Is ‘Waapsi’ the return of good cinema?
GHULAM HUSSAIN

LAHORE: Will producer Shahzad Gul and first-time director, writer and lead actor Majid Abdul Razzak be able to save Lollywood from complete extinction? That is the million-dollar question the crisis-stricken film industry is asking, with regard to Majid’s latest offering, titled 'Waapsi – The Return'.
It is the industry’s sheer misfortune that today it is without its legendary film makers – the likes of Anwar Kamal Pasha, Riaz Shahid, Khalil Qaiser, Masood Pervez, Hassan Tariq, S Suleman, Munshi Dal, Farid Ahmad, Haider Chaudhry and Waheed Dar. In the present situation, Shahzad Gul and UAE based Majid Abdul Razzak deserve kudos for at least attempting to make a clean, entertaining film. All told, the director’s command on the film is superb. The cinematographer’s job is also commendable. Released Friday last, 'Waapsi – The Return' boasts the kind of stuff the educated cine-goer can find appeal in. Or, so the makers of the film claim.
Adapted for screen from the classic Alexander Dumas novel, ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’, the film has been shot at the beautiful locales of UAE and Pakistan. The cast of the film includes Majid Abdul Razzak, Veena Malik, Shamyl Khan, Arbaaz Khan, Saleem Sheikh, Imran Abbas, Mona Lisa, Amber, Shakeel, Maria Wasti, Faisal Rehman and Qavi Khan. Lyrics and dialogues have been written by Prof Aqeel Ruby, while music is composed by Wajahat Attre.
Saleem Sheikh plays a corrupt officer who is ready to step on his own father for his personal benefits. Maria Wasti plays his second wife. She is a jealous spouse and a scheming spouse.
'Waapsi' is a simple but passionate story of an ordinary man driven into revenge by force of circumstances.