Selected as the ‘Best Foreign Film’ and ‘Best Time Filmmaker Feature’ at World Film Festival, Cannes, this film boldly defies industry norms by focusing on a female protagonist, challenging the traditional narrative that a female-led story cannot succeed.
Launched in January 2024, the movie continues to make waves in both foreign and domestic markets calling to attention the fact that societal dynamics are in shift. Its mainstream appeal openly questions typical indo-pak stereotypes like “Larki paraya dhan hai, larka ghar ka waris” [A daughter is someone else’s wealth (and will eventually leave the household), while a son is the heir of the household].
It is this acceptance and widespread appreciation that prompts a deeper look into why Nayab is such a critical success.
In this review, we will delve into the key elements that make “Nayab” a groundbreaking film, exploring its relatable characters, cultural representation, and the significant impact it has on the portrayal of Pakistani women in cinema. We will also compare it to other notable female-led stories from Pakistan, highlighting its unique contributions to the evolving landscape of Pakistani media.
Nayab – ‘Naam Yad Rakhna’
The movie starts with a powerful opening scene where Pakistan loses a match to India, sparking Nayab (essayed by Yumna Zaidi)’s pledge to lead her country to victory. Raised in a middle-class family and driven by fierce passion, Nayab, an average Pakistani girl, dreams of becoming a cricketer and defeating India in a match.
This Umair Nasir Ali movie doesn’t ask if she succeeds as a cricketer, but how she does so in a society where women’s independence is still a distant goal. In her struggle to make a name for herself, she represents every Pakistani girl, like Sana Mir, the first Pakistani woman cricketer to top the ICC ODI bowling rankings, or Kishmala Talat, Pakistan’s first female pistol shooter to qualify for the Paris Olympics.
While cricket is central to the plot, the story goes beyond the sport by portraying characters who mirror everyday life. Nayab’s father, though a patriarch, isn’t overly dominant and enjoys meticulously perfuming himself before weddings and constantly thinking of his kids’ future — scenes common in Pakistani households. Her mother, traditionally submissive, demonstrates agency when opportunities arise.
Similarly, Nayab’s sister-in-law, Sadia (Noreen Gulwani) defies all DB (dajjal bahu) stereotypes found in soap operas, navigating life with a mix of good and bad days. She assertively advocates for her family without being either brash or demure. She is neither a bechari nor a vamp! These characters add depth to the narrative, reflecting the diverse realities of Pakistani families – in the ‘right’ light.
Generational Contrast in Nayab
Nayab’s journey also highlights the generational differences within her family—from her parents to her brother, Akbar (her Akka), and finally to herself. Her parents, being boomers, struggle to grasp Nayab’s vision. On the other hand, Akka (Fawad Khan), a millennial who once dreamed of being a cricketer himself but couldn’t due to certain reasons (no spoilers for you – you’ll have to watch the movie for that), supports Nayab wholeheartedly.
He not only stands by her dreams but also plays a crucial role in bridging the gap with their parents, ensuring they understand her aspirations. While Akka is patient and polite, Nayab, on the other hand, is spirited and highly ambitious, yet she breaks away from the stereotype of being badtameez (rude) or spoiled. This portrayal contrasts with the typical “B.A.L” (badtameez, ambitious larki) mold often seen in Indian or Pakistani dramas and movies.
Breaking Stereotypes and Day-to-Day Struggles
In “Nayab,” modern girls are portrayed as bold and assertive, pushing against societal boundaries and challenging traditional norms. Nayab and her peers are seen engaging in activities typically frowned upon for women in conservative societies, such as riding bikes and smoking. These depictions highlight the ongoing cultural shift and the emerging sense of autonomy among young Pakistani women. However, the movie isn’t glorifying these actions or making a statement about them. Instead, it presents these behaviors as part of the characters’ realities, contributing to the nuanced portrayal of their lives.
The film also excels in its realistic portrayal of everyday struggles and cultural aspects of Pakistani life. The portrayal of college girls negotiating attendance, a father’s cynical outlook on the country, wanting to send his son to Canada and the gritty reality of random shootouts in early 90s (time marked by social and political upheaval in Karachi) are all grounded in the authentic experiences of many Pakistanis.
Grey Characters with Emotional Depth
Nayab stands out for its complex characters who exhibit both virtues and flaws, reflecting the multifaceted nature of human behavior. Along with the protagonist Nayab, her family, her boyfriend (Usman Khan), and her fellow cricketers (Sana Taj, Shaheera Jalil Al Basit) are not depicted as one-dimensional heroes or villains. Instead, they have good and bad days, displaying a range of emotions that add depth to their personalities.
This emotional complexity allows the audience to connect with the characters on a deeper level. For instance, Nayab’s determination and resilience are contrasted with moments of vulnerability and doubt after her break-up with her boyfriend. Similarly, Akbar’s interactions with his sister and his own personal struggles provide a nuanced portrayal of sibling dynamics and individual growth.
Cultural Representation and Authenticity
“Nayab” stands out for its cultural richness, showcasing aspects of Pakistan that are rarely seen on screen. From the vibrant streets of Karachi to the nuances of familial interactions, the film paints a vivid picture of the country’s diverse culture. Scenes featuring 14th August celebrations, Nayab selling a gift to buy something she wants, her father perfuming himself from head to toe before going to a wedding, the family jam-packed in the back of a taxi, and the mother complaining they should have found a better spouse for Akbar offer viewers a deep and genuine insight into typical Pakistani households.
The film paints a vivid picture of the bustling streets, historical landmarks like the tomb of Quaid-e-Azam, St.Joseph’s College for Women and Frere Hall, making Karachi almost a character in itself! This authenticity is further enhanced by the use of local Karachi lingo – with subtle hints of Marwar and Sindhi dialects, a mix of modern and traditional attire, and real locations, making the cultural backdrop of the story both immersive and relatable.
The visual storytelling, coupled with beautiful songs like ‘Mental Sa Dil’ and ‘Junoon’ immerses the audience in the setting, allowing them to experience the sights and sounds of the city firsthand.
Humor – The Heart Of Nayab
Nayab is brimming with humor. The banter between Nayab and her brother Akbar, along with jokes about recent geopolitical situations and pop culture, adds a contemporary touch that hits home with viewers. One of the laugh-out-loud moments is when a rishta aunty barges into Nayab’s cricket academy, trying to sell her son as husband material (very typical sight in Pakistan). Another was when Akbar brings up the topic of women’s cricket and Nayab’s desire to be a part of the team at the dinner table, starting with, “Woh humari women cricket team hai na?” prompting his father (Jawed Sheikh) to ask, “Kya hua usey? Koi pasand agayi kya?”.The humor is genuine and effortlessly integrated into the story, never feeling forced or out of place.
Comparative Analysis: Nayab vs. Other Pakistani Female-Led Stories
We all know Pakistani cinema and television have a rich history of female-led stories like “Bol,” directed by Shoaib Mansoor, Asim Abbasi’s “Cake” and the popular TV drama “Zindagi Gulzar Hai”. While these works share common themes such as resilience, breaking societal norms, and the pursuit of dreams,”Nayab” brings something unique to the table.
It gives a subtle nod to inter-generational dynamics, accurately portrays a desi Pakistani family, the socio-political situation of Karachi, and people trying to take advantage of the vulnerable—all without making a statement out of it.
The movie was telecast on HUM TV Pakistan on the first day of Eid-Al-Adha 2024 and earned widespread praise and appreciation.
During my conversation, director Umair Nasir Ali revealed:
“The 90s in Karachi left an indelible mark on all of us. The turbulence and instability of that era are etched deeply in our collective memory. These experiences form the foundation of our connection to Karachi and to a family whose story intertwines with the city’s history. Shahid sahab’s journey and Akbar’s narrative vividly reflect the experiences of a generation that lived through these transformative years, witnessing firsthand the changes in their city and in themselves.
We’ve conducted extensive research for this story, engaging with actual cricketers to understand their struggles and challenges. The events depicted in the movie are all inspired by real-life occurrences, ensuring authenticity in our portrayal.”
I think more sports movies like “Nayab” should be made in both Pakistan and India. We’ve seen the transformative impact of films like “Dangal” and “Chak De! India” in India, which have inspired generations with stories of resilience and victory. And Nayab does the same by showcasing a young female cricketer’s journey in Pakistani cinema. These movies show us, sports isn’t just about competition—it’s about the human spirit conquering all odds.
