Introduction –
Har Daur Mein Thay Zinda Go Rehte Pardaposh
Har Daur Mein Rehenge Yeh MUFTNOSH
Yet another classic tale from Saadat Hasan Manto and this one is set in the pre-partition era in India, around World War II period. British authorities diverted several essential and nonessential goods towards Europe where the army was engaged in a war. Daily products were rationed, leisure items like cigarettes also came under strict control and therefore often sold in black market. In such a situation, creative folks were the worst sufferers. Like Manto, many writers and poets found the going difficult. Muftnosh is about Manto’s encounter with people who were always on the prowl for a free cigarette.
Synopsis –
Muftnosh is divided into eight different incidents.
In each event Manto is forced to share his cigarette, most of which are comical / witty in nature. Manto shows no anger or frustration which is what makes every encounter a joy to watch.
Manto feels that the world is full of freeloaders, exploiting the good and the docile. After the last event he decides to quit smoking because it is becoming impossible to sustain. The film ends on a poetic note when even a half-used cigarette discarded by him is not spared. One of his neighbors picks it up and takes few gratifying puffs.
Analysis –
What we usually like about Saadat Hasan Manto’s Films is the generous sprinkle of Urdu quotes. Muftnosh too has a bouquet of thought provoking ones. A couple of them touched us. The first is mentioned at the top of this review while the other one goes like this –
Yeh Lat Naa Jism Ke Liye Sehatmand Hai Naa Jeb Ke Liye – This vice is not good for health and neither for pocket.
Most of the quotes in Muftkosh are wrapped in satire and wittiness. Writer, director Muhammad Aasim Qamar could have turned this into a profound piece of visual art had the film been shot as a “Real Cinema” something akin to “Mirza Ghalib” instead of scenes superimposed with narration. Nonetheless, it still made a big impact on our minds. Shot in B&W to complement the mid-1940’s era, Muftnosh is a unique film which resonates even in these contemporary times. It reflects amazing visual sensibility and a painstaking observance of human nature.
2016 Muhammad Aasim Qamar Muhammad Aasim Qamar 11 Minutes Uncommonsense Films | YouTube