First of all, let me clarify one thing – this is not a Mr. Pakistan contest, judging actors by their looks. It’s just a simple way of appreciating the talent of men who have done well in their films and will have an impact on the future of our film industry. This Eid saw Actor In Law, Janaan and Zindagi Kitni Haseen Hai released in cinemas and Maalik re-released; all the films are doing well and these men have proven that they are not less than any actor across the border. Yes, they are relatively rough around the edges but trust me, they will only get better in the years to come.
Fahad Mustafa
Fahad Mustafa is the Usain Bolt of Eid releases; three years ago he made a memorable film debut with Na Maloom Afraad and this year he returned to the race with Actor In Law. He can dance, he can romance and he can definitely deliver dialogues from the heart. From the very beginning of the film, Mustafa delivers his dialogues with such strength that one can safely see him becoming one of the greatest actors of Pakistan. While we may have seen this wannabe-actor-character on our screens before, Shan Mirza was definitely a fresh take. The momentum has been building for this star- he made his presence felt in Na Maloom Afraad, built it up further with his stint on Jeeto Pakistan, proved his acting prowess in Mah-e-Mir and now has really marked his territory in the Pakistani film industry with Actor-in-Law. If he maintains this speed, Mustafa can go on to become one of the biggest things in Pakistani cinema.
Acting Prowess: 5/5
Innovation of Character: 4/5
Looks: 4/5
Engaging the Audience: 5/5
Total: 18/20
Ali Rehman Khan
He came, he saw and he conquered; that’s Ali Rehman Khan for you. The Dayar-e-Dil actor excelled all expectations with his character in Janaan (that reminded us a little of Johnny Bravo), a flamboyant womanizer who never ends up getting the girl. For someone who has been part of indie films that haven’t been released in Pakistan (Slackistan and Gol Chakkar), this film puts him on the map. He doesn’t play the main lead but has the best lines in the screenplay and while he doesn’t stand a chance against his cousin-brother in the film in gaining Armeena’s love, the audience ends up falling for him because of his antics. We hope to see more of this talented actor on the big screen.
Acting Prowess: 5/5
Innovation of Character: 4/5
Looks: 4/5
Engaging the Audience: 4/5
Total: 17/20
Feroze Khan
He’s the younger brother of actress Humaima Malick; Feroze Khan has been doing well on TV, with serials such as Chup Raho and Gul-e-Rana to his credit. He transferred the same energy and star power in his film Zindagi Kitni Haseen Hai, by effortlessly portraying the role of a man who refuses to grow up despite becoming a father. Khan has shown maturity in his acting, which not many youngsters are able to master in their first films. He has a bright future ahead of him and to ensure his place in this industry, he must select his films sensibly.
Acting Prowess: 4/5
Innovation of Character: 4/5
Looks: 4/5
Engaging The Audience: 4/5
Total: 16/20
Bilal Ashraf
For a young man who has the looks of a Hollywood hero, Bilal Ashraf has all the makings of becoming a big star. Unfortunately, he doesn’t deliver his acting skills as well as one would have hoped. He comes out as a shy boy in love who doesn’t have the courage to tell his sweetheart that he loves her. But when he is angry, well, let’s just say that you don’t want him angry. He is tall, broad and handsome (some find him cute) and is working in as many as four under production films including Yalghaar, Jhol, Waar 2 and Rangreza. Displaying his range as an actor will take him to the top and one hopes that he fulfills the role of an action hero because he fits the bill.
Acting Prowess: 3/5
Innovation of Character: 4/5
Looks: 5/5
Engaging the Audience: 3/5
Total: 15/20
Usman Mukhtar
Usman Mukhtar may be new to commercial films but not to acting. Having prior experience with theatre, as well as directing art films, Mukhtar comes out as a polished actor in Janaan. He is the bridegroom from Punjab who is interested in the Swati bride and that makes him the butt of all jokes. He has delved into a wide range of characters in the past, from portraying Imran Khan in Anwar Maqsood Ka Dharna to his character in Gol Chakkar. Trust me, he isn’t as shy as the guy he plays in Janaan and you will see him in a different avatar in IRK Films’ next production, Parchee, releasing next year. We wish him all the best for the future. By the way, he resembles Johnny Depp when he sports a moustache and a beard. Perhaps he should sport that look again for his fans.
Acting Prowess: 4/5
Innovation of Character: 4/5
Looks: 3/5
Engaging the Audience: 3/5
Total: 14/20
Bonus: Ashir Azeem
The Dhuwan actor makes a triumphant return to cinema screens with Maalik, a film initially banned by the government but allowed by the Honorable Court just in time for Eid ul Adha. Ashir Azeem entered the field of showbiz after more than two decades but people – especially his Dhuwan fans – were waiting to see their favourite action hero on the big screen. He is in the bonus category because he is no match for the younger lot; when he became a heartthrob, most of these actors were youngsters themselves and who knows, some of them might have wanted to be ASP Azhar, someday.
