VIP, currently screening in theaters since Eidul Azha, is like a delicious mashup of “Mr Smith Goes to Washington” and “Nayak” (And a bit of “Donkey Raja” here and there) – with a twist that the creators claim was purely accidental. This high-concept comedy with a splash of social commentary is the standout flick in our Eid 2023 lineup.
Meet Haris Kamal, aka Zach, our lovable, goofball protagonist from the lower-middle class. Picture this: three villains – a cigar-chomping land baron, a crafty lawyer with perpetually red eyes (Saleem Mairaj, who nails it), and a boss donning slick black shades – decide that Zach should be the next mayor of Karachi. The catch? Our giddy and gullible hero must attend school first. Yes, you heard it right!
Director Rana Kamran, known for his expertise behind the camera in films like “Na Maloom Afraad” and “Actor in Law,” makes his directorial debut with VIP. His visual flair and atmospheric storytelling, reminiscent of South Indian cinema, inject a vibrant energy into the film. The clean palette, courtesy of colorist Jazib Junaid, adds to the conventional yet captivating aesthetics.
Rana dons multiple hats as he produces and co-writes the screenplay alongside Saqib Zafar (who also receives a co-director credit). This creative force influences the editor, Asif Mumtaz, resulting in sharp, snappy cuts between scenes. While this keeps the pace fast and nimble, it occasionally leaves us craving a breather to absorb the emotional transitions.
Now, let’s talk runtime. VIP clocks in at two hours and 17 minutes, which could have been trimmed to a tighter two hours. However, the film’s indulgent nature leads to a somewhat extended high school sequence in Haris’s life. Brace yourself for teenage crushes, lively song-and-dance routines, and a momentary narrative standstill.
As the story regains momentum, you might find yourself anticipating the predictable turns or wishing for alternative twists. Perhaps the villains could have played a trick on Haris with a fake degree, adding an extra layer of intrigue. Sadly, our protagonist lacks substantial conflict to overcome, turning him into a bit of a dud. Zach’s amateurish performance doesn’t quite do justice to what could have been a quirky package.
But don’t lose hope! VIP compensates for its shortcomings by unleashing the true talents of Ehtashamuddin, Saleem Mairaj, Akhtar Hasnain, and Irfan Motiwala in a brilliantly acted role as Haris’s personal assistant. These actors carry the weight and inject the right dose of hilarity and excitement into the narrative.
Overall, VIP radiates an infectious casualness that pairs perfectly with its top-notch production quality. Shani Arshad’s soundtrack, though not outstanding, adds an okay-ish charm to the proceedings.
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