Watch Bol
- NR
- 2011
- 2 hr 31 min
-
8.2 (9,242)
Bol is a Pakistani drama film released in 2011. Directed by Shoaib Mansoor, the movie features an ensemble cast consisting of Humaima Malik, Manzar Sehbai, and Shafqat Cheema in pivotal roles. The story revolves around a conservative Muslim family residing in Lahore, and their struggles in a patriarchal society that oppresses women.
The film opens with the protagonist, Zainab, on death row for allegedly killing her father. Zainab's story is told through a series of flashbacks, starting from her birth, and delving deep into her life and familial dynamics. Her father, Hakim Sahib is an inflexible and overbearing man, who raises his daughters in a strict household where freedom, education, and self-expression are not allowed. Zainab's elder sister, Ayesha, is forced to marry an abusive and impotent man while her other sister, Hajra, is married off to a man twice her age.
Against this backdrop, Zainab tries to pursue her dreams of becoming a singer, leading her father to believe that she has dishonored the family. She is married off to a smuggler, in the hopes of reforming her character. However, this leads to even more complications, as she becomes the victim of domestic abuse and is coerced into an abortion. Her husband eventually abandons her, and she becomes a single mother to her daughter.
As Zainab's story unfolds, we become witness to the trials and tribulations of a society where women are expected to submit to the will of men, and where honor and shame are held in higher regard than human life. The film addresses several social issues such as reproductive rights, child marriage, domestic violence, and religious extremism, and does so in a nuanced and sensitive manner.
The actors deliver powerful performances, particularly Humaima Malik, who portrays Zainab with a restrained intensity that is both captivating and gut-wrenching. Manzar Sehbai is equally effective as Hakim Sahib, a complex character whose love for his daughters is overshadowed by his rigid beliefs regarding patriarchal norms. Shafqat Cheema plays the role of a eunuch with sensitivity, adding a layer of depth to the story.
The film is beautifully shot, with the vibrant colors of Lahore providing a striking contrast to the dark themes explored in the narrative. The music, composed by Atif Aslam and Shoaib Mansoor, is haunting and memorable, particularly the songs 'Hona Tha Pyar' and 'Din Pareshan Hai.'
Bol is a powerful film that sheds light on the plight of women in Pakistan, and the obstacles they face in a male-dominated society. It is a film that challenges the status quo, and encourages viewers to question the norms and traditions that prevent women from realizing their full potential. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in socially conscious cinema, or simply looking for a compelling and emotional story.
Bol is a 2011 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.2.