We are introduced to our characters as Ayesha Omar takes the screen, making her way through the station to aboard a train to Karachi. The bubbly Bubbly, unfazed and unfiltered, is equipped with more than a few hilarious witticisms. She is the free spirit that is trying to air her wings despite her overprotective but ultimately loving and supportive family.
The parents, played by veteran actors Saba Faisal and Ghulam Mohiuddin, charm the audience with their balancing act as a couple and provide memorable comedy reminiscent of everyone’s favorite aunty and uncle. More often than not, these two have to pull back their loud (in words and actions) daughter from dealing out justice as she is not afraid to push back against anyone if she senses provocation. Although confrontational, Bubbly is still a fun-loving Lahori girl who is about to take an unexpected journey.
Stepping off the train in Karachi, she tosses her bag at the first coolie she sees and has him carry her luggage to her friend’s car. Unbeknownst to her, the red kurta clad coolie was actually playing one as part of a commercial. Danish, seemingly entranced by her beauty or energy, likely both, does not protest and helps her. As fate would have it, they will meet again and trains will be involved!
Ahsan Khan plays the calculated and calm Danish, a prominent businessman with a partner, played by Sarish Khan, who he plans to marry. Despite what looks like a warm and friendly relationship, their conversations make the audience feel that there is some kind of love missing but our couple-to-be is accepting of it.
It is easy to see that Bubbly and Danish are two different people from two different worlds. The chemistry between Ayesha and Ahsan also captures this dynamic perfectly, he grounds her more adventurous side while she pushes his play-safe attitude.
Trouble is not too far away as our leads get involved with a dangerous group of bald men. Sohail Sameer’s performance as the chief of the Ganju Gang, Sardar, was a stand-out. Terrifying and inspiring, Sardar’s intense look and earthy Seraiki delivery reveal that beneath all the violence there is a cause that he champions, and he stands his ground on principle.
While the cinematography, music, comedic timing, and fast-paced dialogue all fit well to give the film its appealing tone, the plot development does leave us a bit underwhelmed. Everything feels to go by quick, as the love story and action movie bits come to overlap toward the end. Some reworkings of the plot and a few extra scenes could have given the final showdown between Danish and Sardar a more emotional pull.
Nevertheless, the film provides ample entertainment for the whole family. The parts where it clicks really do stay with the viewer, whether they be comedic or romantic. The cast and the team behind the camera have done an impressive job of bringing this film to the big screen despite the challenges of the pandemic that had caused its delay.
My biggest take away from the film was during the interactions of its leads Bubbly and Danish. They keep going back to a conversation that they had during a pivotal scene. Therein lies the message of the film, at its heart the message is about being free. Free to choose, free to love.
SM
Watch Trailer here:
