The first song from the Eid ul Azha release, ‘Jalwa,’ shows Hamza Ali Abbasi in full mehndi mode — hair flicks, tambourine shakes, Et el.
‘Jalwa’ must be one of the more kosher dance numbers in JPNA, for Hamza has recently expressed regret at doing two “inappropriate” dances in the film:
But there’s nothing that would raise an eyebrow in this boy-and-girl dance-off unless you mean the shameless sponsor plug.
In addition to showcasing the coquettish antics of the lead pair, the song also manages to peddle a fairness cream in its hook.
Dressed up in the signature trappings of a ‘wedding number’ — grandiose set, snazzy boys and girls, occasional disco lighting for effect — it disappoints not just in this product placement (Sohai is dressed in an unflattering pink that brings the brand to mind) but also its most fundamental aspect: the dancing.
An Indian choreographer, Shabina Khan, who’s recently done dances for Jai Ho, Super Nani and Dolly Ki Doli, was brought in to give the song additional impact. Still, apart from Sohai’s lithe moves, the boys’ dancing was a big let-down time.
While Humayun struggles to impart the energy needed on center stage, his trio of best men – Vasay Chaudhry, Ahmed Ali Butt and Hamza Ali Abbasi – seemed to have the worst of the moves allotted to them.
Maybe that’s why Hamza’s so mad at the movie.
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