Weekend Watch

Instep rounds up this weekend’s hot and happening activities.

CINE WATCH

Superheroes, poetry and love

It’s raining movies this weekend! First up on the list is the much-anticipated superhero vs. superhero extravaganza Captain America: Civil War starring Marvel’s Avengers. Captain America (Chris Evans) and Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) go head to head in an epic battle of egos forcing the rest of the squad to pick sides for an action-packed, high-octane showdown. The film is being dubbed as the most mature superhero movie to come from Marvel’s cinematic universe and has critics raving about the intelligent and creative action sequences that go beyond just collateral damage. Dan Jolin of Empire writes, “Matching its blockbuster scale and spectacle with the smarts of a great, grown-up thriller, Captain America: Civil War is Marvel Studios’ finest film yet. There. We said it again.” It won’t be an overstatement to say that if fans of both Captain America and the entire Avengers’ squad miss out on this version 2.5 of the Avengers series it’ll be no less than committing superhero blasphemy.

Also releasing this weekend is the long-delayed Anjum Shehzad directorial Mah-e-Meer. Starring Fahad Mustafa, Iman Ali, Sanam Saeed and Alyy Khan, the film follows the life of a struggling modern-day poet who draws parallel with the events in Urdu poet Mir Taqi Mir’s life, whose ideals revolve around bringing Urdu poetry to the streets, in order to get a sense of direction. Iman Ali returns to the screen as a courtesan while Mustafa will be seen juggling through two different characters. Mustafa in a recent interview assured that it is a “genuine, original and very Pakistani film. The script is very interesting and difficult as an actor to do, but the director has created this beautiful world and we are glad to be part of it”. The film picks off on the trend set by Manto, bringing an artistic, unconventional cinematic world to the theatres and promises to be different from the masala potboilers. Watch it for a dose of experiment.

Finally, Mother’s Day – pitched as a sweet and heartwarming – comedy cashes in on Mother’s Day celebrations and hits local screens this weekend as a treat for movie-loving moms. The film that features an ensemble cast, starring Kate Hudson, Julia Roberts, Jennifer Aniston and Jason Sudeikis, and that is Gary Marshall’s third holiday comedy after Valentine’s Day and New Year’s Eve isn’t the most celebrated venture to come from Hollywood this past week with critics shutting it down but you might just want to catch it cinemas for some mommy lovin’ and popcorn entertainment.

FASHION

Layla Chatoor’s Summer Formals, Karachi

Soaring temperatures serve as no deterrent to our voracious appetite for fashion. New brands launch every week while existing designers continue to present new collections to keep up with the ever increasing demand for something new. Karachi based couturier Layla Chatoor is hosting an exclusive viewing of latest collection that ties in with the launch of her new studio.  Titled Liberte, the collection is inspired by resort wear and features embellished formals that work well together as complete ensembles but are also equally versatile as separates. Held in Karachi on the 6th of May between 5 to 7 pm.

Zara Shahjahan woos Karachi

Lahore based designer Zara Shahjahan who launched her first standalone store in Karachi a year ago continues to woo the audience in Pakistan’s biggest commercial hub. After having wowed audiences in Lahore with her casual, resort inspired collection at PSFW earlier in the year, Shahjahan turns to Karachi with an exclusive collection that will be only be available for sale in the city by the sea on May 6th and 7th at Ensemble.  The exclusive collection, titled Summer Chic, features trendy silhouettes with minimal embellishment in pastel shades. Wrap arounds, off and cold shoulder tops that belie a flirty, feminine vibe are being floated on social media as a sneak peeks into the exhibition and make for an intriguing teaser to the showcase.  Stop by and check it out for yourself!

Luxury Lingerie with Amante

There are certain disadvantages to living in an ultra conservative society. No one ever talks about lingerie despite the fact that it’s a necessity and falls under basic apparel but continues to be plagued by taboo. Where lingerie sections are hidden at the back of departmental stores, difficult to locate and spoken about in hushed tones Karachi celebrates the launch of an international lingerie brand Amante this weekend. Opening its doors to the public on Saturday 7th May in Dolmen Mall Amante promises to bring delicate, well crafted and chic lingerie for the discerning modern woman. We’re excited to check out their variety!

COMEDY

Stand-up comedy on both sides of the bridge, Karachi

Stand-up comedy is picking up momentum in Karachi as entertainment source and credit goes to the Comedy Scene initiative for making it a monthly gathering. The clan returns to Dot Zero on Tariq Road with a brand new show that is bound to tickle your funny bone. Expect humour that will not leave you hurting in the stomach but one that will offer food for thought. The line-up for this month’s show boasts of a mix of old and new acts with the rib-ticklingly hilarious Faheem Azam returning with his fourth consistent act. Last month’s favourite Junaid Malik aka JD also returns with a promise to split you in laughter and so does Hassaan Bin Shaheen. The show begins at 7:00pm tonight and the tickets will be available at the venue. For more details, check up on their event page on Facebook.

On the other end of the bridge, Faiza Saleem and her gang featuring Amtul Baweja, Syed Osama, Arman Majidullah and Nusrah Arbab will take over Thotspot for an Improv Jam. Thinking right on the spot and creating situations based on audience interaction, this bunch of comic artists are infamous for leaving you teary-eyed with peals of laughter. The impromptu performance will begin at 8:00pm. For tickets, refer to their event page on Facebook because who doesn’t want spend Friday night smiling from ear to ear.

MISCELLANEOUS

With love from T2F

The Second Floor (T2F) continues to live up to its tradition and will be host to some interesting events this weekend. Saturday, May 7, will be dedicated to a one-day literature festival, Paish-e-Lafz, that aims to bring together literary figures from all walks of life and from different genres of story-telling including art, film and even sports, under one roof. The event will also feature panel discussions on writing, sports and cultural connect. In short, for this one day, T2F will be haven for literature enthusiasts, journalists and aspiring writers.

On Sunday, Suhaee Abro returns with the third edition of Raqs Mein Hai Sara Jahan – an evening dedicated to dancers and celebrating the various forms of dance. The event will feature live dance performances from classical, contemporary as well as folk artists including Munawar Chao, Wahab Shah, Adnan Jahangir, Cyril James, Erum Bashir, Sabiha ZIa and Suhaee Abro and will also see Ahsan Bari and Suhaee Abroo collaborate for a live music and dance improv. The ticket for the event is priced at PKR 500 and the event kicks off at 7:00pm.