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Sahir Lodhi's new film Raasta is a list of reasons to not hire Sahir Lodhi

Sahir Lodhi's new film Raasta is a list of reasons to not hire Sahir Lodhi

“I’d rather get herpes,” said a friend when I asked her to watch the film with me.
Updated 03 Apr, 2017

Sahir Lodhi has a kind of insufferable magic about him. His new film, Raasta, is out in cinemas now, but should you go watch it? Why did I watch it?

To me, Sahir Lodhi’s earnest, self-congratulatory, over-the-top narcissism is absolutely fascinating.

“I’d rather get herpes,” said a friend when I asked her to watch the film with me. I safely assumed that the problem was my company, not Raasta.

(Another friend, Salik, came along eventually because the ticket was on me… Thanks Salik).

But I was in for a treat. My hero Sahir Lodhi was not only the ‘hero’ in this offering, he was also the anti-hero, villain, anti-villain, director, screenwriter, producer and executive producer.

It’s 11:15pm and I’m ready to go skinny dipping inside Sahir Lodhi's mind.


The plot



Raasta is a two-part story, designed to encapsulate and showcase all of Sahir Lodhi's talents.

Sameer is Lodhi’s exhausting character. Sameer moves to Karachi and starts living with his brother Sultan, played by Aijaz Aslam, and his brother’s wife, Bhabi, played by Sana Fakhar.

Aijaz Aslam’s character, though, could have just as easily been played by a tree, or a rock. But perhaps executive director Sahir Lodhi wasn’t looking to cut costs with this one.

Bhabi and Sameer are really, really close. A bit too close, some would say.

Sultan is a policeman whose honesty is worryingly unusual to everybody involved with his life.

Their relationship is rocky, mostly owing to Sameer’s eight-year run at failing to get a job and look after himself. During this time we also see two women in Sameer's life. He's predictably torn between the two (more on this later). Part one ends with Sameer being kicked out of his house by his brother, sowing the seeds of intense hatred between the two.

In the second part of the film, Sameer, severely disillusioned by his own righteousness, decides to become a gangster and avenge all the wrong that he felt had been done to him.

The film rolls out like a checklist of scenes that Sahir Lodhi really wanted to act in. In what felt like a glorified, high budget audition tape, Sahir Lodhi even slips in the odd hint about his real acting career. In one scene, one of his love interests passes a remark on his over-use of 'filmy dialogues' (and that held factually true as well). He says something to the effect of; “Yea, nobody gives me a role in their film so I’m having to make my own movie.”

The whole film was actually Sahir Lodhi’s internal monologue, masqueraded by the clingy, over-bearing character of Sameer. To the extent that some of the characters that are actually developed (given slots) in the beginning of the film, never appear again until the end of the film.

Unapologetically violent, disproportionately proud, self-righteous, relentless, surreal and borderline absurd; this film brings together all that I find profoundly interesting about the quintessential Pakistani pop celebrity.


Would you hire Sahir Lodhi?



A significant portion of the film is about Sameer not being able to land a job.

In one particularly troublesome job interview, Sameer shows up for a position that requires minimum 12 years of experience, but he hasn’t worked a day in eight years.

Clearly, that could have been avoided by a quick YouTube search on “how to apply for a job”.

Furthermore, when he physically misplaces his degree on top of a bus, he firmly believes that his university years have gone down the drain - not knowing he could always shoot an email to his university asking them for a duplicate of his degree and resume his job hunt.

Salik and I felt that Sameer was just looking for excuses to not work.

“His idea of a degree is a lot like that of a person’s who doesn’t know what a degree is. Degree certificates don’t have any intrinsic value and if he’d lost his degree, he could have easily got another one,” observed Salik, in one of our post-movie chats.

There was also zero clarity on what kind of a job Sameer was looking for - and failing so miserably at it.

Sameer blames nepotism for his unemployment. He blames his brother too, for not getting in a sifarish for him. It’s weird.

However, being unemployed isn’t the only reason Sameer is butt-hurt.


Enter Maya the ‘NGO’ girl



One day, a woman called Maya (played by Saima Azhar) is introduced as someone running an NGO.

Also read: Revealed: Former model Saima Azhar's debut film will be Sahir Lodhi's 'Rastey'

Two guys are crushing madly over her. One is the villain and the other is - you guessed it - Sameer.

But because Sameer is broke and unemployed, and the villain is clearly wealthier, the ‘NGO’ worker, Maya, is lured in by her greed and chooses to date the villain. Was that a dig at NGOs being opportunistic and exploitative? It seems too deep to be true. It was perhaps just a very predictable instance of an entitled, immature male labeling a woman as manipulative and mercenary when the truth is she just wasn't that into him.

Sameer eventually realises that he is more into the girl played by model Abeer Rizvi. Her character seriously lacks personality, but that works out because she is largely only required to be on the listening end to an endless barrage of Sameer's intense dialogues.


Why should you watch this film?



Distraught Lodhi ends up getting shot a number of times throughout the course of the film. Of course, it doesn’t hurt much - especially if you’re being shot for the wrong reasons.

Sameer has been mistreated by the world and there is no way his sense of pride is going to be deflated by some flying bullet piercing through his lungs. Sameer will not die because there is a lot more acting in different scenarios that still needs to be done. And you need not ask for an explanation as to how he survives the multiple gun attacks he’s been a victim of.

One very important thing to note is that in this film, Sahir Lodhi only whispers.

Whatever he has to say, he whispers it. Isn’t that cool?

Whoever has followed Sahir Lodhi in real life would know that he has roughly two public personas. One: the guy who you’d want to have marry your daughter. Two: the kind of guy you would fight tooth and nail to protect your daughter from.

In that sense, Raasta has an auto-biographical quality about it, which for a Sahir Lodhi fan (like myself) is a source of invaluable entertainment.

The film wasn’t completely fluff either. Things did happen and there was indeed a story.

The entertainment value was also unexpectedly high. Every scene was extremely dramatic and lots of clothes were changed during the film. The sound design was quite poor with dialogues often not synced with the video, however, to expect any kind of technical acumen from this film would be naive and missing the point.

I was there to witness the insufferable Elvis Presley-Shah Rukh Khan-Raj Kumar knock off, Sahir Lodhi, and I surely got my money’s worth.

Heading out of the cinema, I knew it would take a really detailed shower to rid myself of the slime that I had willingly desired to be smothered with.

It doesn’t matter which side of the Sahir Lodhi camp you’re at. Just go (don’t go alone) and watch the film. It’s hilarious.

Comments

سے Shaam (Hanafi) Apr 03, 2017 09:44am
He is constipated copy of SRK...
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Habib Apr 03, 2017 09:53am
Not impressive
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WE ALL HAVE A LITTLE BIT OF SAHIR LODHI IN US!! Apr 03, 2017 10:15am
LOL!! WHAT A REVIEW!! TOO GOOD! KEEP IT UP!!
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Imran Apr 03, 2017 10:17am
It’s hilarious....Good one
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Majid Apr 03, 2017 10:21am
Hilarious article
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MB Apr 03, 2017 10:22am
NGO aunties - represent!
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Amina Qadeer Apr 03, 2017 10:31am
Tragedy main Comedy!
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S. A.M. Apr 03, 2017 10:45am
When Sameer lost his degree he could have made a fake one as well. after all degree is s degree even if it's a fake one. regarding the movie the outcome was quite predictable. these lodhi siblings (shaista and her brother sahir) really have to show some concrete mercy on the viewers of pakistani channels as well as theatres. i wish it could dawn upon them they are highly injurious to the vision of the viewers. so please don't appear in front of us.
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shakeel Mahota Apr 03, 2017 10:45am
This is what happens when one tends to be an expert in everything....Similarly talent of Ali Zafar and many others got diluted when they tried to be, at the same time, pop/folk/ classical singers, musicians, actors. models, producers, directors, tv hosts, stand up comedians, reality shows acrobats, civil society activists and the list goes on...The secret of success lies in focusing on one field with full concentration.
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Shh Apr 03, 2017 10:52am
From the write-up it is clear that our local SRK has made movie for one person-himself. Why should one waste time to go to the cinema.
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Jinn Apr 03, 2017 10:55am
He is true face of Pakistani cinema
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Amna Apr 03, 2017 10:59am
i don't like that the reviewer has just bludgeoned through this actor, even though I have no love lost for sahir lodhi. extremely rude.
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irfan Apr 03, 2017 11:27am
If Sahir Lodhi can act than anybody can act. Even Shahrukh Khan.
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saqib Apr 03, 2017 11:28am
it seems like the reviewer is trying too hard to be savage. While we all understand that the movie was going to be shitty, the review is equally flawed.
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white noise Apr 03, 2017 11:41am
sahir lodhi, looks like the creepy uncle your parents told you to stay away from.
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yousuf ali Apr 03, 2017 11:51am
The review made me kek. I personally think we should make SL a success. Everyone should go and watch his movie and save his investment. Why? For the lulz of course.
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Mahmood Apr 03, 2017 11:54am
It this an attempt at the Pakistani version of 'The Titanic' - on a Karachi beach, instead on an super cruise ship? LOL!
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sallu Apr 03, 2017 11:58am
Lovely article. Why is he in showbiz, I have no idea? Sahir, if you're reading this, can you please answer why are you in Showbiz?
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shakeel Mahota Apr 03, 2017 11:59am
We should at least give full marks to Sahir Lodhi for for over brimming confidence as we did in case of Tahir Shah, Qandeel Baloch and Nasir Khanjan...
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sallu Apr 03, 2017 11:59am
@Amna oh please, you sure do sound like a Sahir's FAN,!
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Alanore Apr 03, 2017 12:08pm
Dont like this guy. Pakistan film Industry has great looking actors Hamayun Saeed, Shaan, Hamza Ali Abasi, Fahad Mustafa, Ahsan Khan etc.
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CANNYCHAP Apr 03, 2017 12:15pm
hahaha ... this review literally cracked me up ... nobody would've written it in a better way ... no need to watch the movie now :D ... hilariously awesome!!
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Faraz Apr 03, 2017 12:21pm
@Jinn If you think so, then there is a long list of pathetic movies which are the 'true' face of Bollywood :)
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Dhruv Apr 03, 2017 12:32pm
@white noise Your comment made my day. Hilarious!!
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Shahid Apr 03, 2017 12:33pm
He is only acceptable for the radio show. That's one thing he can do good.
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Rabid sami Apr 03, 2017 12:39pm
People who don't have the courage to initiate and experiment, write reviews! Very sad to read such one sided reviews!
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adnan Apr 03, 2017 12:53pm
While reading this article, I recalled a line from Umer Shariff show " He is the producer, director, hero , villain of the movie and the only one watching the movie in the cinema hall". Both brother and sister are addicted with self glorification.
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masa Apr 03, 2017 12:59pm
And to think that people actually make film like that was most hilarious... Thanks for the deeeeeeep insight!
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sara Apr 03, 2017 01:12pm
wow hilarious review well done hats off
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Ahmer Apr 03, 2017 01:23pm
I wonder if the movie is going to be nearly as "hilarious" as this write up is? Your words will resonate and I might cringe instead of laughing. So, no thanks, I won't now.
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asif Apr 03, 2017 01:45pm
I like the way his "public personas" were detailed. Excellent.
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asif Apr 03, 2017 01:45pm
I don't like his shows but as a person he a good man.
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Tariq Apr 03, 2017 02:09pm
Havent seen it but from the looks of it is nauseating!
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wasim Apr 03, 2017 02:14pm
no no no! you dont know mr, s lodhi! this movie is just many movies to become of- from this movie! this movie is just a test! maby a permanemt career! dont loose him
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asad Apr 03, 2017 02:23pm
@سے Shaam (Hanafi) plus abject.
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Tara Kashif Apr 03, 2017 02:48pm
Best Review Ever!!
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Paggri sambhal Apr 03, 2017 03:15pm
Lolz..very nice review,enjoyed a lot.
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haris Apr 03, 2017 03:19pm
@Amna : You don't like the reviewer.. why? after all he's the only one in the country encouraging people to go to cinema and watch Sahir Lodhi on the big screen.
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Kewan gilani Apr 03, 2017 03:40pm
I am confused... Do you want us to watch the film .. or, do you not want us to watch it??
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aK Apr 03, 2017 03:46pm
Haven't seen the movie and based on the review the chances are next to nothing that I will ever attempt the dare,
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NZ Apr 03, 2017 03:50pm
I'd watch it with my friends and would enjoy it thoroughly. Tawwa lagana must hai
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ak Apr 03, 2017 04:07pm
That scene where he tosses the cigarette causing a blast is so stupid. The shock was passed through him. So he was either being featured as Sameer or Super-man. The editor firstly i guess used an editor on free trial and secondly had no idea what physics is.
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Absano Apr 03, 2017 04:09pm
Oh come on, people. Stop being stuck up. Bad movies are the best for bonding over. My nephew and I used to have a blast watching nicholas cage movies. 'So bad they are awesome' -- my favourite genre! Dying to watch Raasta.
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Umar Apr 03, 2017 04:18pm
"His idea of a degree is a lot like that of a person’s who doesn’t know what a degree is" Buahahahhaahha....
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simmy Apr 03, 2017 04:20pm
almost fell off my chair laughing at work
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Ali sani Apr 03, 2017 04:31pm
Movie is ordinary but it is better than many other movies release recently. It is the first effort of sahir lodhi as producer and actor so not bad at all. Nothing new could find in this movie. Visually it is a good movie and 2 , 3 songs are also watchable. At least sahir has tried its best .
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S. A.M. Apr 03, 2017 05:39pm
@Ali sani you said sahir tried "its" best. is that what you Really meant
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patriot Apr 03, 2017 05:39pm
There is a lot to learn by SRK from Sahir Lodih.
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Copypaste zindabad Apr 03, 2017 05:41pm
@shakeel Mahota Just curious. Which field would that be for the great SLK?
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irfan Apr 03, 2017 07:29pm
Good luck for his efforts towards Pakistani Cinema
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Farah (New York) Apr 03, 2017 09:26pm
He thinks he is SRK...good luck with this illusion.
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RiazUllah Baig Apr 04, 2017 12:34am
Resembles Nasir Khan Jan of Dir
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ghaznavi Apr 04, 2017 01:54am
yuk
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DeenaZ mirzA Apr 04, 2017 02:05am
@سے Shaam (Hanafi) You resemble with great Rangila. Feeling good
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DeenaZ mirzA Apr 04, 2017 02:05am
@Habib As if you are :p
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NIMESH Apr 04, 2017 02:06am
hahaha! This piece was hysterical. Hope this gentleman, Mr. Sahir Lodhi takes the time to read this excellent review. Too good. lol
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DeenaZ mirzA Apr 04, 2017 02:06am
@WE ALL HAVE A LITTLE BIT OF SAHIR LODHI IN US!! You can't have a bit of him
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DeenaZ mirzA Apr 04, 2017 02:07am
@Imran You are funny Too
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Mehwish Apr 04, 2017 02:08am
I m abroad so couldn't get a chance to watch movie but I really appreciate his efforts to make a movie , atleast he did something for cinema rather than talking like most of us are doing here. Good look Sahir n his team.
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Princess_of_DHUMP Apr 04, 2017 05:28am
Superb review. I will watch the movie just for your review. Sahir Lodhi owes you a refund of the movie tickets!
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ayza Apr 04, 2017 06:51am
Pakistan no doubt has many multi-talented actors who can direct, produce, sing, and yes even act! Only in this case - please spare us! Thank you dawn.com for showcasing this latest venture by the multi-faceted Sahir Lodhi - only imo, he's a far more successful talk show host than movie maven, lol.
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kaMal khan Apr 04, 2017 07:21am
Hello, It appears that Sahir has done something to remember.
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I. Sahi Apr 04, 2017 09:09am
It was a hilarious read. I hate SL, but it was brutal. But, reviews are not meant to be satirical. You approached it with anti-SL mindset. So it was biased.
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Aziz Ahmad Apr 04, 2017 10:10am
Lolz. Reminds me of the movie Mr. Bean's Holiday, where Bean attends the premiers of a movie: CARSON CLAY PICTURES present: CARSON CLAY. IN A CARSON CLAY production: OF A CARSON CLAY film: PLAYBACK TIME.
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RiazUllah Baig Apr 04, 2017 10:31am
This Lodhi guy reminds me of KRK of Indian cinema and Nasir Khan Jan of social media!
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Ghinva Raza Apr 04, 2017 11:39am
shitt!! too damn funny!! cannot stop laughing!!! thanks but no thanks I think il pass !!
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Hassaan khalid Apr 04, 2017 12:35pm
Overly critical... It's his debut after all... Cut the guy some slack.
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Hassaan khalid Apr 04, 2017 12:38pm
@CANNYCHAP Literally cracked you up??? Literally? Sorry about your hernia or whatever it cracked open.
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Umair Anjum Apr 04, 2017 01:03pm
hahahhahhahahhaahhaha !!! man i couldn't help laughing in the middle of a meeting !
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Sadaf Iqbal Apr 04, 2017 01:28pm
Loved this review.. it just made me laugh like crazy. Thank you so much for writing this
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Umme Apr 04, 2017 03:20pm
LOVED THE REVIEW!!! HILLARIOUS!
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shazia Apr 05, 2017 06:38am
Its Carson Clay all over!!
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Kawalski Apr 05, 2017 11:17am
Nothing upstairs!
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Shehzada Apr 05, 2017 04:30pm
I disagree with the thought process of people like him, who is a totally narcissistic person who epitomizes everything wrong with being a celebrity.
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Sachin Apr 06, 2017 06:15am
KKR of Bollywood .......kind of feeling after this review.
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yawar abdul rehman Apr 06, 2017 10:55am
why so much hate against sahir? grow up people
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saad hussain Apr 06, 2017 04:31pm
I don't want to judge any actor because the reviews he get's I will watch this movie and write review of my own.
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nownow Apr 07, 2017 03:14am
Very interesting review. This is second review of the film and none is very encouraging.
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Atif Hashaam Apr 07, 2017 09:17pm
You made my day...
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FATIMA SHAKEEL Apr 08, 2017 03:40pm
It only got me to watch the trailers and that too accidentally to realize what the movie was all about. Amazing review though.
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Mr.T Apr 08, 2017 05:21pm
the best publicity is anti publicity, now he's selling his publicity. on other hand if an actor cannot take a critics, he is not a good actor. Mr. Lodhi copy's SRK too much, he should act his own style if he has one. no wonder ppl called him china ka sharukh khan
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imran Apr 08, 2017 05:30pm
Sahir Bhai please fully concentration of Morning Show otherwise your show will given to another celebrity.
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Shaukat ali Apr 08, 2017 11:33pm
With due respect, If there are millions of fans of Sahir, Then I am on of those...If there is only one fan of Sahir, then believe me that's me...If the people will say one day that there is no fan of Sahir, then have a belief that I would not be in the world.
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ali abbas Apr 09, 2017 08:27am
Honestly, i just woke up and read this article. and i have been laughing profoundly, even have tears in my eyes :D Way too funny article; the herpes comment is the winner LOL!
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