Some interesting trivia first: Filmistaan released in 2014 in the theatres, 2 years after it finished its run at various Film Festivals of the world where it won numerous awards and acclaim. It is the directorial debut of Nitin Kakkar, the director of Jawaani Jaaneman. It has also won the National Award for ‘Best Feature Film’. It holds a score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and was highly praised by critics. However, this film did not gain pathbreaking popularity amidst the movie-goers and nor did it leave a lasting impression owing to its low budget and lesser-known star-cast. But it deserves every bit of it. Under the spotlight, this Friday is, FILMISTAAN.

“Cinema has no boundaries. It is a ribbon of dreams.” – Orson Welles. Filmistaan is a film that celebrates cinema and sheds light on how it has the power to unite people of different nationalities. Cinema is a world in itself in which everyone resides regardless of all the differences.

The plot revolves around an aspiring actor who works as an AD in Bollywood who is mistakenly kidnapped by a group of terrorists and is held hostage in Pakistan. This character played by Sharish Hashmi is of an out-and-out Bollywood lover who remembers films line to line and can die for cinema. The way he connects with the villagers of the Pakistan town and becomes a part of them is just mesmerizing to see. His acting is just too innocent and on-point. The plot of this film is so simple yet attempts to speak about so many important issues centered around the India-Pakistan rivalry. Another highlight of the film to look out for is Inaamulhaq’s outstanding performance as Aftab.

The only downside of the film is its length. After the plot has shifted to and established in the Pakistan town, it spends a lot of time there making it succumb to monotony. Apart from this, Filmistaan is a super delightful film that will make you dive in nostalgia as it brings up 90s cinema and music quite a few times. It is an extremely light watch and will make you smile. If you are a Bollywood fanatic, just like me, you will love this film like crazy!