Mah-e-Mir [8] is a story that follows the struggle of a contemporary poet and draws parallels with the events in Mir's life.[9] The film was co-distributed by Hum Films and Eveready Pictures on 6 May 2016 nationwide.[10]
Plot
The film's story focuses on the life of a modern-day poet named Jamal (Fahad Mustafa) going through a rough patch. The movie tries to draw parallels between Jamal's and Mir Taqi Mir's life with the story jumping from present day to Jamal's mind as he imagines himself to be Mir Taqi Mir in Lucknow focusing on the trials and tribulations that Mir once experienced (adapted from Mir's biography).[11] His conflict with the royal court, his romance with a tawaif, his ideals of bringing Urdu poetry to the people in the streets and his eventual madness in full moon; all reflected in his poetry.[12]
The music album launch ceremony was held in Dubai on 14 April 2016.[14][15] The first song promo namely Us ka Kharam Dekh Kar was released the very next day. The second song Jaag Musafir was launched on 28 April at Beaconhouse National University followed by next song Ye Dhoan Sa was released on SoundCloud on 2 May.
Production
Marketing
The teaser trailer of film was released on 9 May 2014.[16] On 23 March, first look poster of film was revealed followed by theatrical trailer the same night.[17][18] The MaheMir team ran a decent promotional campaign visiting several institutes including Iqra University, Indus University and shows which includes Jeeto Pakistan, Morning Show Sitaray Ki Subah, Jago Pakistan Jago
Release
Earlier, the film was scheduled to release on 6 November 2015 but it was postponed and was released on 5 May 2016 in U.A.E and in Pakistan on 6 May.[19] The film was premiered in Karachi.[20] It was given a Universal (U) rating by the Central Board of Film Censors (CBFC).[21]
Reception
Box office
According to BOD's prediction film might not have good business prior to film's big cast, as it was releasing opposite to Captain America: Civil War the same weekend.
Critical response
The film received huge praise for its creativity as The Express Tribune described it as "once in a blue moon film".
The film received good reviews from critics. Rafay Mahmood of The Express Tribune rated film 4/5 stars and verdicts "Watch the film with your friends and family. It is worth your money and initiates a constructive discourse".[22]
Mehreen Hasan of Dawn Images gave the film 4/5 stars and describes the film as "a rather prescient work that anticipates its every challenge in the box office, yet refuses to pander to what sells".[23]
Lisa Tsering from The Hollywood Reporter stated," The men’s performances are strong throughout. Mustafa captures the inner fire of a misunderstood writer (though we never see him, you know, writing) and does a decent job in bringing the Urdu poetry-heavy dialogue to life. Sehbai adds gravitas to his role as the elder poetry professor, and Khan puts in a spirited performance as Nawab. The women do not fare as well — Saeed simpers through her annoyingly mannered performance as the empowered female poet, and Ali’s face seems frozen into one expression as she delivers her lines in an unnaturally low growl".
Awards
Mah-e-Mir was awarded the Best Narrative Film Award at the Guam International Film Festival in 2016.[24]
