American poet and essayist Christopher James Gilbert once said, "An anomaly has his own ambitions. You can try reasoning with him, but that's like using money to bribe a beast." In definition an anomaly is something which deviates from what is standard, normal or expected. Meera is not less than an anomaly for Pakistani showbiz and mainstream films. Whatever Meera does deviates from what is standard, normal or expected. Again with her new release "Baaji" she has successfully deviated from the expectations of those who are her consistent naysayers. This time she has not faltered and avoided providing an opportunity to them for cracking jokes on her colorful English and shenanigans. From her first scene to last she has given noticeable performance.
Saqib Malik who initially directed Fuzon's video "Khamaj" has brought forth his first all in all Pakistani cinematic product with "Baaji" but it may surprise a few that "Baaji" is not his first directorial venture. Few years back he has provided his services as Second Unit Director to Mira Nair's "The Reluctant Fundamentalist". This may be the reason despite of having a weak story-line, his first Pakistani film feels fresh and same time matured. Wave of revival of Pakistani film industry is all over and new directors are not willing to take risk by casting ghosts from the past but Saqib Malik must be applauded for betting on Meera as main lead. No doubt Saqib Malik has played a gamble and his gamble has paid off well. By all means "Baaji" is well crafted film and nothing seems overdone.
Amna Ilyas as Neha is Ok but two shades of her role does not justify her character archetype. In film she belongs to a lower middle class family of Lahore and works as masseuse. She is naïve, vulnerable and shy but when she comes under Meera as assistant her character takes 360 degree turn and appears to be more confident and dealing her boss Meera's financial and professional matters even clubbing like pro which is confusing. In writing less than required work been done to build relationship between her and Osman Khalid Butt. It is abruptly revealed to the audience that both are in love in penultimate stages of the film.
Osman Khalid Butt as America return film director Rohail Khan does satisfactory job. No doubt he has taken a giant leap from roasting Meera on his YouTube channel to playing as main lead opposite her in a film. Ali Kazmi and Mohsin Abbas Haider have played assigned roles like seasoned actors. But one actor who easily wins more brownie points is Nayyar Ejaz. With his mischievous acting he provides brief lighter moments to audience in such a film environment where director has seemingly restricted every actor going overboard.
Music is soothing especially song "Badlaan" excellently sung by Zeb Bangash, easily one of the best songs of this year. Cinematography is attractive, glitters every scene and editing is hasty which seems like the result of sloppy writing of some brief portions of the script. On the whole, Baaji is bearable addition in the tally of Pakistani films which is Not bad at all and has unexpected ending.
