Film review: Dekh Magar Pyaar Say

A great lead pair and stunning cinematography aren't enough to save this film

Sikander Rizvia and Humaima Malick in Dekh Magar Pyaar Say. Courtesy HKC Entertainment

Dekh Magar Pyaar Say

Director: Asad ul Haq

Starring: Humaima Malick, Sikander Rizvi, Aamna Ilyas, Irfan Khoosat

Two stars

As the cinematic debut of ace advertising-filmmaker Asad Ul Haq, there was never any doubt that Dekh Magar Pyaar Say would be a visual treat. The director has emphasised the film's cinematography in all of his interviews since he announced the project a year ago – and his boasts were no exaggeration.

The film is awash with breathtaking cityscapes, including Lahore and London.

The styling, by Saima Rashid Bargfrede, and the wardrobe, by Hassan Shehryar Yasin, are exquisite and faultless.

Add to that the gorgeous pair of lead actors – Humaima Malick and debutant Sikander Rizvi – and you have all the right ingredients for a superhit.

Except, the film lacks the solid base needed to pull together all these great elements. The storyline is jaded and you’re left feeling as though you’ve seen the film before.

The pacing is off, too – the movie was promoted as a romantic story with a unique twist, except that the audience is kept waiting, and waiting, for said surprise.

In fact, one moviegoer remarked that they could have fallen asleep for a good half-hour and woken up to find they had not missed anything important – which is never a good sign.

That said, the chemistry between seasoned actress Malick and Rizvi goes some way towards salvaging the situation, as does the great cinematography.