Omar Hassan’s debut film Dance Kahani has finally hit theatres after repeated delays, and though not as intriguing at first glance, the film manages to impress more than a handful unlike its competitor Blind Love.
The film, based on a dance competition, teaches one that it’s not only big names that guarantee a good entertainer.
Omar Hassan’s debut film Dance Kahani has finally hit theatres after repeated delays, and though not as intriguing at first glance, the film manages to impress more than a handful unlike its competitor Blind Love. It sends across a message to young and upcoming filmmakers that no topic is small and no genre should be beyond one’s reach if only you know what you are doing. Instep lists 5 new things you learn from this film that may not be so blatantly visible in cinemas crowded with commercial potboilers.
1. The leading lady doesn’t necessarily have to speak Urdu
Scottish model and actress Madeleine Hanna plays the central character in the movie and although she doesn’t have much experience of acting in films internationally, she manages to pull off the role well. She can’t speak Urdu properly like a native Pakistani actress would but that doesn’t affect her performance much since her dancing skills – a prerequisite for her role – are far superior to any of the leading actresses we have in our country. She carries off the kurta shalwar well and looks the part. She also responds to dialogues in Urdu as if her character understands them and that’s what makes her stand out.
2. An unknown cast can be just as impactful
Most of the actors, except singer Alamdar Khan, haven’t acted prior to the film which works in their favour; they fit into their character like a glove without exposing their real self. Apart from Madeleine, Vernin U’chong has the most number of scenes in the movie and he manages to impress both as a dancer and as an actor. In reality, he is a real-life athlete who has represented Sindh at National Games on and off the field; he likes to practice parkour – the art of jumping over obstacles that is usually a part of military training.
3. Big names aren’t everything
Singer Ali Khan, who will soon be seen in the upcoming season of Coke Studio, has composed the background score for the movie alongside others. There are as many as 13 songs in the film which have been composed by various music composers, including Ali and Alamdar Khan. Unlike the norm followed in most of our films, all songs play in the background (as is the case in Hollywood films) and don’t upset the mood and pace of the movie at all.
4. No genre is beyond reach
Dance Kahani is the first Pakistani film to have a story that revolves around a dance competition. Yes, we arrived late in the genre but it’s never too late if the outcome is good. The sequence where Madeleine’s Nizzy dances for the first time will take your breath away; she looks classy and her command over her moves is commendable. As for the other dancers, who have been introduced in the film as the ‘Road Crew’, they have also done a fabulous job and leave a lasting impression.
5. New people will take the industry forward
Director Omar Hassan joined hands with a number of dance schools and a leading production house, H20, to bring Dance Kahani to life. He must be commended for his efforts that remind one of Na Maloom Afraad that was also led by a team of new actors, an innovative story and brand new director. Unlike NMA however, DK shows both the modern and the real, gritty face of the city and the real locations are what fixate your attention.
Though she isn’t as experienced as many of our local stars, Scottish model and actress Madeline Hanna nails her performance in the film with her impeccable dancing skills.
