Dukhtar, 2014.
Directed by Afia Nathaniel.
Starring Samiya Mumtaz, Mohib Mirza, and Saleha Aref.
SYNOPSIS:
Fleeing with her ten-year-old daughter after the girl is promised in marriage as part of a peace treaty, the wife of a tribal chieftain is pursued through the mountains by both her husband and the intended groom’s henchmen.
A tribal conflict in Pakistan requires an adolescent daughter of one chief to marry the elderly chief of another. A marriage ceremony is planned except mother and daughter have fled leading to a pursuit that if they are caught death will be a certainty for them. Escaping from the compound the parent and child encounter a former Mujahid turned truck driver who becomes an indispensable ally.
In the scene where the daughter is teaching the mother how to speak English one can see that there is a strong bond between the two of them. The father is not entirely heartless as he values achieving peace with his rival over the welfare of his child. Complicating matters is the love infatuated brother-in-law who is determined to make sure that no other man takes her away from him. Executions take place emphasizing the danger of the situation of disgracing the honour of the tribe.
A tape recorder is cleverly utilized and the chase through the maze constructed compound allowing for the thriller elements of the story to take centre stage. The dream sequences which suggest an impending danger add a sense of mystery. What is spectacular is the rugged landscape which is imposing, dangerous and beautiful all at the same time. The production crew has made the most of the on-location settings, especially, when travelling through the mountain passes.
The precocious acting of Saleha Aref (Sim Sim Hamara) endears herself to the audience. On the other hand, Mohib Mirza (Josh) is not entirely believable as a man who quickly falls in love with the woman he is trying to help as it feels like a Harlequin romance has been inserted into the narrative equation. There is no doubt that matter of child brides is an important issue that needs to be addressed but Dukhtar is unable to capitalize upon the tension established in the beginning; it dissipates as the story progresses rather than heightening the element of danger which lessens the dramatic impact.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★★/ Movie: ★★
Originally published September 13, 2014. Updated April 13, 2018.
