I expected nothing from this movie when I went to see it. I thought it's Pakistani so why not support it. The impression I had of the movie from the promotions was of a mediocre copy of a ton of Bollywood and Hollywood movies. But I had seen two Pakistani comedies recently - Na Maloom Afraad and Wrong No. - which were good so I hoped JPNA was something like that.
But JPNA not only surpassed all my expectations, it surprised me and it took Pakistani film standard to a whole another level (just like Khuda Kay Liye did when it came out, and the same with Waar).
The comedy material of this movie is highly original and entertaining thanks to the writer Vasay Chaudhry. I literally laughed out loud throughout the film. I actually appreciated the song breaks so I could catch my breath.
I was a bit reserved towards the costumes of the women and some of the drinking related scenes/situations. Not because I am not used to it, but because expecting it to be a Pakistani film, maybe it should not go down that road. But all in all what I did appreciate wholeheartedly was the type of comedy it was. Not forceful or sex-oriented, which movies with these type of topics tend to be. It was a good and clean comedy that you can enjoy with both friends and family.
The director Nadeem Baig did a very good job by holding everything together, getting the best out of the actors and making sure the movie gets a grand scale, and the movie paced smoothly, unlike Wrong No. which dragged a bit. It did not feel like or look like a low budget film, also because of all the actors who were superb in their acting and comedic timing. A special mention to Humayun Saeed who you definitely have not seen like this before. He was so good!
Go watch this with an open mind and take it as it is: A comedy film (Maybe more suited for the Pakistani audience because a lot of jokes and one liners are directed towards the Pakistani people, but I believe non-Pakistanis will also enjoy this). Highly recommended.
