Producer-director Pervez Malik was influential in promoting films that addressed patriotism and evoked a sense of national pride. He was part of the quartet — comprising Waheed Murad, Sohail Rana and Masroor Anwar and him — who were behind the production of Pakistan’s first platinum Jubilee Film Armaan (1966).

Pervez Malik began producing and directing ‘meaningful’ films from 1974 onwards, and was successful in bringing back together superstars Waheed Murad and Muhammad Ali after eight years, in Dushman (1974).

In 1984, Pervez conceptualised, produced and directed Kamyaabi, where the narrative focused on a young man who loses touch with his family after moving to Canada. A Pak-Canadian co-production, Kamyaabi tackled issues within the Pakistani community in Canada.

The protagonist Nadeem, as Tariq Ali, is a widower who turns into a playboy, always using the pick-up line: “Main ne tumhari jaisi khoobsurat larrki nahin dekhi, na Hindustan mein, na Pakistan mein, na USA mein, na hi Canada mein [I have never come across a more beautiful girl than you, either in Hindustan, Pakistan, USA or Canada].”

Lollywood has produced numerous films that have addressed patriotism and evoked national pride. Producer-director Pervez Malik’s Kamyaabi, released exactly 40 years ago, was ahead of its times, highlighting the still-persistent issue of brain drain from Pakistan

Master Khurram, who earlier essayed the role of Nadeem’s son in Pervez Malik’s Qurbani (1981), shone as Shaan in Kamyaabi. As a 10-year-old, Master Khurram is shown to have a deep connection with his grandparents, highlighting the respect for one’s roots, amidst changing times and modern influences.

Sent to stay with his father for a few days, Shaan gets confused between right and wrong. He cannot stand the fact that the father he adores is on the wrong path. Shaan and Tariq both get attracted to Nausheen, a Pakistani girl who works in Canada, in their own peculiar ways. Tariq starts to dislike Nausheen, however, especially when he finds out that she wants him to return to his roots in Pakistan.

Kamyaabi explores themes of identity, the impact of a Western lifestyle on traditional desi values, and individuals who forget the struggles their families endured for their success. Talat Hussain and Sabiha Khanum play prominent roles as Shaan’s loving grandparents.

Talat Hussain’s portrayal of the grandfather, in particular, was highly acclaimed and the actor received significant praise for his performance. He acted the role of a 70-year-old effortlessly, despite being merely in his 40s at the time.

Talking to Icon on the phone, the now 83-year-old Nadeem was all praises for Talat Hussain, who also played his friend and mentor in countless other films.

“Talat Hussain and I were classmates at Islamia College, Karachi, long before we joined the industry. It was in the ’60s and neither of us was aware of what the future had in store for us. He was a remarkable actor, and his convincing portrayal of my character Tariq Ali’s father in Kamyaabi highlights his exceptional talent.”

Interestingly, Talat Hussain also played a potential suitor for Shabnam’s character Shama in Bandish (1980), where she gets married to Nadeem’s character, while in Pervez Malik’s Gumnaam (1983), he played the role of Shabnam’s father, the girl who is in love with Nadeem’s character.

Kamyaabi also stars film star Nanna as Khan Baba, a misfit in the West. The Pakhtun labourer who sold off his belongings only to be with his son, is seen frequently uttering the line: “Oh mere khudaya, main kidharr phans gai [Oh my Lord, what have I landed myself into].” In the film, Khan Baba’s character is on the verge of being sent to an old person’s home when Tariq Ali decides to take him along with him back to Pakistan.

Veteran film writer Ali Sufyan Afaqi wrote the dialogues of a story that delves into the personal and societal obstacles faced by Pakistanis in Canada. Filmed in Ontario’s capital Toronto, Kamyaabi showcases iconic locations such as the Niagara Falls, the CN Tower and other landmarks, enhancing the film’s visual appeal and authenticity.

The music composed by M. Ashraf and the lyrics by Masroor Anwar contributed to a highly successful soundtrack. The song ‘Jo zamanay mein himmat na haaray’ by Ghulam Ali, filmed on the grandfather Dada Jaan, doles out perfect advice to the young generation who prefer to move abroad rather than to get their own house in order.

Naheed Akhtar’s ‘Chalo chalain Papa hum apnay Pakistan mein’ became quite famous at the time, as did ‘Hai apnay watan se pyaar humain’, filmed on actress Shabnam.

Kamyaabi was a collaborative effort largely driven by Pervez Malik’s vision. The subject matter, chosen by Malik, was ahead of its time and remains relevant even today.

“Malik’s commitment to meaningful cinema guided our performances, ensuring they aligned with his vision,” reminisces Nadeem, who had worked with Pervez Malik since 1970.

Kamyaabi, released exactly 40 years ago, highlights the issue of brain drain in Pakistan, a persistent problem affecting various professional sectors. Kamyaabi, along with Gumnaam (1983) and Ghareebon Ka Badshah (1989), received tax exemptions from the federal government.

However, Pervez Malik chose to return the exemption letters, citing that, in an ongoing tussle between the central and provincial governments, it would ultimately be the producer who would endure the most hardships.

Nevertheless, the box office success of Kamyaabi is proof that Pervez Malik was a visionary producer-director. Its subject matter these days is quite common, and Pakistan continues losing talent to other countries at an amazing pace.

Published in Dawn, ICON, August 11th, 2024