Cast
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Amna Ilyas
as Rafina
Khalid Malik
as Murad
Savera Nadeem
as PJ
Farhan Ally Agha
as Fahad
Saba Hameed
as Rafina's mother
Aamina Sheikh
as Mehwish
Faysal Qureshi
as TV One Show Host
Atta Yaqub
as Jamal
Beo Raana Zafar
as Rosie
Yasir Aqueel
as Arif
Faiza Syed
as Nausheen
Shaheen Khan
as Nawal
Abdullah Akram
as
Afaq Nasir
as Rehan
Yasmin Syed
as Begum
Crew
Director
- Sabiha Sumar
Producer
- Sachithanandam Sathananthan
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Amna Ilyas is the young "Rafina" who has dreams of becoming a model in her home city, but who faces quite a few challenges from her sceptical family and her fiancé who thinks she ought to be grateful for the chance to get married, have babies and live at home. An attempt to revitalise this rather well-trammelled concept has been made by setting it against the considerable political upheaval that was being caused by the imminent arrival from exile of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto but that doesn't really lift this lacklustre story enough. That said, it's actually quite a well made drama, and the actors do enough to keep it going for eighty minutes but the substance and characters are poorly developed and it takes a very simplistic look at the cultural attitudes of both the sexes and the generations. Sure, everybody should dream - but not everyone can be a model or a brain surgeon or an astronaut, and the film does rather present us with an all too linear appreciation of not just her own aspirations but also one of those who advise against this risky and potentially short-term career path - embarked upon, supposedly, in the name of empowerment or liberation. Director Sabiha Kumar is trying to make a point but she doesn't really make any attempt to calibrate the drama in any sort of balanced fashion - epitomised by the loving but strained relationship between "Rafina" and her mother (Saba Hameed). It looks good, though, capturing the hustle and bustle of this vibrant city well, but it's just a bit too undercooked.
Aug 22, 2024
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Good Morning Karachi examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Sabiha Sumar brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2013, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Good Morning Karachi took approximately 14 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 85 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 106 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 61 unique compositions.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2013, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Good Morning Karachi shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Midnights with Adam, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Good Morning Karachi subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Afterparty and Kids explore similar territory, Good Morning Karachi stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 4, 2013
- Runtime: 1h 25m
- Budget: $32,000
