The trailer of ‘Taxali Gate’ was clear in its intent: It’s not for the faint-hearted… actually, you ought to have a strong stomach to absorb this one. Let’s give you a gist of the plot first before we move forward…
‘Taxali Gate’ centers on the investigation of Zainab (Mehar Bano) who is sexually assaulted by Chaudhary Kamran (Sheheryar Cheema) and her boyfriend (Umar Alam). Kamran being the son of a powerful political figure initially gets away with it very easily. There’s a parallel track where Shafeeq (Yasir Hussain) is a pimp and brings customers for Muskaan (Ayesha Omar) who plays a prostitute. Zainab heads to court to seek justice but is brutally discouraged. She is forced to take her case back. What happens next forms the rest of the film.
When Taxali Gate’s promos were released, the film managed to build huge expectations around it because of its strong storyline. The film, in reality, is an extension of what the trailers had shown. The film’s screenplay has been structured in a way that traces the trials and tribulations of consent and womanhood super impact fully. Though the rape-revenge saga is based on a serious subject, the script is laced with dollops of suspense, dark humor and revelations.
What also works in favor of the film is the fact that the makers have not attempted to become preachy at all anywhere in the film as they have kept all the characters as well as the situations as realistic as possible. Several films in the past have touched upon the lives of sex workers. But the writer (Aleeha) ensures one doesn’t get a déjà vu of these movies. The characters are very well fleshed out. The dialogues are powerful and one of the best in recent times. They are bold, gritty and acidic and enhance the dramatic situations considerably.
Taxali Gate has its share of shining moments. Sample these: The confrontation between Ayesha and Ali Khan in the court is the hallmark of the film… Mehar Bano’s interaction with Iffat Omar during the court proceedings is another startling aspect… The conversations that transpires between Yasir Hussain and Nayyer Ejaz shakes you up… The climax that showcases the volte-face of the protagonist is a shocker… These are standout moments that either bring a lump in your throat or haunt you even after the screening has ended.
Abu Aleeha’s direction is first-rate. He ensures the viewer’s get zapped into the world of the protagonists and Taxali. He has given some accomplished films in the past and hence, one doesn’t expect an ordinary product from him. In this regard, he doesn’t disappoint. He has helmed the story beautifully and sensitively. For most parts, the film is not disturbing and is quite mainstream in its treatment. On the flip side, the imperfections are hard to ignore. The editing of the film could have been much better to register more impact. The background score was lackluster.
Aleeha’s casting is spot-on. He figures out the true potential of Ayesha Omar and Yasir Hussain and makes them score their career-best films. Omar fits the bill perfectly and gets into the skin of her character like never before. Hussain, is simply adorable. How he uses his eyes to convey emotions is simply outstanding. Mehar Bano besides playing her part to perfection, walks shoulder to shoulder with the protagonists with her realistic performance. Babar Ali and Iffat Omar have a short appearance but they are phenomenal. Omar Alam is good in a small role. Besides them, there’s the ever-dependable Nayyer Ejaz, who charms you with his simplicity and vulnerability.
On the whole, ‘Taxali Gate’ stands on its feet, courtesy of the terrific moments, hard-hitting storyline and career-best acts by Ayesha Omar, Mehar Bano and Yasir Hussain. The film is still showing in cinemas all across.
