Arth’s trailer is packed with powerful performances

Shaan Shahid is not always politically correct and many do not agree with his stance on certain issues such as the ban on Bollywood movies or the re-launch of Pepsi Battle of the Bands. But when it comes to acting, Shahid is one of the better actors to be working in the post-revival age. A glimpse of his ability can be seen in films as diverse as Khuda Kay Liye and Waar. And though Yalghaar was underwhelming, Shahid will make up for it with his upcoming film, Arth, whose trailer has left industry insiders and fans spellbound.

Inspired from Mahesh Bhatt’s original Arth (1982), the trailer was launched in Lahore on Saturday and has been receiving solid praise from Pakistan and beyond. Mahesh Bhatt, for instance, has called it “a stunning looking film shot with passion”.

Arth is about four individuals who struggle with their lives and careers at the expense of their relationships. The trailer stars Shaan as a singer, Ali, who strives to make a music comeback and re-connect with fans after returning to Pakistan but fails considerably until he meets one of his fans, played by Uzma Hassan. Uzma is married to a director, essayed by Mohib Mirza, who manages to cast superstar Humaima Malick, played by Humaima herself, in his film. Where the four of them end up and whether they succeed in achieving their goals, we will find out once the film releases on December 21.

Written, directed and co-produced by Shaan Shahid, Arth looks promising, not just because of the narrative but also because of the performances. It has been shot really well and the trailer is very sharp and one of the better efforts to come out of Pakistani cinema this year.

With Verna, Arth and Rangreza releasing in the last quarter of 2017, the prospects for local cinema appear to be good despite a relatively weak beginning in the first quarter of the year.