Nayab, cherished by viewers and adored by audiences, has etched an indelible mark in the cinematic landscape. Under the guidance of two exceptionally gifted directors, it's unsurprising that the film was not only well-received domestically but also garnered acclaim internationally. Rumina Umair, with a robust background in arts and design from the Indus School of Arts and Architecture, and Umair Nasir Ali, armed with a formal filmmaking degree, are gratified by the recognition their work has garnered, describing it as "an endeavor to showcase the evolving facets of family values and culture amidst a constantly changing backdrop". Hailing from Karachi, they have witnessed the city's myriad transformations over the years.
The film has been viewed in at least six countries worldwide and has earned accolades at the Cannes Film Festival. Centered around cricket, family values, and cultural challenges faced by young athletes, Nayab adeptly portrays the contrasting fates of success and failure. The intricate journey women undertake when they deviate from societal norms is woven masterfully into the narrative, keeping viewers enthralled with every twist and turn.
The year 2003 marked a resurgence for Pakistan's film industry, with numerous new institutions offering filmmaking degrees, attracting many aspiring filmmakers. There has been a notable surge in individuals interested in producing films that mirror societal changes. Today's audiences are increasingly receptive to intellectually stimulating and meaningful stories.
Nayab marks the debut film for directors Rumina and Umair, who, after years in media and commercial production, ventured into a film that catered to neither a purely commercial nor a niche audience. They recognized the need for a hybrid film that bridged these categories. "Having interviewed numerous female cricketers in Pakistan, we were deeply moved by the hardships faced by many athletes in their homeland," the directing duo recounts. Nayab delves into the challenges faced by women in sports, intertwined with poignant family dynamics.
The film is punctuated with spectacular cricket sequences and heart-rending emotional scenes. The opening scene immerses the audience in a world brimming with emotions, controversies, personal triumphs, and setbacks. Scriptwriters Ali Abbas Naqvi and Basit Naqvi excel in storytelling, with each character meticulously crafted for a cast of equally talented actors. Yumna Zaidi's compelling performance and Jawaad Sheikh's portrayal of the head of a dynamic household are executed with finesse.
Nayab has expanded the horizon for hybrid films in the cinematic world. Its success is a testament to the public's appetite for intellectually engaging yet entertaining plots. The film's triumph is attributed to the collaborative efforts of Director Umair Nasir Ali, Producer Rumina Umair (Num Films), Umair Irfani (Kenneyz Films), Writers Basit and Ali Abbasi, and Executive Producers Agnes Kenney and David Kenney of Kenneyz Films, in association with Num Films.
