Love is Blind

The newly released Pakistani film Neelofar stands out as an unconventional and thought-provoking romance, offering a fresh perspective on love.

Directed and written by Ammar Rasool and produced by Hum TV, Neelofar falls into the genre of romance and resembles an art film. Fawad Khan, starring as Mansoor Ali Khan, and Mahira Khan, as Neelofar, are the central characters.

Offering an unconventional take on romance, the script is intriguing and keeps the reader engaged throughout the film’s duration. The plot is different and difficult to believe.

Mansoor is a celebrated poet. One day, when he goes to the eye clinic for a regular eye test, he accidentally bumps into Neelofar, who is blind, and becomes angered, proceeding to hurl a string of insulting and abusive remarks. Mansoor falls in love with her. As they say, ‘Love is blind.’ The reality truly seems to be in this case.

Neelofar and Mansoor play hide and seek in the yellow fields. Neelofar blindfolds Mansoor, allowing him to experience movement without sight. When he finds her, they hug and fall to the ground.

What is it about Neelofar that catches Mansoor’s attention? It is her inner beauty, her curiosity, bravery, and openness that draw Mansoor to her.
However, the film is not picture perfect. It is not without its flaws. Watching Neelofar cope with her disability is unbelievable.

Mahira Khan plays her role with finesse and spontaneity. A single look into her eyes is enough for the viewer to understand the depth of her blindness. Fawad Khan, too, delivers a compelling performance.

The cast of the film is strong. There are seasoned artistes like Attiqa Odho, Naveed Shehzad, Samiya Mumtaz, Behroze Sabzwari, Madiha Imam, and others. Although they play minor roles, the impact they create is profound.

There are a few comic moments in the film, too. Packed with meaning, the soundtrack is soft, slow, and melodious. The visuals are appealing, and the overall cinematography is commendable.

In the film, the chemistry between them is striking. The love that sprouts between them excites the viewer. Their love is pure and eternal, evoking tears from the audience. It is a heart-wrenching scene that overwhelms the viewer. Filmed in Lahore, the city of gardens, the film beautifully showcases the city’s stunning locations.

Some scenes are both powerful and comical at the same time. As the audience laughs and cries simultaneously, the climax is followed by another climax. The film explores the emotional and physical disabilities in detail. Whilst the viewer throughout the film is secretly praying for Neelofar’s eyesight to return, the chances seem dim, but hope persists.

A single film like Neelofar cannot revive Pakistan’s film industry, but at least someone has stepped up in this direction with whatever resources are available for emerging filmmakers. However, the people behind the filmmaking scene must think beyond Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan, as the so-called film industry needs a fresh approach altogether by employing new talent. The same faces that rule the TV screen can hardly bring a miracle to the silver screen. After all, there is no question about the dearth of talent in the country. Still, film directors, producers, and investors need to think outside the box to make such films that can compete with international cinema, let alone revive the local one.