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What’s stopping us from loving Balu Mahi?

As Balu Mahi comes closer to its release date, we are being introduced to what is in store for us. It’s unfair to judge a book by its cover or a movie by it’s trailer so we waited before passing judgement on how we felt the film appeared to be unoriginal. But after countless comparisons and conjecture as to whether the film seems to be inspired by Bollywood, the Balu Mahi official track has released and now can make a more informed opinion on whether the film looks too inspired or not. So I can now say for sure that Bollywood influences are creeping in left right and centre and we just need to perhaps make our peace with it. (The whole students-at-prom look was done earlier by the Bolly flick Student of the Year in ‘The Disco Song’ and then various other times in several movies.)

The title track is a fast paced dance number, sung by the young Asim Azhar and talented Aima Baig and while it isn’t unique, it definitely has the power to linger in our memories after it has been played.

However, my biggest beef with the entire song can be explained in one simple word: awkward. Both the leads are looking a tad bit awkward. Either the dance moves are too fast or Osman Khalid Butt and Ainy Jaffri are new to dancing on the big screen, whatever the reason may be, the entire choreography looks a little amateur and all over the place. I also wish Ainy’s styling was a little bit better. I get that the song is trying to go for that youthful, fresh look but after looking at how phenomenal Ainy looked in the Pepe Jeans campaign, I know that she has the potential to really wow everyone. Unfortunately, this look isn’t doing her justice.

You can check out the song here and let us know what you think:

 

Manal Faheem Khan

The author is Contributing Editor at Something Haute who has studied film and journalism from SZABIST. Will be found at the gym if not in the office.