Mah e Mir


Mah e Mir is a 2016 Pakistani biographical romantic drama film directed by Anjum Shahzad, produced by Khurram Rana, Sahir Rasheed, Badar Ikram and written by Sarmad Sehbai. The film is based on the life of the famous 18th-century Urdu poet Mir Taqi Mir, played by Fahad Mustafa. The film also stars Iman Ali, Sanam Saeed, Alyy Khan and Manzar Sehbai in lead roles. It was the List of Pakistani submissions for [the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film|official submission] by the Pakistani Academy Selection Committee as the country's entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 89th Academy Awards but it was not nominated.
Mah-e-Mir is a story that follows the struggle of a contemporary poet and draws parallels with the events in Mir's life. The film was co-distributed by Hum Films and Eveready Pictures on 6 May 2016 nationwide.

Plot

The film's story focuses on the life of a modern-day poet named Jamal going through a rough patch. The movie tries to draw parallels between Jamal's and Mir Taqi Mir's life with the story jumping from present day to Jamal's mind as he imagines himself to be Mir Taqi Mir in Lucknow focusing on the trials and tribulations that Mir once experienced. His conflict with the royal court, his romance with a tawaif, his ideals of bringing Urdu poetry to the people in the streets and his eventual madness in full moon; all reflected in his poetry.

Cast

The film cast includes:
The music album launch ceremony was held in Dubai on 14 April 2016. The first song promo namely Us ka Kharam Dekh Kar was released the very next day. The second song Jaag Musafir was launched on 28 April at Beaconhouse National University followed by next song Ye Dhoan Sa was released on SoundCloud on 2 May.

Production

In November 2013, Sarmad Sehbai told to The Express Tribune that his upcoming draws inspiration from an 18th century poet, but is set in the contemporary world. He further told that the film was written five years ago. The working title of the film was Poora Chand. The principal photography of the film began in the last quarter of 2013 in Karachi.

Marketing

The teaser trailer of film was released on 9 May 2014. On 23 March, first look poster of film was revealed followed by theatrical trailer the same night. The MaheMir team ran a decent promotional campaign visiting several institutes including Iqra University, Indus University and shows which includes Jeeto Pakistan, Morning Show Sitaray Ki Subah, Jago Pakistan Jago

Release

Earlier, the film was scheduled to release on 6 November 2015 but it was postponed and was released on 5 May 2016 in U.A.E and in Pakistan on 6 May. The film was premiered in Karachi. It was given a Universal rating by the Central Board of Film Censors.

Reception

Critical response

The film received huge praise for its creativity as The Express Tribune described it as "once in a blue moon film".
The film received good reviews from critics. Rafay Mahmood of The Express Tribune rated film 4/5 stars and verdicts "Watch the film with your friends and family. It is worth your money and initiates a constructive discourse".
Mehreen Hasan of Dawn Images gave the film 4/5 stars and describes the film as "a rather prescient work that anticipates its every challenge in the box office, yet refuses to pander to what sells".
Lisa Tsering from The Hollywood Reporter stated," The men’s performances are strong throughout. Mustafa captures the inner fire of a misunderstood writer and does a decent job in bringing the Urdu poetry-heavy dialogue to life. Sehbai adds gravitas to his role as the elder poetry professor, and Khan puts in a spirited performance as Nawab. The women do not fare as well — Saeed simpers through her annoyingly mannered performance as the empowered female poet, and Ali’s face seems frozen into one expression as she delivers her lines in an unnaturally low growl".

Awards

CeremonyWonNomitated
16th Lux Style Awards

  • Sahir Rasheed Khurram Rana and Badar Ikram – Best Film
  • Anjum Shehzad – Best Director
  • Fahad Mustafa – Best Actor
  • Manzar Sehbai – Best Supporting Actor
  • Shafqat Amanat Ali – Best Male Singer for "Piya Dekhan Ko"
  • Rajab Ali Khan – Best Male Singer for "Ye Dhuan"
3rd Galaxy Lollywood Awards
  • Anjum Shehzad – Best Director
  • Sarmad Sehbai – Best Story
  • Sanam Saeed – Best Actor in a Negative Role
  • Papu Samrat – Best Choreography for "Uska Kharam"
  • Fahad Mustafa, and Iman Ali – Best On Screen Couple
    • 47th Nigar AwardsThe awards were postponed and did not take place
    • Sahir Rasheed Khurram Rana and Badar Ikram – Best Film
    • Fahad Mustafa – Best Actor
    • Manzar Sehbai – Best Supporting Actor
    • Anjum Shehzad – Best Debut Director
    • Sanam Saeed – Best Actor in a Negative Role
    • Sarmad Sehbai – Best Story
    • Sarmad Sehbai – Best Dialogue
    • Papu Samrat – Best Choreographer