Once Sir Alfred Hitchcock said, "Length of a film should be directly related to the endurance of the human bladder." In spite of its two and half hour long runtime "Teefa in Trouble" nullifies Hitchcock's saying which an incredible feat to achieve for a film from this part of the world. To make it possible a film must have a content audience could relate with and this is an element which makes Pakistani films of new era unique. Though "Teefa in Trouble" does not offer novelty in story line but what makes it an extremely watchable experience for everyone is its slick execution and style. As a keen observer of development of new cinema in Pakistan I've never expected less than a visual excellence from Ahsan Rahim the director of "Teefa in Trouble". Stunning cinematography, well-choreographed action sequences and spontaneous humor with typical Lahori Punjabi accent are the main USP "Teefa in Trouble" offers. Ahsan Rahim has proved himself as an accomplished director who knows what exactly Pakistani cinema goers are craving for.
Multi-talented Ali Zafar who started his filmy career in neighbor's tinsel town, enhanced his skills there as an actor and came back to home with a dream of setting new bench mark in reviving film industry of Pakistan. One may envy his fortune for actually seeing his dream coming true. With "Teefa in Trouble" Ali Zafar has successfully presented himself as a complete package that can do anything in error free manner. From his meticulous funny acting with full of amusing punch liners to his capability in performing difficult action stunts with an ease we can rate Ali Zafar as next big thing in Pakistan film industry.
Faisal Qureshi has been a lucky mascot for Ahsan Rahim's professional career. Again with his witty punch liners Faisal Qureshi has not disappointed us in "Teefa In Trouble". There is no doubt Faisal Qureshi's performance as sidekick of main protagonist of the film will impress cinema goers and critics alike.
Mehmood Aslam is veteran actor of Pakistan TV industry who divorced his filmy career many years ago but reappears on silver screen with a Bang as "Butt Saab" in "Teefa in Trouble". His typical Lahoriya style acting is noteworthy.
Javed Sheikh is playing "Bonzo" a non-Resident Pakistani millionaire who is concerned about her daughter's marriage. Bonzo's real name is Basheer in film and whenever he transforms himself from Bonzo to Basheer is treat to watch and one of the main features of "Teefa in Trouble".
With "Teefa in Trouble" Maya Ali is commencing her filmy career and what a debut she has made. She is not only looking beautiful but comfortable in performing such a role which demands more than what she has been doing on small screen. Traditionally female lead is not more than a prop in an out and out action film but the way writer, director Ahsan Rahim has balanced her out invalidates all stereotype perceptions.
As far as technical department is concerned, this is an area where film performs superbly. One can proud to have a talent like Zain Haleem the cinematographer. Every shot which he has taken, gives soothing effect to viewer and editing seems flawless. Music of "Teefa in Trouble" is already allover and being watched, reviewed and discussed extensively on social media. Though "Non-Item Number" has already become chart buster but "Sajna Door" is another melodious number which will stay in your list of favorite songs for a very long time.
No film is free from loopholes and "Teefa in Trouble" has few minuses which must be briefly discussed. First half of the Film is perfect but after interval it has been dragged. The dream sequence in which Teefa confronts different forms of his own alter egos seems trivial, unnecessarily increases the runtime of the film to the dangerous level, albeit, this sequence in itself a novel idea for a Pakistani film. This sequence can easily be removed to maintain the fast pace of the film. Brand affiliation do wonders for any film but when same brand affiliation transforms into product placement and becomes part of film, it gives bad taste to its viewers. Same thing happened with "Teefa in Trouble" when we surprise to notice "Diamond Supreme Foam" appearing from nowhere in Poland. Whether it is Hollywood, Bollywood or Pakistani film industry filmmakers must realize the fact that product placement in films is nothing short of a poison which kills the connection a viewer establishes with the visuals on cinema screen.
"WAAR" was the landmark film which triggered all what we're witnessing today, "Teefa in Trouble" is natural outcome of consistent struggle of our new breed of filmmakers who believe that they have the capability and capacity to change the fate of Pakistani film industry for the future. On the whole, "Teefa in Trouble" is a complete entertainer which raises the bar for every department of film making in Pakistan. Go and watch it.
