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The Pakistani film industry recently welcomed Bullah with high hopes. With a strong cast and the name of a legendary writer attached to it, the film seemed destined for success. At first glance, it truly feels like something big is about to unfold. But as the story moves forward, that excitement slowly fades, leaving behind a sense of disappointment.
The film begins on a promising note. The entry of Naeema Butt and Shaan Shahid instantly grabs attention. Their presence adds energy and creates an expectation that the audience is about to witness something powerful. For a moment, it feels like the film is on the right track. Sadly, that feeling does not last long.
As the story progresses, the film starts losing its grip. It has everything on the surface action, romance, drama, emotions but it lacks the one thing that holds everything together a strong script. The storytelling feels incomplete and confusing. Important details are missing, and the audience is left trying to make sense of situations that are never properly explained. Why Shaan’s character is killing people remains unclear. The purpose of Monalisa as a spy is not fully developed. Even Naeema Butt’s powerful and intimidating presence lacks proper background, making it hard to connect with her character.
The biggest disappointment comes from the writing. The screenplay is by Nasir Adeeb, a name that carries immense respect in the industry. Known for iconic films and memorable dialogues, expectations were naturally high. However, this time, the dialogues fail to leave an impact. Instead of being powerful and memorable, they feel ordinary, something audiences did not expect from a writer of his stature.
The film also struggles with unnecessary and forced elements. One subplot involving a girl drifting from India into Pakistan feels out of place and disconnected from the main story. It seems like it was added without a clear purpose. Similarly, the song Main Luch Phula De appears at an awkward moment, breaking the flow rather than enhancing it.
Another letdown is the comeback of Saleem Sheikh. His return could have been a highlight, but due to weak writing and limited impact, it feels wasted.
Despite all these flaws, one thing that stands strong is Shaan Shahid’s performance. He carries his role with confidence and reminds the audience why he is considered one of Pakistan’s finest actors. His performance is one of the few reasons the film remains watchable.
In the end, Bullah suffers mainly because of poor direction and weak storytelling. Even with a big production and a talented cast, it fails to meet expectations. The disappointment is so noticeable that many viewers reportedly lost interest before the film even ended.
Bullah had all the ingredients of a great film, but without a solid foundation, it could not hold together. While fans of Shaan Shahid might watch it once, it is unlikely to bring audiences back for a second viewing.
Rating 2 out of 5 stars.
Monthly "Azeem English Magazine", launched in 2000, records the information about diverse fields like mental health, literature, research, science, and art. The magazine's objective is to impart social, cultural, and literary values to society.
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