23/07/2023
Dear Sarmad Ali Sultan ( Sarmad Khoosat Official ),
I recently had the privilege of watching your film, *Zindagi Tamasha* (Circus of Life), and I am compelled to express my profound admiration and appreciation for your work.
Anurag Kashyap once said that for any regime to survive, the truth must not be documented. Your film, Sarmad, stands as a testament to this statement. Just as Kashyap has done in his work, you too have used your platform to speak the truth, to shock society into confronting its own reflection.
In *Zindagi Tamasha*, you have not shied away from presenting the raw, unvarnished truth. Your audacity to do so is both refreshing and inspiring. The film is not just a story; it is a journey—a journey that many Pakistanis may not be ready for, but one they undoubtedly need to undertake.
Your film is a mirror held up to society, reflecting the deep-seated hypocrisy that pervades our individual selves and our collective consciousness. It is a profound exploration of interpersonal relationships and the impact they have on each other.
In essence, *Zindagi Tamasha* is your modern reincarnation of Manto. It is a testament to your courage and storytelling prowess. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the power of cinema to reflect and challenge societal norms.
Your film, having a similar fate as Kashyap's Black Friday and Manto's Thanda Ghost, is in itself a statement that people are scared to look into a mirror that doesn't lie and tell them that they are beautiful, but instead tells them their ugly truths. But I appreciate how you lived up to Manto's statement, "Main tezheeb o tamdun aur society ki choli kya uta run ga jo hai hi nangi. Mein isey kapray pehnany ka kaam bhi nahi krta kyun k ye mera nahi darzi ka kaam."
As an aspiring filmmaker, I see your film not just as a piece of art to be appreciated, but also as a learning experience. Your film is a powerful example of how visual media can be used to reflect and challenge societal norms. It doesn't feel like a lecture, but rather a sincere effort to tell a story.
Thank you, Sarmad, for your audacious contribution to Pakistani cinema and for inspiring filmmakers like myself. Your work is a beacon of light in the realm of storytelling, and I eagerly look forward to your future projects.
With utmost respect and admiration,
Ahmed Rik
