Director: Saim Sadiq
Quite surprised to see a movie with LGBTQ themes like this coming out from a country like Pakistan. Just to remind ourselves, this is a country that thought breaking away from India would be a good idea so as not to be thumped down by Hindu tyranny. The pioneers wanted to build a secular nation where Muslims could live undisturbed by heathens. As we know, they finally succumbed to the pressures of the holy men and a desperate leader who wanted to cement his powers indefinitely. He declared the country an Islamic nation, and Islamic teachings would then play an instrumental role in the country's governance.
From then on, it spiralled down the rabbit hole of hopelessness and is currently running around like a dance monkey, trying to get handouts just to pay interest on their mounting loans. The gap between the haves and have-nots is worlds apart. So are the living conditions and the women's empowerment. For a country that had had a female Prime Minister before, it is puzzling that a large section of the community has to bear the brunt of patriarchy. The country is poor, but not the generals and the people linked to the Army. Some enjoy the fruits of owning property overseas and the pleasures forbidden in a system they are trying to uphold in their own nation.
This is a story about a domineering father, his two sons, and their respective wives. They all live under the same roof with a clearly defined hierarchy. The father decides everything. The wife of the elder of the two sons goes into labour to deliver their third daughter. The family were expecting a boy and is naturally disappointed. The second son is jobless, while his wife is a beautician. They have not decided whether to start their family.
It is quite a gripping movie, interesting and keeps its viewers guessing the direction of the story. It went on to secure many accolades, including being the first Pakistani film to be shortlisted for the Academy Awards and to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. But we know it made it there because of the subject matter, which the West sees as progressive. And, of course, it was initially banned in Pakistan, but later allowed after objectionable scenes were cut.
It is funny that in the protagonist's family, patriarchy is followed so tightly. The male members decide, and the females just follow without batting an eyelid. The males order and the females follow without a squel. However, when a transgender rules the roost, like the troupe, she toes the line. Nobody disobeys. Even the most macho of the group falls in line. The transgender character is very aggressive and busy. She has no qualms about being explicit and resorting to profanities. She uses her physical charm to lure men and the testosterone given by nature to exert her prowess. She can do it because she defies the social norms.
