The film of the year: Five reasons to look forward to Bol

1. The comeback of Shoaib Mansoor

After four years and the monumental success of Khuda Kay Liye, ‘ShoMan’ Shoaib Mansoor is all set for a comeback. This time it’s with the flick Bol. The man behind plays such as ‘Ankahi’, ‘Alpha Bravo Charlie’,‘Sunehre Din’ among many others, Shoaib Mansoor is known for his vision of storytelling and taking on real issues that plague our society.

While speaking to the local press, he commented, “I make films on sensitive issues. If I reveal the content of the movies beforehand it might lose vitality.” And even though, Shoab remains tight-lipped about the film, some details have finally been released. Supposedly set in Lahore, Bol focuses on a household of women.

Former principal of NCA and human rights activist Salima Hashmi told the local press, “Shoaib (Mansoor) is a very courageous filmmaker. His earlier film created a debate on various interpretations of Islam. Nobody at that time imagined that the film could be a hit because it was based on a very hard-hitting topic. I believe that Bol will also open up a debate on women’s issues which is always good to solve problems. This is how a great filmmaker can contribute to society.”

2. Superstar Atif Aslam makes his debut

Atif Aslam is not just any singer. He is perhaps the most successful musician Pakistan has seen in a long time. Whether it’s commercial music or Coke Studio, playback singing for Bollywood films or jamming with Guns’ n’ Roses, he can do nothing wrong as far as his fans are concerned. Atif is always compared to his pop counterpart Ali Zafar who made his debut in Bollywood films earlier last year with Tere Bin Laden. With the release of Bol upon us, a comparison is inevitable.

In Bol, Atif Aslam is reportedly playing a doctor with a passion for music. It seems like the role is right up his alley.

3. The musical magic

Pakistani movies are not exactly known for their music. At least not anymore. But Khuda Kay Liye changed all that. Songs like ‘Allah Hoo’ made Saeen Zahoor a household name, not to forget the brilliant notes of Ahmad Jahanzeb as well as plethora of new brilliant singers. And with Shoaib Mansoor himself at the helm of supervision, nothing could go wrong.

With Bol, a similar magic can be expected. Many artists are featured and production credits are equally strong. Shiraz Uppal, Sarmad Ghafoor and Shuja Haider, all three have produced singles. Atif Aslam sings and so does Hadiqa Kiyani. There is also Shabnam Majeed, Sajjad Ali and Ahmad Jahanzeb.

4. Mahira Khan and Humaima Abbasi make their big screen debut

Bol is a huge vehicle for debutant stars. The first one is Mahira Khan. Khan’s girl-next-door looks and charming, warm attitude have won her plenty of fans, especially with the youth. With Bol, she is making her debut into acting and it should be interesting to see her act and play love interest to Atif Aslam.

Also making her debut with Bol is Humaima Abbasi. With plenty of commercials and quite a few plays such as Ishq, Junoon, Deewangi among many others under her belt, Humaima Abbasi is not a complete stranger to the camera. But its Bol that’ll mark her big screen debut. A lucky few who had the treat of viewing a prescreening of the film said that Bol belongs to Humaima.

5. Iman Ali returns to cinema

Iman Ali made her big screen debut with Khuda Kay Liye as Mary, a 21st century Pakistan women fighting against all odds. In Bol, Iman takes a 360 degree turn and is reportedly playing a courtesan. In Khuda Kay Liye, despite struggling with the accent a bit, Iman did a fantastic job, and picked up Best Actress at the Lux Style Awards in 2008. Despite the all star cast, we are sure that Iman will stand out for her sheer acting prowess.