The much-anticipated Pakistani film Neelofar, starring Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan, has sparked a wave of disappointment among early viewers, despite months of hype, heavy promotion and star-studded marketing campaigns.
A widely shared online review described the film as visually striking but narratively hollow, calling it “a stunning showreel” that ultimately fails to sustain interest. According to the review, the story is “repetitive, dull, and drawn out,” leading to disengagement in the cinema, with some audience members reportedly leaving before the film ended. The reviewer rated the film 2 out of 5, praising only its production value and Mahira Khan’s performance as a visually impaired woman.
In the comments that followed, several users echoed similar sentiments. “Absolutely right,” wrote one viewer, while another lamented that filmmakers in the region often “spend money on big promotions rather than good storytelling.” Multiple commenters argued that the movie suffered from shallow writing, poor pacing and an inability to create emotional depth.
A separate, detailed critique circulating online further intensified the conversation, pointing to what viewers described as major inconsistencies in the film. The critic questioned the unclear time setting—an unusual blend of 1960s visuals, retro radios, and modern social media—calling it “confusion galore.” Concerns were also raised about underutilised veteran actors, abrupt character arcs, and what some saw as miscasting or weak performances.
Mahira Khan’s portrayal faced mixed reactions, with one reviewer comparing it unfavourably to Bollywood actor Kajol’s performance as a blind character in Fanaa. Fawad Khan, despite being one of Pakistan’s biggest stars, was described by some commentators as “just eye candy” in a role that lacked depth.
The film’s editing, script, and musical score also came under scrutiny, with viewers describing them as forgettable or poorly executed. Still, a few bright spots were acknowledged, including Behroze Sabzwari’s supporting role and the film’s cinematography.
Despite the criticism, some viewers encouraged others to watch Neelofar in theatres to support Pakistani cinema, even if the overall experience left many underwhelmed.
As online discussion continues to grow, the film’s reception highlights the ongoing debate within the Pakistani film industry: the struggle between high-budget spectacle and substantive storytelling. Whether box-office momentum can withstand the negative word-of-mouth remains to be seen.
