“Poppay Ki Wedding” follows a familiar formula often seen in Pakistani cinema, combining comedic elements with the grandeur of a traditional wedding. However, relying solely on these popular themes does not suffice to create a compelling film.
The most significant issue lies in the narrative execution and portrayal of a conservative family. While arranged marriages remain a reality, even the most traditional families, who genuinely care about their children’s futures, at least show photographs of the prospective bride or groom, even if direct conversations are not allowed.
Curiously, the film depicts this supposedly conservative family with a notable inconsistency. The women in the family are shown without traditional purdah and in modern attire, which contradicts the otherwise rigid adherence to old customs. If these scenes were meant to be satirical, they missed the mark, as the film earnestly promotes the wisdom of elders and their decisions.
Over the course of its two-hour runtime, “Poppay Ki Wedding” often feels amateurish. As a film critic, I usually avoid this term, preferring to acknowledge the professionalism of all filmmakers, whether they create feature-length films, shorts, or documentaries. Yet, in this case, the term seems unavoidable. The film industry in Pakistan, with a few exceptions like Shamyale Nasir, appears to be dominated by amateurs, evident in the performances of the entire cast.
If this film represents the current and future state of Pakistani cinema, one might argue that the industry needs a significant overhaul to meet professional standards.
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