Berlinale brightens grey days with premiere of 'Lali', a landmark of Pakistani cinema
In the grey melancholy of February days in Berlin, the Berlinale brought a colorful and vibrant refuge with the new film by Sarmad Sultan Khoosat. Known for his work in 'Circus of Life' and 'Joyland', both official representatives of Pakistan in the Oscar race with 'Joyland' receiving the jury prize at Cannes, Khoosat presented in Berlin his latest work, 'Lali'. This film is a milestone for being the first entirely Pakistani feature film to be presented at the Berlin International Film Festival, which had previously highlighted co-productions with the country.
'Lali', which had its world premiere in the Panorama section of the festival on February 14th, tells the story of a woman seen as a cursed bride and her husband, who pretends to be possessed as a way to control her. The narrative explores the complex hues of a marriage, from fear, shame, and tenderness to desire, violence, and superstition. At the center of the plot are the performances of Mamya Shajaffar and Channan Hanif, joined by Rasti Farooq, Farazeh Syed, and Mehr Bano, on a journey that investigates oppression and trauma.
Khoosat himself recounted the unexpected origin of the inspiration for 'Lali', coming from an actress he had previously worked with. Captivated by her short stories laden with psychology and influences from Jung and Freud, he ended up purchasing the rights and transforming them into the seed of the film. Additionally, the director emphasizes the symbolic and thematic use of the color red, prevalent in the film, contrasting with the original title which spoke of a 'Black Blanket'. This tone is also representative of wedding ceremonies on the Indian subcontinent, an integral part of the cultural context of the work.
Khoosat raised important reflections on the themes discussed in 'Lali', such as socio-cultural constructs and personal relationships, particularly shaped by the institution of marriage. He himself witnessed the way these unions intertwine in the social fabric through his parents' multiple marriages. As for the cast, he sought actors who steered clear of television cliches, prioritizing authenticity and freshness, including the choice of the practically newcomer to cinema Channan Hanif for one of the main roles.
The film also benefits from the music of Star Shah, a Punjabi hip-hop artist, who adds a unique sound layer, also composed of texts from the director's favorite poet, Shiv Batalvi. Khoosat expresses the belief that cinema should have the potential to transcend languages and cultures but emphasizes that any work must first fulfill its primary purpose. 'Lali', therefore, promises to be a sensory journey tied to its roots while pointing to a global reach.