Nayab is a Pakistani coming-of-age sports drama film, directed by Umair Nasir Ali in his directorial debut.[1] Set in Karachi, it features Yumna Zaidi in the title role, an aspiring cricketer desiring to play in the Cricket World Cup. Jawed Sheikh, M. Fawad Khan, and Noreen Gulwani appeared in prominent roles. It released theatrically in Pakistan on January 26, 2024, and on February 2 internationally.
| Nayab | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Umair Nasir Ali |
| Written by | Ali Abbasi Naqvi |
| Starring | Yumna Zaidi Jawed Sheikh Fawad Khan Noreen Gulwani |
Production companies | Kenneyz Films NUM Films |
Release date |
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Synopsis
editNayab is an aspiring cricketer, with zeal to play the world cup as a national team member. However, she needs the help and support of her family, especially the elder brother. Akka, a middle-class girl from Karachi, Pakistan, rebels against her parents' expectations of becoming something else.
Cast
edit- Yumna Zaidi as Nayab[2]
- Jawed Sheikh as Nayab's father
- M. Fawad Khan as Akber
- Usama Khan
- Huma Nawab
- Noreen Gulwani
- Hani Taha
- Shaheera Jalil Albasit
- Mohammed Ehteshamuddin
- Adnan Siddiqui[citation needed]
Production
editThe film was announced by Kenneyz Group on 4 January 2023, in collaboration with NUM Films.[3] Umair Nasir Ali was the director, making his debut role.[4] Though Yumna Zaidi, who played the lead character, has rejected many films offered to her. However, she said it was interesting not to decline the role since the film has a better storyline.[5][6]
For the filming, she went to many cricket tutorials and practices, and proceeded filming after Tere Bin.[7] The motion poster and trailer was released on December 2 and 10 of 2023 respectively.[8][9]
Reception
editBox office
editThe film initially collected 46 lacs PKR, and later 22 lacs PKR. In its forth week, it totally grossed 67 lacs PKR.[10]
Critical reception
editDAWN Images praised the film's script to showcasing the real issues and direction for attention to minor details.[11] The Express Tribune praised the acting performances of Fawad Khan, Ehteshamuddin, Jawed Sheikh but was critical of Zaidi's performance who lacks the "conviction and mannerism" to make the character convincing. The reviewer further criticised the film's pace, the "hurried and rushed" climax and the romantic track of the lead, and noted the lack of impactful sports related scenes.[12] The News International noted the banal of its story and humanising of the characters of the film.[13]
Accolades
edit| Award | Date of ceremony | Category | Recipient(s) | Result | Ref(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cannes Film Festival | May 2024 | Best Foreign Film | Nominated | Nayab | [14] |
| Best First Time Filmmaker | Won |
References
edit- ^ "'Nayab' the film's premiere night opens with bang in Karachi". The Nation. January 26, 2024.
- ^ "Usama Khan, Yumna Zaidi team up for sports film 'Nayab'". 24 August 2023.
- ^ "Kenneyz Group announces production of its first feature film about girl interested in cricket". The News International. January 4, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
- ^ Irfan ul Haq (2023-01-05). "Yumna Zaidi to star in feature film Nayab directed by Umair Nasir Ali". Dawn Images.
- ^ "Yumna Zaidi takes on 'Nayab' role". Dunya News. May 26, 2023.
- ^ "I have never thought too much about my looks: Yumna Zaidi". The Express Tribune. January 30, 2024. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
- ^ Maliha Rehman (January 21, 2024). "The Icon Interview: Yumna Zaidi And The Art Of Manifesting".
- ^ "Enter Nayab's world: Official poster for Yumna Zaidi's debut film unveiled". The Express Tribune. 2023-12-04.
- ^ "Yumna Zaidi shines in the trailer for 'Nayab'". 11 December 2023.
- ^ "Box Office: Nayab's First Week Totals Disappoint". Pakistani cinema.net. February 3, 2024. Archived from the original on February 3, 2024.
- ^ Abbas, Fizza (January 31, 2024). "Nayab review: The story of an average Pakistani girl who reached for the stars". Images.
- ^ Shafiq Ul Hasan Siddiqui (February 4, 2024). "Nayab Review: Where's The Sport?". The Express Tribune.
- ^ "3 films to watch this week". The News International. February 4, 2024.
- ^ "Yumna Zaidi starrer 'Nayab' wins Best Foreign Film, Best First-Time Filmmaker at Cannes". The Express Tribune. 31 May 2024. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
External links
editThis article needs additional or more specific categories. (May 2024) |