Review of The Kite Runner: Imported from Golden Quill.

The novel by Khaled Hosseini is truly as large as life; as real as life; as cruel as life and as hopeful as life.
The story is based on the ups and downs of the history of Afghanistan and Hosseini had beautifully pictured the streets, traditions, customs of the Afghan people. If the story spans over the life of an established writer Amir, it peeps into the pathetic details and heart-shaking realities that are breathing anonymously in much ignored country like Afghanistan. That's why I would call this novel... a voice. The same voice that echoed through Chinua Achebe in Things Fall Apart, where he just presented the whole scenario.
Another quality is its non-heroic protagonist who is as much true to himself as possible. Although much endeavour it took to me but still in the end I couldn't admire the character but couldn't altogether detest him. The credit of heroism was shared by side characters that further increases the charm of the novel.
What I didn't like was the extra detail that prevailed throughout the novel. Sometimes it really bored me and I skipped through lengthy paragraphs; nevertheless it accounts for Writer's love and endearment for his subject. Another fact was the ultimate survival of Assef, a reader in me was constantly cringing for him to have a miserable death but he survived; much pain for my sense of justice.
Over and above Hosseini's style is really adorable, simple and explanatory. The fact he used Farsi in the novel and I could really get some of the words made me little happy as my own mother language has some inspiration from Farsi.
The movie is due on me to see and I am definitely going to cry my thoughts as soon as I'll see it.

Dated: September 2nd 2009

I saw the movie sometimes earlier but it didn't inspire me to write a review. All the intensity was washed and the movie was clean and simple. It was not what the novel was. It could be that the director wasnted general audience that he prohibited any obscene scene or for any other reason but the movie was not something I'd want to see again.

Harry Potter and Twilight: the sagas.

If you haven't heard either one or the other name... I'd ask you if you live in this world?
Doesn't it feel like the coming days are going to be more exciting with two mega hit series' next releases, first the Eclipse and then Deathly Hallows.
And I don't know why it is been kept saying that there won't be any competition... there is! I would so much adore to see both of the productions to strike and a crazy atmosphere in part of fans.
So let's see who's going to win this year!
Personally I think it's going to be pretty strong because if Twilight has Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Tayler Lautner with all their "going out or not" rumours, harry potter's trio has won the hearts of fans and the critics long time ago. The image of the leads in both moives will contribute - I mean Robert Pattinson is way hotter than Daniel Radcliffe, that's a fact and that's going to count.
But if we talk technically than I think Harry Potter has little competition. Let's start with the plot... I'm not very precise about the changes that's been made in scripts but the main plot would be the same and Deathly Hallows has way better gripping, adventurous and catchy plot as compared to Eclipse.
It's also going to be how Warner Bros and Summit is going to sell and I've read many comments from the fans where they were not at all happy with it. Moreover I've seen some of the promotional pics of Eclipse - c'mon they all look plastic dolls!
Anyway the big thing's coming and we're all here to see the results.
(though if the competition is about the books my choice is totally Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows. Eclipse was good but Deathly Hallows had so much to give and I remember I didn't eat or sleep I bought it's copy and was finished with it early next morning.)

Remember Me.

I just saw this movie because I saw it's trailer and that seemed quite catchy.
But it was unfortunate it was only trailer that was special and the movie was deprived of holding my attention for long.
Obviously the presence of Robert Pattinson gave it quite a hype but a movie captures the audience not with the cast but with the story.
About the story if the start seemed interesting no matter very predictable and not unique, as the story goes on it became unnecessarily serious and the mid was almost boring and soppy. I was reading some comments about it and found that one very true...

Decently shot and directed as it is, it lacks any real flame.

And the end made me feel that I'd only waste my time. It was as if the writer had written the script long ago and finding no edgy, tragic end in the long run found refuge in the historical event of 9/11.
On the whole the movie was too much serious and sullen for the demand of the script.
It was definitely something about what audience had high hopes with Pierce Brosnan and Pattinson around but I don't think this movie is going to make any mark in their career or in the director's.

Geo Drama Bol Meri Machli should be restricted!

I happened to see the latest episode of Bol meri Machli aired on Geo TV. I saw the episode and I was outraged!
I definitely appreciate the bold step that Geo has taken and I as an educated adult civilian of Pakistan totally give my consent to its function for social awareness. But I believe that this drama should be restricted to particular audience.
This is not a family drama and it should be advised to specific audience. My point in saying this is not because I'm against such bold expression. I'm a writer myself and I totally give me my confidence about making such drama but I'm against it's unrestricted airing! Geo must restrict it - I don't know with a message or what that this drama is not for the entire family.
My second point about this topic is that I'm scared - really scared about the turn that our society is on the verge of taking! It's open expression can lead many immature or 'ignorant' people to curiosity or merely a new idea.
Pakistan is through a very difficult time, the people are suffering not only physically, emotionally but psychologically. Evasion is the thing everyone is looking for.
History tells that when nations were suffering due to political, economical and social chaos; the society, it's norms and traditions were at stake. To be very simple such dramas can give people a new way of indulgence, even to those who've never dreamed of such things. Moreover seeing such thing is fashion now-a-days in India, it is no doubt that not even a single person would be spare with the knowledge of this curse.
So it is my sincere request to Geo Team to please educate people but with proper precautionary measurements. And while the production is on they must also teach people about how strictly Islam prohibits such activities and that such practices will only make not only the earth a hell but would ensure a great, spacious space in the hell after this transitory life.

Facebook restriction and Hunza Lake.

Facebook was restricted on 19 May 2010 in Pakistan. Many people believe it to be a good step from the officials of Pakistan. The others say that it shouldn't be given such hype as... well, to upset the slow rhythm time and time again seems to be a fashion now-a-days. I also read somewhere that just because some stupid has done stupidity does not mean it should be highlighted because that's what an attention-seeker wants!
Personally I don't believe that this incident should be totally ignored. Ignoring it would be like encouraging others for another 'more' creative ideas... and we all know how 'creative' the world is! On the other hand it must not be given so much privilege when more important issues are around!
Take the condition of Hunza Lake, the condition is not unknown to anyone! This is considerably turning into a critical situation. There are villages down there and these people have their means of living there, and if the water level continues to rise it is going to affect Tarbela Dam which is - not to be reminded a limited source of sustainance to pakistan.
My point is that instead of turning our attention towards the stupidity of an ignorant we should look at the situation of our people. I am hundred percent sure that Our Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) would've wanted us to help those poor and needy people the fastest way possible.
May Allah help us in this crisis, may He give more strength and power to those who are working there tirelessly in evacuating the targeted-areas. May Allah make our officials more aware and sincere with the situation and arise some humanity in them - Ameen!