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Mastaani, directed by Usman Rizvi, sets itself apart from other recent film offerings by addressing a spectrum of serious social issues. From street crime to forced marriages and domestic violence, the movie takes a hard look at the struggles of lower-middle-class life. The story revolves around Aaliya (Aamna Ilyas), a young woman trying to break free from the chains of poverty and societal expectations, with the support of Shakil (Affan Waheed), a resilient companion. While the film has its merits, it seems overwhelmed by the number of issues it seeks to tackle.

Too many issues, too little focus

The movie starts with Aaliya’s frustration after failing to clear a university entrance exam, placing her at a crossroads in life while her friends move ahead. In an effort to fix her situation, she turns to a local “peer baba,” only to realise she’s been conned.

Her journey thereafter is littered with societal issues that each demand attention, yet the film struggles to balance all of them effectively.

A crucial subplot introduces Aaliya’s brothers, who fall into street crime. Meanwhile, Aaliya’s friend, Saijal, is being forced into marriage with an older man, leading to scenes of domestic violence and sexual abuse. Each storyline — poverty, forced marriage, domestic violence — unfolds with gravity, but none receives enough focus to resonate fully.

Rizvi’s attempt to portray the deep struggles of poverty and societal oppression feels ambitious, but the plot gets bogged down, leaving viewers feeling disconnected from the characters and their challenges.

While the love story between Aaliya and Shakil mirrors the famous on-screen pairing of Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor in Jab We Met, the romance feels sidelined by the larger societal issues being addressed. Instead of enriching the narrative, their relationship adds to the film’s scattershot approach, never allowing one theme to shine through. This disjointedness becomes particularly apparent in the film’s final act, where the various narrative threads fail to tie together neatly.

Powerful performances, but…

One of the film’s saving graces is the stellar performances of the lead actors. Ilyas brings a sense of realism and vulnerability to Aaliya’s character, shattering the myth that models cannot be good actors, while Waheed’s portrayal of the supportive yet skeptical Shakil complements her perfectly. Their expressions and dialogue delivery are spot-on, lending authenticity to a film that struggles with coherence.

However, where Mastaani falters is in its editing and overall pacing. The two-and-a-half-hour runtime feels like a marathon, with certain scenes dragging on unnecessarily. There’s a noticeable disconnect between the film’s various segments — jarring tonal shifts that weaken the emotional impact of key moments.

Rizvi could have made the film far more engaging by honing in on two or three central themes instead of trying to cover an exhaustive list of societal problems. The plot’s meandering nature ultimately dilutes its impact, making it difficult for viewers to remain emotionally invested throughout.

Cinematography and music: hits and misses

While the film’s storyline leaves much to be desired, the cinematography stands out as a highlight. The picturesque locations, combined with clever use of light and colour, create a visually compelling experience. Rizvi’s attention to detail in portraying urban and rural life adds layers to the film, making the backdrop an essential part of the narrative.

The music, composed by Naveed Nashad, serves as a refreshing break from the otherwise heavy storyline. However, certain tracks seem reminiscent of Bollywood tunes, which could detract from the film’s originality for some viewers. The costumes too appear heavily inspired by Jab We Met, with characters donning similar outfits like short shirts and patiala shalwars, adding to the déjà vu effect.

Mastaani is a well-intentioned film with powerful performances and stunning cinematography but is let down by its inability to focus on a few core issues. The film would have benefitted greatly from a tighter script and more cohesive storytelling, leaving audiences with the feeling that less would have been more.