic comedy, is a coming of age film revolving around the lives and friendship of three friends, based in Karachi. The three main characters of Arhan, Munizeh and Nadir, played by Sheheryar Munawar, Mahira Khan and Adeel Hussain respectively are different from each other in approach to life and their ambitions, yet very similar when it comes to their passion.
Music is what unites them. The story is about their friendship born out of shared experiences, passion for music and aspiration for fame. Sonya Jehan plays the role of Sabina, a powerful independent character symbolising strength and wisdom. The film is also a reflection of the current dichotomy that exists in our society where we talk of free will but readily accept conformity.
The role parents play in the film is very relatable. They impose restrictions and dictate terms, because they love their children but at times don’t understand them. This is a film of many layers, connecting to both younger as well as the older generation.
What is particularly admirable about the film is that it gets to the point very quickly! A starting scene of Mahira getting dolled up for an unspecified event, (many guess it being her wedding or engagement day), gets the audience excited as the lavishness of the set, the protagonist’s wardrobe and the brief dialogues set the tone for what is to come after.
Raza as director, writer, screenplay writer as well as the song writer of the film, comes across as a powerful visionary, who successfully executes his dream. The essence of ‘Ho Mann Jahaan’ lies in its music.
The film’s music, which was released earlier last month, has already become a sensation in the country. The music album of the film comprises a total of 10 songs by various artists. The album contains only three original tracks, written by Raza; the rest of the songs have been re-recorded by artists who had previously performed them. The album has been produced by Faakhir and Ehtisham Malick. “Mann ke jahaan”, “Baarish”, “Dosti”, “Shankar wandawaan” and “Sarak sarak” are some of the most excellently composed, sung and produced songs of the film. Jimmy Khan, Zebunnisa Bangash, Abu Muhammad and Farid Ayaz, Atif Aslam, Zoheb Hassan, Khwaja Ghulam Farid, Tina Sani, the Mai Dhai Band and Asrar, have richly contributed towards the music of the film.
Mahira, who comes across as a bit stiff in the beginning, does justice to her role, with her acting par excellence. Munawar’s comic timings and character essay is convincing and gets the ladies swooning over his good looks. Hussain, the cool, calm and composed boy, completes the trio, executing a personality everyone falls in love with.
The lavish settees, the regular city life and the way the characters commute to and fro, reflects the everyday life of the common citizens. For students, the aspirers, dreamers and more so, for music lovers, ‘Ho Mann Jahaan’ is a romantic comedy, to lightly bring out the emotional wars we deal with in our lives.
“Begin the rest of your life by forgetting the pain and sorrow of your yesterday,” – the dialogue gets us thinking about how to disseminate a feeling of positivity amongst our children and within ourselves too. The film also stresses the importance of education and studies and how to balance that with pursuing our passions as well.
‘Ho Mann Jahaan’ will be released on January 1. Be sure to support our cinemas and film industry by watching the film. Another plus is you’ll begin your new year with a fresh and a positive approach to life.