Shah (2015) User Reviews

Beautiful and painful...! The apparition and evanescence of the unsung heroes...!

[sarfraz-raza · 8/10 · 20 August 2015]

Shah is a surprising masterpiece. Though ignored once again as the many unsung fading heroes of the country.

The beginning of the direction has a lot of things which could have been improved in acting and scenes... but after a while you start ignoring it and loose yourself in the story of Shah. The surreal painful images will sink you into the unsung heroes of this country. The main character Shah has done honesty to his character. I watched it with my sister, and we both kept crying for a long time...! Leave you breathless in some scenes...! Go with it, ignore the side characters acting... they will fade away in the mastering character of Shah!

The images shown of Lyari Karachi, footpathia(one who lives on footpath) and many fading images of the fast paced city life are of so much intensity that your heart will stop beating. Hope you will enjoy it.

An Epic Heartwarming Story of the GREAT HUSSAIN SHAH, and ADNAN SARWAR NAILED IT

[urs-aamir · 9/10 · 17 August 2015]

Firstly like ever movie coming out from Pakistan, it is not based on Terrorism nor any Cheap Imitations of Bollywood Masala movies, Its Pakistan First Ever Biopic, and coming from a person who was nobody, makes the movie even better, Adnan Sarwar the one man Army, who directed, Acted and penned down the whole thing from scratch.

one the whole SHAH is a must watch movie for many reasons, be its Narration, or Acting, You cant miss this one easily.

Its certainly going the change the whole face of Pakistani Movie Cinema once it for all.

Kudos to Adnan Sarwar once again,

Many People did not see this Epic Coming !!!

Depicts the ugly reality of South Asian sports

[abhilashind · 9/10 · 7 October 2016]

This is the first review I am writing for any movie. Such is the impact of the movie that it stays with you. More importantly, being from India I couldn't help but ponder about the similarities India and Pakistan have. Amongst all other things, we are also engaged in a tooth and nail competition in corruption. Anyways enough digressing.

Shah is a compelling story. Made in a shoe-string budget, much should not be expected from the quality of side-actors and the cinematography. However Shah's role has been played quite well.

But it is the story which keeps you occupied. How the corrupt bureaucrats have played havoc with the sports bodies and life of sports-persons is heart-wrenching? The lives of footpath dwellers (footpathia), their treatment at the hands of the elites reveal how as a society we are in a downward spiral. And it mustn't be blamed on westernization. Why social conflicts in India and Pakistan have taken such enduring forms where kids are forced to take up arms because of the persistent state apathy.

Sports-persons in the sub-continent are happy to represent their country and stake their life for it. Despite no institutional and systemic support, they bring laurels to the nation. But as a society, we fail them with unparalleled callousness. Such stories also abound in India where former Commonwealth medallist, Asian games champions are forced to live in penury, even forced to sell their body organs.

The rot in media is also reflected in the movie where it ceaselessly spews hatred and negativity among the people.

At the end, such stories need to be brought forward more and more. Maybe that would shame us out of our couch and care for those who brought reasons to cheer for nations mired in poverty and unemployment.

A Must Watch

[mohommadomerarshad · 10/10 · 18 August 2015]

A Must Watch for all Pakistanis

How well the movie has shown us our sidelined heroes. The journey of winning the games without basic necessities (like a shoe) is mind blowing. Shah movie truly captures the hearts and minds of the Pakistani people and truly one of the signs that Pakistani Cinema is now on the road to producing some quality stuff. Shah was given an award from Bank Alfalah on the premier of the movie however just goes to show that we actually need to support our stars during their time of need.

A Must watch!

The Most Emotional Pakistani movie I ever watched

[innocentabdul · 10/10 · 24 May 2016]

My heart bled on seeing how he struggled throughout his life, deceived by people when he had such an exceptional talent. May Allah(S.W.T) reward him for all the patience he kept throughout his life. Mostly i don't get emotional while watching a movie even not for true stories. But this one was a brilliant effort to collect all required pieces of the real story. hats off to whole team who worked day and night to make a movie of this level. (With minimum resources) Frankly, I did not know about Hussain Shah before the release of this movie. In countries like Pakistan we may have so many players like Sayed Hussain Shah. He and many others like him have always been here among us unnoticed. And this movie is showing us the cruelty of our government departments who humiliate real talent like him and only support those who bribe them or have links at higher level. I wish this inequality at every level among any institution ends soon. At the end, I congratulate the whole team who was behind this success.

Dignity doesn't feeds you, It's the money that does so!

[talhajavaid · 10/10 · 9 June 2016]

An epic story of struggle and achievements that needed to be told to show the world a positive picture of the country. Even in reality, our media works on the same rule "There is no news like Bad News". And we have been portrayed as terrorists in front of the whole world. But this is the side, we really are. A true depicting story of the hardships and the struggles that are faced by the people of Lyari Town, Karachi. Lyari has given a lot of great names to this country. But unfortunately, we have gone so far in the lust of power and money that we don't appreciate and support talents like Syed Hussain Shah. Like the movie conveys, we give them respect only but respect doesn't feed you, it's the money that does so.

Adnan Sarwar Bro, you truly are the man who just nailed it.

Great Story but....

[sergioumuaythaibox · 10/10 · 22 May 2016]

It's an amazing movie, based upon a true story of struggle simply for life. If we take out the aspect of the sports of boxing from the film, it still is a great story of an orphan, who survived the treacherous and cavernous belly of Karachi, otherwise known as Lyari. The acting was good too and the story line was well executed. Some technical goofs left a bit of bad taste but nothing too important to take away the true enjoyment, which is "Shah". Goofs which particularly happened were three: 1. There was signboard of "Easy Load". That is a place where people top up their mobile phones. Back in Syed Hussain Shah's time of growing up, there were no mobile phones. 2. South Korea was wrongly mentioned as North Korea. 3. Instead of showing Karachi and the area, it was Punjab. People were exhaling condensed breaths in winters, which is extremely rare in Karachi. The construction place, he worked and slept, had red bricks. Karachi uses concrete blocks for construction, not bricks from the kiln. And only a true Karachite like me, would notice number 3. Other than that, kudos to people behind the whole thing.

A Heart touching but painful true story reflecting so many wasted talent in Pakistan

[mirzaamir01 · 10/10 · 19 June 2016]

Main character hero SHAH does an awesome job as an actor and his Uncle both performed super nice, There are must be so many stories like this hidden in the past of Pakistan but Director and all team portrayed very nicely but because of limited budget they have not done well according to commercial point of view however a well taken true story of a real fighter which shows real fighting is not in the ring but in real life, winning in ring just a reflection of the past of a fighter. A must watch for all Pakistani specially Karachi, i hope Pakistan should have all the facilities and necessities for the talent in Pakistan so they can live and play well internationally and win for Pakistan.

Reality Based Movie

[sajidbaloch-35939 · 10/10 · 27 August 2017]

It was among one of the very few movies which represents the harsh reality of the life of sportsperson. It's a true story based on the life of Syed Hussain Shah which makes you feel the problem and difficulties he faced during his journey and after that. It is a question for the viewers, whether it's success or failure!

Intense and soul stirring

[sameenmohsin · 7/10 · 26 September 2016]

Shah is a difficult film to watch as a Pakistani because it lays bare the injustices of a corrupt Pakistani sports system and the general apathy towards sports legends in the country (cricket being the only exception.) But it's an important one to watch because the story is absolutely phenomenal. The dedication and sheer raw talent to Shah is awe- inspiring and boxing sequences are a treat for fans of the sport. The soundtrack is subtle and powerful with absolutely amazing dialogues. This film will give you a lot to think about especially if you're from Pakistan and will give you a glimpse into what passion and survival looks like.

An excellent movie and a serious point to consider

[eddiic · 10/10 · 11 December 2016]

A simple movie yet great message. Great Music, Great Story and good cinematography. After watching this movie one can easily understand why rich is getting richer and poor is getting poorer in Pakistan. The movie does justice and hats off to the director who went on the purpose of exploring a forgotten National Hero's life. An inspiration for the awe-stricken, a motivation for the young and a thought for the media and establishment to seriously consider. The nation doesn't lack talent but corrupt guys are more in number.I seriously look forward to more movies of the like apart from action and romance. Again, thanks Mr. Adnan Sarwar

Awesome theme. Awesome story but average direction,acting , editing and Poor Music Direction screwed the Movie.

[mustafaxaidi_gr8 · 7/10 · 27 August 2015]

Awesome theme. Awesome story but average direction, acting, editing and Poor Music Direction screwed the Movie. Nice to see that someone made film on this issue and paid tribute to our forgotten hero. Music Direction was so poor that I first time experienced pin drop silence in cinema and can hear music from another Hall. Some scenes makes you feel that Music director forgets to put any Sound or Music there. YouTube clips from 1980's Olympics ruined the originality of film and reminds me the time when we made short film and found any clip on YouTube. "Hey Man! This clip fits good let's put it in movie". Pictures from Past and Location pictures from Google showing location title screwed the seriousness of movie. Just showing location on black screen would be much better. Seems like director thought oh ! It's a low budget movie and we can't shoot abroad so let's bring abroad here. My Expectations were High but got Disappointed. But it's good to make films on these kind of issues compared to commercial romantic typical Bollywood with dirty jokes.

It's not about Shah, it's about its makers

[waseemsafder-35424 · 4/10 · 27 November 2016]

My concern is more towards our dogmatic/copy-cat film makers rather than commenting on this movie. 'Shah' is a positive effort towards projecting Pakistan's good image & its fine BUT...

Our directors/film-makers need to come out of media based movies. Every 2nd film carries the story of media, film industry, news channels (what the hell). We need to learn that showbiz industry would be less than 1% in our country and you are making every film on that community. Come'on there are millions of other topics in the world yar. Look at the bogus media/showbiz involvement in these movies (that i have seen only)...SHAH (media, news channel), LAHORE SE AGY (actress is rock star, film-ind.), ACTOR IN LAW (hero wants to become an actor,film-ind.), ZINDAGI KITNI HASEEN HAI (hero wants to become a story writer, film-ind.), ISHQ POSITIVE (actress wants to become drama artist, film-ind.), AKSBANDH (found footage of film- makers), BOL (media), WRONG NO (hero wants to be an actor, again film- industry), HO MAN JAHAN (passionate about music, showbiz), MANTO (writer, showbiz story, media), MAHEMIR (poet, poetry, showbiz)...

Another common thing is the competition of making CHEAPEST MOVIE among our film-makers. Budget of every new release seems less than the previous. Perhaps we want to set an example for Hollywood or wish to get registered in Guinness world record for making World's Cheapest/Most Economical Movie. My point is we should do something new. New Locations (northern areas, cities other than Karachi), New Stories (of a common man not an actor, director, poet, media person please...), New stuff...in short something new for the people.

Awesome effort by Adnan Sarwar... Thumbs Up for your efforts

[sulemanibrahim-15584 · 10/10 · 10 April 2018]

This is a beautiful movie .... Could be Super Hit Movie if someone would have invested in this movie. Thumbs up for you Adnan Serwar to touch this topic, despite the fact it's a low budget movie but Salute to Adnan's efforts to bring such topic to limelight ... (y)

Vice of Deprived poeple and Area of Country

[asadRbhatti · 9/10 · 11 November 2018]

Shah Movie is biography of legendary slum child belongs to Layari, Karachi. Despite all resistance from society in term of education, financial & social unjustice Shah never turns into gangster or terrorist. All he is wanted that Government must return their right ti them. Right to Live freely, Right to get educated. Right to be employed.

I'm rating this movie 10/10

[handsfreedani · 10/10 · 22 July 2016]

Really awesome heart touching story. I wish Our govt gives value to such kind of people so terrorism will e reduce. hats off for the person who shared this true story. Proud of u and Proud of Hussain Shah. Shame on our govt govt did really v bad govt is responsible for lyari gangs.

An epic story of struggle and achievements that needed to be told to show the world a positive picture of the country. Even in reality, our media works on the same rule "There is no news like Bad News". And we have been portrayed as terrorists in front of the whole world. But this is the side, we really are. A true depicting story of the hardships and the struggles that are faced by the people of Lyari Town, Karachi. Lyari has given a lot of great names to this country. But unfortunately, we have gone so far in the lust of power and money that we don't appreciate and support talents like Syed Hussain Shah. Like the movie conveys, we give them respect only but respect doesn't feed you, it's the money that does so.

.

Excellent movie which reminds everyone of the forgotten hero

[wakhtar-30803 · 10/10 · 27 July 2016]

This really was a great movie to watch.As it explains even if you won pride for the country,you still have to fight for the right against poverty.Was really a heart-touching and emotional story of a bare-footed poor boy who lived in the slums of LYARI(area in Karachi)He never backed down and always fight to win for the nation and his city,but unfortunately has never received the respect which he deserved from the people and Government of the country.He worked as a labour to fill his hunger but never lose hope and continue to fight,even risk his life and continued winning.We all solute you Mr.Shah for whatever you have achieved in your life.You are a real hero and we respect you from heart.We are proud of you.Thanks for everything Sir.

SHAH movie

[zigzagged · 10/10 · 2 August 2016]

The best movie ever produced by Pakistan. A slow, sensitive, and deeply affecting drama, the acting is amazing, the storyline is flawless, very emotional and heartbreaking... A person's devotion to his country and the struggles he faces while dealing with corrupt sports authorities is just heart aching Easily one of the most emotional and saddening films of all time in sports, tears will stream down your face as you watch this incredible movie. Hopefully, Mr. Shah is in a better place and enjoying life without dealing with corrupt people anymore. A very different movie, hope everyone watches this and learns hardships of life A movie with a powerful message

Absolutely mind blowing

[basitmughal-79185 · 10/10 · 26 February 2019]

I watched Shah after a friend recommended it to me. There was a lot of hype in those days so I decided to watch it. I was expecting the movie to be worth the hype and it turned out to be way more than my expectations. This movie inspired me a lot to work hard, struggle to achieve your goals and never lose hope in tough times. Besides this I also got to know about the best boxer of Pakistan and the only one to achieve an Olympics medal in the history of Pakistan. The movie also highlights the dark reality of society that we people and especially the government forgets our heroes and never give them the status they deserve. It was really painful to see a world champion boxer struggling to make a living wage.

Worth to Watch, Best Movie

[rais-75020 · 10/10 · 1 July 2017]

Its best movie from Pakistan and worth to watch, Shah, I am sorry for you. Movie literally make me crying. Nations who don't respect their champions, deserve leaders like Nawaz and shahbaz or zardari. May ALLAH Bless us with good leadership and good hearts.

And at the end, we forget shah but he did't forget Pakistan and his son still fighting as a Pakistani national and won . But who cares ?

*A MUST WATCH* especially if you are a pakistani

[ahmedomer-98557 · 8/10 · 14 January 2019]

Wow. 8.1/10. The movie has ended and I'm still crying. As a Pakistani, I'm so ashamed now. We need more biopics on athletes now who are in Pakistan and have done something. But moving onto the movie side, the first half was interesting but also sometimes a bit weak. But the second half was very well done. It picked the movie from very good to awesome movie. Since this movie was made on low-budget, I don't think I really have a right to give any critique.

Amazing movie

[darburhan · 10/10 · 23 August 2018]

One of the best biography movies I have ever watched. A mutch watch for all. Highly recommended