Finally got to see Laal Kabootar and honestly I wish I had watched it long back. It was on my watchlist for years and sometimes somebody would recommend it to me. Last night I thought it was time and by the end of the film I knew why it still gets so much praise.
Adeel is a cab driver who dreams of leaving Karachi for a better life in Dubai. And then there is a twist in the tale when he meets a woman Aliya who is hell bent on finding out the truth about her husband’s murder. What starts off as two different trips slowly comes together, drawing both protagonists into a perilous world of crime, corruption and untrustworthy people.
I appreciated how genuine everything seemed. There are no larger than life heroes here. Most characters have problems, and everyone appears to be striving to survive in their own manner. That made the story much more realistic. I never felt like I was watching a regular criminal thriller where you can simply foresee what will happen next.
The picture builds tension, but not with any excessive action or loud drama. Every choice has ramifications, and every new character is another layer in the plot. Karachi is also a significant component of the film. The atmosphere is created by the busy streets, the traffic and the continual sensation that anything can go wrong at any moment.
Ahmed Ali Akbar was great as Adeel. I enjoyed his realistic acting like an average man in an amazing situation. Mansha Pasha too leaves an impact. You feel Aliya's pain, fear and determination without her having to give extended emotional remarks. You become drawn into their performances and you care what happens to them. Saleem Mairaj and Rashid Farooqi were also remarkable and helped make the world of the movie feel real.
The cinematography merits a special note as it gives the film a raw and authentic aspect. The background score builds the tension subtly without disturbing. I liked the talks too, which were real and not too forced to be dramatic.
The only thing I would have an issue with is the finale. Good build-up but the last act seemed a little rushed. After all the build up to the suspense I was looking for a better ending, more rewarding. But that didn't spoil it for me.
Laal Kabootar is one of those movies that show that sometimes, a big budget is not necessary in order to achieve a great thriller. It is a story full of mystery and drama centred on the character development of its lead and the atmosphere which kept me engaged throughout the movie. If you enjoy crime stories, this is the movie for you, as it is not overrated.
