Kamli (2022) User Reviews

Must Watch

[saqlainali-06437 · 8/10 · 4 June 2022]

Kamli will transcend Pakistani cinema to new heights and will open the door for other filmmakers to work on serious subjects.

Saba Qamar is phenomenal at what she does, and in this film potraying the character of Hina - a women, whose husband Saqlain hasn't returned since last eight years, while she is roaming the valley of Soon looking for lover to quinch her thirst - audience will witness her seductive erotic gaze and the way she moves her body 'overflowed with powerful emotion.'

Sania Saeed as Sakina, the pious religious women but blind and still teaches Holy Quran to Children is brilliant in her performance. Nimra Bucha as Zeenat is an artist fighting her own inner demons and Omair Rana adds a flavor as her husband.

Son of Irfan Khoosat, Sarmad Sultan Khoosat.(director of Manto and Zindagi Tamasha) has proven once again that he is the artisitic face of cinema and only he can pursue independent craft.

Great direction, great performances, mesmerizing landscapes, amazing cinematography, impeccable dialogues, good storyline, and soundtrack creating soothing atmosphere.

A woman tries to escape the traditions which bound her to pursue her desires

[me_sweety · 9/10 · 5 June 2022]

After Laal Kabootar, this is the first film from Pakistan which blew my mind. It is undoubtedly one of the best films I have ever watched. Magical, mysterious with the right amount of suspense-Kamli lives upto its name and will transport you to the magical world of wilderness that the director has created in Soon valley. Hina, a young woman who has been abandoned by her husband since eight years is rotting away in a corner, waiting for him to come back. She lives with her husband's sister, who is visually impaired and seems to be in denial of the fact that her brother will never return.

The remarkable thing about this movie is how this film is the story of three lonely women-all of them Kamli in their own way. The film is shot and directed from a female gaze, women are the center of the stories and are humanized in their portrayal without the ghastly use of raunchy item songs. Knowing his audience well, Sarmad probes and forces the audience to think through subtle pricks: the lion-deer ritual which heralds their relationship is a subtle reminder about how Hina's carnal desires have been erased by society and are waiting to be fulfilled. The film has two settings: the forest where Hina's lover dwells and where she escapes her controlled life. It is composed of air and water-elements associated with fluidity and freedom. Meanwhile, earth is associated with Hina's home, the place where reality is and where she buries her loved ones. In the climax of the film, Hina attempts to set fire to her home and escape from the trap society has created for her. Animals are used throughout the film to emphasize the magic and wilderness of the story as well as hint at the carnal nature of Hina's relationship. She is a coy deer, a lioness and an innocent rabbit at the same time who is ultimately hunted for the antagonists of the story. There is also a lot of clever foreshadowing through the use of animals. Hina's kitten dies in mysterious circumstances and a rabbit is hunted and force-fed to Malik Sahib.

The music is perfect-Reshma ji's ending song literally broke my heart, the choreography in the songs is brilliant. The cinematography is breathtaking-you feel part of the wildness of Soon valley and its characters kamliness. The only thing which I did not like was the choice of the male actor. While aesthetically pleasing, he could barely speak Urdu and was completely overshadowed by the brilliant performances of Saba and Sania.

Stunning Screenplay

[abdullahahmed-00220 · 9/10 · 4 June 2022]

So, finally, something's worth watching from Pakistani cinema after a long time.

Sarmad once again proved himself I mean how good he was like those beautiful concepts of Water, Fire & Wind gorgeous, and of course, how can I forget, those beautiful eyes of saba saying a lot about her dedication. Saniya's versatility has all my heart.

Hamza, Nimra & Others did a great job too.

The music was no less than anything all the songs were written & sung beautifully for this concept.

I've very rarely seen this type of artistic/experimental cinema being made in Pakistan. If someone tries to make it either got banned or else it gets flopped. But thanks to Sarmad for his dedication to his work Making Pakistan proud Internationally. Looking forward to Zindagi Tamasha too.

overwhelmingly impressive.

[shahzaibabbasicom · 10/10 · 4 June 2022]

Kamli surpassed all my expectations and the way it ends, uffff! It is intense, bold, haunting, exhilarating and even painful at times yet the most beautiful thing happened to Urdu Cinema.

A truly amazing movie at par with the international industry.

[msi-1993 · 10/10 · 4 June 2022]

What an amazing piece of art it was. Hats off to the whole team. From cast, acting, direction, production, location, writing, script, everything was outclass.

Barrage of such intricate and delicate themes so beautifully knit together that it was unbelievable to conceive how the director didn't lose grip and ruin the movie as it usually happens in Pakistani cinema.

The movie didn't let the viewers sight waver even for a second.

A level of suspense that would give fierce competition to international Cinema and would be a clear dominator in most cases. The best part was, you have no idea that the movie contains such an intense suspense till the moment it has already started to unfold. AND the goosebumps this pleasant surprise gives you can't be explained in words.

The artistic nature of the movie and it's amalgamation with the lastest form of Cinema along with all the other factors makes it probably one of the finest movies ever produced not just by Pakistani industry but worldwide.

Watched a couple of other Pakistani movie in past few weeks and was disappointed but this movie has surely revived my confidence in our industry.

If Pakistani industry keeps on making such pieces of art, in no time it will dominate our Cinemas and we won't need Hollywood or Bollywood for our entertainment.

Please watch and support this movie.

After Bol & Khuda Kay Liye, we got Kamli.

[AVeryLollywoodPerson · 10/10 · 5 June 2022]

This movie is one of those films that is very important for Pakistani cinema. Direction is top notch. Music excellent. Each and every song is a chartbuster. Acting amazing. Saba Qamar has outdone herself. This movie proves her acting capability as she is able to convey her feelings to the viewers just through her expressions. Sania Saeed and Nimra Bucha are great as always. I hope this movie is a box office success so that we can have more movies like Kamli in the future.

Kamli - a movie to watch

[jzee62 · 9/10 · 6 June 2022]

So, finally we have a movie coming from Pakistan that is definitely worth a watch.

For a change, it is exactly what a usual average movie from lollywood has lately been. No music being pushed down audience's throats (in true bollywood style), not just a strached version of a tv play, hardly any perceptible masala mix (the usuall bollywood & lollywood formula), wardrobe & makeup that are a statement than what a character required and the list can go on.

Now that we are done with what "Kamli" isn't, let's talk about what it is. The movies carries an engaging story, a story with subtle and interesting twists, character development & music that suites a situation (except for one mehndi song, rest were so well gelled in & enhanced the story than stand out a forcedly introduced item number). Acting by the cast was superb. Sania Saeed being true to her art, was superb, and so were other members on the cast. Selection of location, wardrobe, sets (or setting at the shooting locations) and even makeup stood out for being way more realistic than what cinema in subcontinent usually offers.

All in all, a movie that was worth my time (& money)!

Waiting for a miracle

[ricardojorgeramalho · 6/10 · 27 December 2022]

A female film, which navigates between tradition, melodrama and magic.

An abandoned woman lives waiting for the unlikely return of her husband, taking care of her blind sister-in-law and waiting for a miracle to free her from this terrible condition.

The miracle happens the day she is saved from the waters of a lake by a young photographer who falls in love with her. But reality seems to conspire to make that love impossible.

With a safe direction and an adequate romantic and exotic soundtrack, this film seems to demonstrate that the Indo-Pakistani musical melodrama continues to have the strength to renew itself and captivate its audience.

A Slow Burner which Pierces through heart and soul

[shujayk · 9/10 · 5 June 2022]

Kamli Movie Review KHOOSAT films made its immediate impact with MANTO. Sarmad Salaman as a director proved himself as one of the promising director from Pakistan. After his debut of Manto, his 2nd movie ZINGAGI TAMASHA is still halted because of the sensitivity of the subject. However Sarmad cemented himself in a short time as a talented director from Pakistani film scene.

The 3rd movie KAMLI, is based on a niche subject. This is not a typical masala movie by any means. The movie is a story of Sakeena , Hina and Saqlain. Sakeena is sister of Saqlain and Saqlain is married to Hina. Saqlain is gone missing for years, while Sakeena and Hina believe that he will be back soon. In mean while Hina works for a painter and artist for her living. Sakeena is blind and she teaches the Quran Pak at home, to the village children. This is the basic plot of the movie for the rest watch this masterpiece on the silver screen.

As for acting is concerned the Movie stands out. Saba Qamar plays her role and have done justice to it. The movie belongs to Sania Saeed, playing the role of a blind women as Sakeena, Sania shines out as perhaps the best role of her career. Her sterling performance needs to be remembered for the years to come.

Sarmad Salman Direction is top notch. The director makes sure that the pot keeps on boiling at slow pace, piercing through the heart and soul of the movie goer till the end , raising some interesting questions like a puzzle at the end. Watch KAMLI - a tale of love, loss and cloaked secrets. You will surely not regret it.

PAKISTANI CINEMA AT ITS BEST

[abeer-63625 · 10/10 · 6 June 2022]

Kamli was really an experience and the type that lingers on long after you have left the theatre. At first, it might seem like a film with a slow pace but the last 30 mins of the film truly got the people in the theatre. The movie proceeds with an impressive narration and powerful storyline. It is "BOLD" but the topic really needed to be talked about in this way.

Of course, this is now for sure that Saba Qamar never disappoints and the same goes with Sarmaad Khoosat, feels like they are emotionally connected with their scripts.

The music was beautiful and so was the cinematography. This film was not about dialogues but more about emotions which the actors conveyed in the best possible way. This is now called QUALITY CONTENT and should be appreciated!

Pathetic. Baseless and Boring Script.

[asifsami-75837 · 2/10 · 21 June 2022]

I yesterday saw this movie, anticipated it to be good one rather it turned out Dull, Meaningless and utter disappointment.

No Script can be as poor as it was.

Kamli

[rajashahrukh-35006 · 10/10 · 5 June 2022]

Awesome film. Cannot describe in words how beautiful and realistic film it is. Nice direction and acting by everyone. Desreved to be hit.........................

Best Pakistani Movie Ever

[sohaiblums · 10/10 · 19 June 2022]

It's the best Pakistani movie ever. The whole cinema, full of the audience was dead silent as the credit rolled and were very emotional. Must watch everyone. Truly it should win an Oscar.

KAMLI DESERVES AN OSCAR NOMINATION AND BRINGS A LOT OF PRIDE TO PAKISTAN

[ShahnawazKhan987 · 10/10 · 4 June 2022]

Premises: Hina, a young girl, has been waiting for her husband to return for the past 8 years. Saqlain had left for Gulf for work but never contacted home or came back. Hina lives with her blind sister-in-law Sakina, who teaches Quran to village children for a living. One day Hina is saved from drowning in the jungle's pond by Amaltas, a brooding mysterious wanderer. Will she be able to curb her desires or will she fall for the temptation.

Review: The movie has been hyped correctly as in my opinion, it is the best film to have ever been made by Pakistan. It lives up to its billing and deserves to be nominated by the Oscars in the Best Foreign Language Film, at the very least. The film stands on two pillars, Saba and Sania Saeed. The background music, cinematography and music add to the enterprise. This has to be the most tightly written script that we have ever seen in Pakistan. No Lose ends. Everything which happens is happening logically and with a valid reason. All characters have back stories and various shades. The film uses a lot of symbolism and doesn't take the intelligence of the viewer for granted even for a second. What more, the film serves up a delicious, open ending and even I could think of three possibilities on what-would-have -happened- from there on.... In my previous post on Kamli, I had pointed out how the songs seem situational and have failed to grow on me. I was right. Songs without visuals were bodies without soul. The visuals make the songs a treat and they are placed very well, actually taking the story forward. Reshma ji's song has been used very well and induces goosebumps. The lighting department has designed the atmospherics exceptionally and right mood has been created.

The film doesn't fall into a particular genre. It has a social, suspense, psychological , mystery and religious angle to it. Kudos to the director for directing it so sensitively.

The film also covers the life in a village of central punjab in an authentic manner. Little customs thrown here and there may make u want to leave for a village just for the experience, right after the film ends.... Performances... It's a Saba Qamar show all the way who acts like a chameleon. Demure when needed, feisty when needed and helpless when required and angry when required. She must stop wasting herself in dramas and stick to films only. This is her career best.

Sania Saeed lends credible support and lives up to her billing as a legend. There is a confrontation scene in the second half between her and saba and it is a masterclass in acting...It should be made a part of all Film school curriculums.

I wasn't impressed with Nimra Bucha as she plays what she always plays. A frustrated, crying, sobbing woman with no happiness.

Talented actors from NCA do a good job too.

Samiya Mumtaz Shines in a cameo as an Aalima.... The Debutant: Coming over to the debutante Hamza Khawaja. He suits the part physically. Tries really hard and looks the part but his dialogue delivery needs a lot of improvement and his voice too.... Thankfully he has been used smartly by Sarmad who has tried to cover up his limitation by giving him a mere 6-8 dialogues. But yes no two opinions on his screen presence.

Final Word: An excellent film which is award season material and will surely bring a lot of laurels, where ever it goes. It got a standing ovation from the audiences in the Centaurus Cineplex, where I watched it. Don't Miss it.

It did seem risqué and bold initially, but let me tell you, it can be watched easily with the family as perhaps the bold scenes have been cut and what is left doesn't make one feel awkward. The theme may also seem bold but again trust me, in the end, everything is justified and you come out praising the movie. The only negative part is that some people might have issues with its pacing during the first half but let me tell you that this pace was necessary to suck u into the world of Kamli.... A winner.

A MASTERPIECE!

[zmkal · 10/10 · 5 June 2022]

It is the best piece of art. I'd suggest watching it with a peaceful mindset, don't watch it with a biased frame of mind. The movie catches you off guard and stays with you!

Not Being Easy to Define, Letting You to Wonder About It

[kshehzad · 8/10 · 5 June 2022]

Human frailties have many dimensions but when the source of these frailties is a woman who is on verge of mental illness then one can expect anything whether hallucination or encountering a paranormal. With his latest cinematic "mystifier" "Kamli" "Sarmad Sultan" is challenging common denominators with words that I'm not being easy to define my content rather I'm letting you to wonder about it.

Main lead "Saba Qamar" as "Hina" performs her assigned role with challenging requirements from the director in which she had to perform with more demeanor and expression but with lesser dialogues. And she performs with stupendous courage in an environment in which societal values are sensitive though caring of thin lines between societal values and arts is all up to director's awareness but still her portrayal as "Hina" is outstanding.

Debutante "Hamza Khuwaja" does not disappoint. Facing power house of talent like "Saba Qamar" in his first celluloid experience is not easy but he acted skillfully. His character as mysterious "Amaltas" dwindle us. As "Amaltas", is he an actual human being or some sort of paranormal creature like "Chalawa" who is alluring a woman who may be affected by some sort of mental illness because of absence of her long gone husband?

Portrayal of "Sania Saeed" as "Sakina" the blind elder sister of Hina's husband should be applauded massively. Her firm commitment to protect her "Bhabi" becomes tedious and grim even against tenants of Islam she strictly follows. But same time she has the full realizations that "Hina" is only person of her family she has. Her confrontation with "Saba Qamar" in penultimate stage uncovers big secret but again flow of tale leads to other mystery. "Nimra Buccha" plays a fragile character as "Zeenat" who is confronting her own frailty of child-less woman and finds her emancipation in "Hina" but in the end her character becomes as mysterious as "Amaltas".

Cinematography of "Kamili" is excellent but the full brownie points must be given to music directors of "Kamli" "Saad Sultan" and "Izzat Majeed". Their music compliments every frame and makes every shot eye candy and soothing to ears as well.

By and large "Kamli" is the best cinematic offering director like "Sarmad Khoosat" can give to Pakistani film industry.

Finest Pakistani Movie Post-Revival

[Muzml · 10/10 · 4 June 2022]

There are several tales narrated throughout the whole movie and they all somehow connect to what actually happened in the movie, forefront of all being Story of a Bright Star and Wanderer. These Tales give enough insight on what is happening without actually forcing anything down your throat. The narrative is smooth, hard hitting and thought provoking to say the least.

Kamli talks about Love, Pain, Jealously, Patience and the moments where the Patience runs out. I won't reveal anything about the story, you should go and witness it on your own. There are a few punches throughout the Second half that leave their impact on you, but what makes them impactful is the detailing in First Half that sets up the punches. First Half is kinda Slow, but the complications of our society is very beautifully conveyed in it while the second half is more about the complications among ourselves.

The Actors don't skip a beat, there's no moments where anyone left the character or stopped mesmerizing me. Every one of them was brilliant. Saba Qamar tells you why she is hailed as a Superstar. Nimra Bucha, Omair Rana and Sania Saeed add their much needed efforts in a Beautifully Crafted Screenplay. While Adeel Afzal, Iman Shahid and Hamza Khawaja play their respective roles with brilliance.

There's this Charm in Sarmad's work. It always feels like he is emotionally attached to the Scripts and knows every note of it, knows how to present his vision in way thats full of complications yet feels very simplistic.

Music is Brilliant, the songs were very good to listen to, but my only complaints with the movie comes out of the songs portions, I mean they could've reduced the length or the number of songs, not like they were bad or something but they really stretch it imo. Sound Design on the other hand is Top Notch.

Kamli as a Movie is something that I craved for so long in a Pakistani Film, away from controversies, well written script translating brilliantly on screen with roots deep down our own culture and mirror to society.

Definitely Deserves a Watch.

Felt like torture

[aliamjad-04892 · 1/10 · 3 July 2022]

Stupid movie. I felt someone is torturing me for 2 hours. I request government of Pakistan to show this movie to the prisoners who are sentenced to death. Couldn't understand why someone would make this movie. Ending was not good at all.

Oscar for SABA QAMAR ZAMAN 🔥🤗

[sardartayyabrehman · 10/10 · 5 June 2022]

One of the best movies in Pakistani cinema history. From direction to acting everything was on point. And Saba Qamar wot an legendary actress she is. She surely deserves Oscar.

Cinematic masterpiece

[khurramh · 10/10 · 4 June 2022]

Kamli is one of the best films to come out of Pakistani cinema. Sarmad Khoosat has nailed it once again. The storyline, dialogues, music, background score, editing and cinematography everything was perfect. The way how the story is narrated is spectacular. Kamli is a must watch.

Worth watching

[amnasim-99993 · 10/10 · 6 June 2022]

Seriously after a long time i watched an Oscar level movie alll the cast worked so hard n yes we met saba qamar n sarmad khoosat in cinestar cinema that was amazinggggg all the best team u people performed ur roles tremendously.

Must watch, very well directed

[syed-hassan89 · 10/10 · 18 June 2022]

Kamli is a Masterpiece, excellent story that keeps you hitched to the seat, and leaves an after effect, you would still be indulged in the Kamli world. And it's one of those movies which you would remember for a long time. This is the real Pakistani cinema and we need more movies like this.

KAMLI - Uncover True Feelings !!

[zhyusuf-925-960315 · 9/10 · 13 June 2022]

A Sarmad Sultan Khoosat film, "Kamli" (2022) meaning "the cover" is a beautiful slow burn of a movie running approximately 2 hours which triumphs in uncovering the truth about existence in a way that pulls at the heart.

Lead actors Saba Qamar (who's husband is away for work) as protagonist and Sania Saeed (Saba's sister-in-law) as her nemesis, are two lonely women who deliver strong performances that uncover the cloaked secrets of their existence. Equally lonely is painter Sana Boucha who despite her affluent husband Omair Rana's physical presence, is trying to see how she can prevent their marriage from falling apart. One day while on her way to Sana's studio where she works as an art student, Saba meets a mysterious stranger played by Hamza Khawaja.

The ending is reminiscent of Deepa Mehta's "Water" (2005), another master work that stirs the heart.

The origin of the word "Kamli" comes from the word Kambal (urdu/hindi/punjabi), which means a blanket. Several saints, gods, or prophets in Hinduism and Islam have been visualized as donning a black blanket (kali kamli), which has become associated with closeness to, or love for, such saints or god. The words Kamli, Kali Kamli, or Kali Kamli Wala or Wali (the one who dons a black blanket) have been used in many devotional songs, particularly in the sufi strain.

The film delves into what lies beneath the cover of human emotions - and the consequences of denying those emotions or taking away someone's choices, compelling people to find refuge in an alternate reality & the tragic consequences. Kamli's message is an important one for our times, which is not to victimise humans but instead set them free.

SUPERB!

[LollywoodLover · 10/10 · 6 June 2022]

India has Tabu, Shabana Azmi & Smita Patel. We have Saba Qamar, Sania Saeed & Nimra Bucha. They can simply act through their eyes as the audience could see the loneliness in their characters. This film reminded me of the art movies which once the indian film industry used to make. Direction by Sarmad Khoosat is beyond good. Songs are properly placed in the movie according to the situations. The area where movie is shot is beautifully shown. Each and every song of this movie is very good. Loved the chemistry between Saba and Hamza especially during the song Naina. Every single frame of this movie is a masterpiece itself. Beautiful cinematography! I hope this movie is a box office hit so that we Pakistanis are able to watch more movies like Kamli instead of the lame comedy so-called Eid films.

Last but not the least, the ending scene is excellent and I love the cliff hanger ending. Would totally recommend this movie.

A disgrace in the name of Art

[angelinaduaa · 1/10 · 22 February 2023]

I fail to understand why everyone is over the moon about this film. It was a mere torture to sit during the entire film. Pathetic script writing. I have been a film student and trsut me i know much more about art and film then the people calling this a 'masterpiece'. This was not a 'masterpiece' or 'an artistic representation'. It was a joke, and a fool made out of people who would think anything is good if you add some aesthetic appeal and metaphors to it. While the story line itself was not really bad. However the way it was conveyed was horrible. Just because Sarmad is a well known figure, doesn't mean every film he produces has to be great. I literally don't understand how can people praise this movie to begin with.