Kamli: A Film That Needs To Be Celebrated

Sarmad Khoosat’s directorial venture Kamli was a risky project, being termed as an ‘art film’ from the time of its announcement, it had a lot of preconceived notions attached to it ever since the trailer release. However, after the film's release, it can be said that Kamli is much more than another art film. In fact, it incorporates the major ingredients of commercial cinema with that of arthouse cinema and forms a well-balanced blend that is a rarity when it comes to cinema in the present times.

Kamli is a story of three women, all interrelated to one another in different ways. It talks about their desires, insecurities, unfulfilled wishes, and the urge to be happy. Each and every character has his or her own story that further enhances the screenplay and the main themes of the film.

Directed by Sarmad Khoosat and written by Fatima Sattar, based on a short story by Mehr Bano, it is one film that holds your interest right from the first frame till the last frame. The story and the screenplay flow extremely well without any hiccups or major interruptions. The first half may seem a little slower in pace however, once the film reaches its climax all the proceedings and the pace of the film make sense. Sarmad Khoosat is a master in is craft and with Kamli he adds another feather in his cap. The direction is extremely sound and cohesive. However, the major star of this film is Awais Goher, the cinematographer; the way he creates the world of Kamli, right from the first scene where we are shown a long shot of the mountains and the trees, right to the last breathtaking shot. It is the cinematography that binds the film together and transpires its viewers into the magical world of Kamli. The camerawork, especially some underwater shots deserve applause for the way they have been shot.

Another strong department of the film is its music, Saad Sultan brings in the desi touch to the music a much-needed aspect for a film like this. All the songs of the film are amazing, and the traditional touch simply adds magic to the already rich album. The songs play a very important role in the film and are placed at the right junctions that take the plot forward. A few songs that really stand out are ‘Mukhra’ with Atif Aslam’s strong vocals, ‘Naina’ by Sohail Shahzad and ‘Mainu Tu’ sung in the haunting voice of Reshma. The last song comes at the climax of the film and simply grips you with its magic.

The performances are another aspect that make Kamli a classic. Saba Qamar as Hina gives the best performance of her career. The subtlety and the way she expresses herself through her expressions is simply outstanding. Sania Saeed is a force to reckon with and with Kamli she again proves why she is the best in the business. Nimra Bucha brings out the conflict and the agony in her character with extreme finesse. Hamza Khawaja, the debutant is apt and adds mystery to the film with his graceful act. Omair Rana as always is amazing in his role.

Kamli is a film, that includes a lot of symbolism and subtle nuances. The end simply binds the entire film so beautifully that every single scene or act starts making sense. Films like Kamli’ do not come very often , hence do yourself a favor and watch this masterpiece on the big screen. The heart wrenching story of Hina will leave you in a trans for a long time after the film is over.