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Arth – The Destination
Film poster
Directed byShaan Shahid
Written byShaan Shahid
Based onArth
by Mahesh Bhatt
Produced byHammad Chaudhry
Faraz Chaudhry
Shaan Shahid
StarringShaan Shahid
Uzma Hassan
Humaima Malick
Mohib Mirza
CinematographyMuaz Iqbal
Edited bySagheer Ahmed
Garry Madisonas[1]
Music bySahir Ali Bagga
Production
companies
Cinestar
5th Element
Distributed byHKC Entertainment
Release dates
  • 21 December 2017 (2017-12-21) (Pakistan)
  • 22 December 2017 (2017-12-22) (Worldwide)
Running time
133 minutes[2]
CountryPakistan
LanguageUrdu
Box officeRs. 13.5 million (US$47,000)[3]

Arth – The Destination is a 2017 Pakistani romantic drama film, written, directed and co-produced by Shaan Shahid under his banner 5th Element. It stars Shahid as Ali, a struggling musician, with Humaima Malick, Mohib Mirza and Uzma Hassan in lead roles. It is a Pakistani remake based on Mahesh Bhatt's 1982 film Arth.

Pre-production began in August 2013 when the film was announced by Shahid. Principal photography began in December 2015 in Lahore and concluded in London in October 2016. Film music has been given by Sahir Ali Bagga. Post-production took place in Pinewood Studios. The film released worldwide on 22 December 2017, under the co-production of Faraz Chaudhry's Cinestar and film distributor Hammad Chaudhry's HKC Entertainment.

Plot

[edit]

Ali, a struggling musician, comes back to Pakistan from London to continue his music work as he is not getting good work there. When he comes to his hometown, he meets Uzma, a writer, whose marriage with her husband Umer, a film director, is in turmoil because of an up-and-coming actress.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

Development

[edit]

Shaan Shahid revealed in August 2013 to The Times of India that when Mahesh Bhatt called him to remake Arth in Pakistani version, he was excited. "The movie will be made in an Urdu version and it's going to a multi level movie with actors from both the countries", he said.[8][9] Hammad Chaudhry; film distributor and co-producer said, "Arth 2 is a contemporary take on relationships in modern Pakistan but the essence of the original is intact," adding that Bhatt has "also come on board as mentor."[10] Co-producer Ali Murtaza said to HIP, "We've packaged the old characters [of original Arth] in a fresh screenplay with a new plot".[11] Shahid said to Pakistan Today, "As a writer, for me, it was challenging to take that film out of a condensed art form, add flavour to it and make it into something new".[12]

Bhatt said to the Dawn newspaper that it was the film he started his career with. He commented that Shahid "has complete freedom to reinterpret it however he wishes" and "I am very keen to see" it.[13] Shahid too shared, "I offered him money to buy the rights but he said he doesn't want it." He told that Bhatt said to him, "Just give me credit and make it a symbol of Indo-Pak friendship."[14]

An MoU was signed between ARY Films and Riaz Shahid Films on 23 November 2013 for 5 films.[15] It also included Arth 2, however, ARY Films withdrew their support.[16] Shaan Shahid then clarified later in December 2017 interview with Samaa TV that he believes "such an act limits the scope of the film" that's why he didn't go to media houses.[17]

Casting

[edit]

Humaima Malick's name was also revealed as the film was announced.[9] The cast of film was announced in May 2014, it includes Uzma Hassan. Earlier Humayun Saeed was cast,[18][19] but due to ARY Films left, Mohib Mirza replaced him later in December 2015.

In an interview to Samaa TV, Malick told that when Arth 2 was offered to her, she was busy in "Raja Natwarlal and Dekh Magar Pyaar Say". She said that the director told her, "this character was written for me" and "said that if I didn't do it, he will not do it." Mirza told that as the "director had his own vision and nuances set for the character," so he tried to "conceive and portray an already established role" and delivered in his own blended way.[17]

Filming

[edit]

Filming began on 1 December 2015 in Lahore on an occasion where director celebrated his 25 years working in Pakistani cinema. The actress Neelo performed film slate's fist clap.[20] Parts were also filmed in Bristol and Scotland.[12] Final leg of filming took place in London from August 2016;[21] and wrapped up in October.[22] Muaz Iqbal has served as film's cinematographer in Pakistan, and Tim wood in Bristol and Scotland.[15]

Shaan Shahid confirmed to HIP that Arth 2 and Zarrar will be the first two Pakistani films to have their post-production in a British film studio; Pinewood Studios, London.[23] The editing and grading stage started in August 2016. It took more than two years to complete the whole production.[24] He said, "Films should not be part of the politics; the intellectual elite of both [India and Pakistan] shouldn't be part of this mayhem".[17]

Promotion

[edit]

The film cast teamed up with the UN Women and launch a campaign #EndViolenceAgainstWomen, because the film plot also revolves around multiple social issues including gender equality and the empowerment of women.[25] Shahid said to The News on Sunday, "I feel the tagline 'Decisions determine destiny' is what the film stands for. It is about the power of a single woman."[24]

Soundtrack

[edit]
Arth – The Destination
Soundtrack album by
various artists
Released7 December 2017
Recorded2015–17
GenreSoundtrack
Length55:52
LabelHKC Music
ProducerSahir Ali Bagga
Sahir Ali Bagga chronology
Balu Mahi
(2017) 		Arth – The Destination
(2017)

The soundtrack and score for the film has been given by Sahir Ali Bagga. "The songs are actually of my own genre and style. I haven't sought inspiration from any Indian or Western styles." He told The Express Tribune that "All songs are new and we haven't used the age-old formula of forcing through" each genre song, because "a guitarist of today is different from that of the 80s."[26]

No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Sanwar De Khudaya"Rahat Fateh Ali Khan7:24
2."Ronay De"Sahir Ali Bagga4:05
3."Aadat"Sana Zulfiqar4:21
4."Murshed Ji"Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Sahir Ali Bagga6:36
5."Fana Huay"Parisa Farooq3:51
6."Kabhi Main Sochta Hoon"Sahir Ali Bagga4:35
7."Roohon Kay Darmiyan"Sahir Ali Bagga6:58
8."Kyun Hai"Sahir Ali Bagga4:23
9."Hone Do"Aima Baig5:53
10."Tum Itna"Sahir Ali Bagga3:28
11."Naya Eik Rabt Paida Kyun Karein"Humaima Malick1:12
12."Yeh Tum Ho Key Tumhari Yaad"Shaan Shahid1:00
13."Yeh Rishta Abhi Zinda Hai"Uzma Hassan0:51
14."Kuch Safar Manzilon Say Shuru"Shaan Shahid1:15
Total length:55:52

Release

[edit]

After four official teasers, which introduced the characters of the film to the audience;[27][28] the film's trailer released on 20 October 2017.[29] The film had a limited release in Pakistan on 21 December 2017, a day before its worldwide release on 22 December.

Critical reception

[edit]

The film had a premiere event the same day of its release in Lahore.[30] It failed to impress most of the critics and audience.[2]

For Dunya News, Maleeha Mengal praised the music but commented that the film "might soon be forgotten, without a perfect destination but for perfectly logical reasons."[31] Tehreem Azeem praised Uzma Hassan, but criticized its bold scenes and dialogues and said that she wished she had had a remote to fast forward the film.[32] Mahwash Ajaz rated 3 out of 5 stars and praised the film, while she too criticized some of its bold scenes.[33] Dr Tooba Nawaz referred to the film as "masala movie" and too praised Uzma Hassan and film music.[34] For The Express Tribune, Rahul Aijaz too praised the music and Hassan, but rated only 1.5 stars out of 5, saying "There is little entertainment and the message is clouded by amateurish technical errors".[35] Syeda Fizza Hasan Rizvi rated 4 out of 5 stars and praised it, "the movie itself is one emotional rollercoaster ride where you will feel everything".[36]

Shahjehan Saleem of Something Haute rated it 3 stars out of 5 and said that the film "is far from a failure, but also far from perfection", adding, "Despite its shortcomings, the film's strong cast manages" to "veer it towards success."[37] A reviewer from HIP said, "The look of the film is great, but the emotional connect is lacking apart from except probably [Hassan …] However, this film has stretched boundaries for the industry that is for sure."[38] Ayesha Amin of The Nation praised the visual effects and music, but said, "The storyline was not well-defined […] The movie could have been simpler and better, instead of being so dramatic."[39] Manal Faheem Khan of The News International said, "It's dramatic, has an urban flavour, an impressive star cast, is engaging and moves fast. But it's still a badly made film."[40] Yusra Jabeen of DAWN Images praised only Hassan as "the only thing good about Arth 2", while she said that the film was "an absolute disservice" to the "original 1982 classic", as the "basic concept" was "completely let [gone]".[41] Khurram Sohail of Dawn News praised the storytelling, but said that the music could be the only reason to fail the box office numbers.[42]

Dr Dushka H Saiyid of Youlin Magazine said, "It is a film with an interesting storyline and good acting, but the screenplay and directing leave room for improvement."[43] Maman Hussain of Daily Times commented, "Despite strong performances by all four characters, the film lacked expertise on technical grounds", adding that it "is bound to be the success it is truly meant for".[44] Saneela Jawad of Pakistan Today rated 3.5 out of 5 stars and praised it, giving verdict that it "isn't a flawed movie; one wouldn't call it a complete fail, but wouldn't categorize as a perfect movie either."[45] Meshal Ashraf Cheema of Daily Pakistan too praised its cast and music and said, "This film should be named as 'Shaan's Film'", while she criticized its camera work.[46] Omair Alavi praised the music, but rated 2 out of 5 stars and wrote to MAG The Weekly, "Most of the things about Arth were wrong even before the film hit the screens."[47]

Accolades

[edit]
Ceremony Won Nominated
17th Lux Style Awards
[48][49]
  • Rahat Fateh Ali Khan – Best Male Singer for "Sanwar De Khudaya"
  • Uzma Hassan – Best Actress
  • Humaima Malick – Best Supporting Actress
  • Sahir Ali Bagga – Best Male Singer for "Murshed Ji"
  • Sana Zulfiqar – Best Female Singer for "Aadat"
4th Galaxy Lollywood Awards[50]
  • Sahir Ali Bagga – Best Music
  • Yasir Hussain – Best Special Appearance
  • Shaan Shahid – Best Actor in a Leading Role Male
  • Uzma Hassan – Best Actor in a Leading Role Female
  • Mohib Mirza – Best Actor in a Supporting Role Male
  • Humaima Malick – Best Actor in a Supporting Role Female
  • Uzma Hassan – Best Female Debut
  • Rahat Fateh Ali Khan – Best Playback Singer Male for "Sanwar De Khudaya"
  • Sahir Ali Bagga – Best Playback Singer Male for "Ronay De"
  • "Sanwar De Khudaya" – Song of the Year
  • Ali Azmat – Best Special Appearance
  • Mohib Mirza and Humaima Malick – Best On-Screen Couple
  • Uzma Hassan's pre-interval confrontation scene – Cinematic Moment of the Year

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Arth - The Destination

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
is a 2017 Pakistani -language romantic drama film written, directed, and co-produced by under his production banner 5th Element. The narrative centers on a struggling who forms a connection with a grappling with her film director husband's involving an aspiring actress, exploring intertwined stories of emotional turmoil, artistic pursuit, and the quest for personal purpose—reflected in the title's term "arth," denoting meaning or essence. Featuring in the lead role alongside , Uzma Hassan, and others, the film premiered on December 21, 2017, and includes a prominent with tracks such as "Sanwar Dey Khudaya" performed by . While earning commendations for its poignant dialogues, strong performances—particularly Shaan's—and ambitious storytelling within Pakistani cinema, it faced critique for uneven pacing and overemphasis on the director's , resulting in mixed critical reception and moderate commercial performance. Regarded by supporters as one of Shaan Shahid's most invested passion projects, it highlights themes of impermanence in relationships and creative redemption amid the industry's challenges.

Synopsis

Plot Summary

centers on a whose marriage to a husband unravels amid professional strains and his involvement with an aspiring ahead of a key release. The narrative tracks her encounter with a struggling , initiating explorations of personal dissatisfaction and relational discord. Interlaced storylines depict the quests of four principal figures—the writer, her husband, the musician, and the actress—for purpose amid ambitions, betrayals, and existential voids. The film, inspired by the 1982 Indian drama Arth, reimagines themes of and through these characters' converging paths in Pakistan's creative milieu.

Cast and Characters

Principal Roles

Shaan Shahid portrays Ali, a struggling musician and singer whose artistic pursuits intersect with the personal crises of others in the story. Uzma Hassan plays Uzma, a and devoted admirer of Ali's work, navigating turmoil in her marriage to a amid professional and emotional strains. Humaima Malick embodies Umaima, an aspiring film actress whose rising prominence contributes to the relational conflicts within Uzma's household. Mohib Mirza depicts Umar, the film director husband of Uzma, whose involvement with Umaima exacerbates the marital discord central to the narrative.

Production

Development and Writing

Arth – The Destination originated as an of Mahesh Bhatt's 1982 Bollywood Arth, with serving as writer, director, and co-producer. scripted the to update the narrative for modern audiences, relocating the primary action to present-day and while retaining core themes of marital discord and personal redemption. In an interview, Shahid explained his development approach, selecting Arth for its cross-border resonance to produce an "art film" appealing to viewers in Pakistan and India alike. The screenplay emphasizes self-discovery amid relational turmoil, portraying upper-middle-class Muslim characters who converse in English-inflected dialogue to reflect contemporary urban elites. This adaptation diverges from the original by incorporating stylistic elements like stylized visuals and musical sequences, though critics noted the script's occasional lapses into melodramatic excess.

Casting Process

The casting for Arth - The Destination was handled by directors Sahil Baber Khan and Naila Mughal, under the oversight of , who wrote, directed, and starred in the . cast himself in the central role of fading musician grappling with personal and professional decline, adapting the character's arc from the original 1982 Indian Arth. For the pivotal role of Uzma, a and devoted fan who enters Ali's tumultuous life, television actress Uzma Hassan was selected, representing her entry into feature films after prior work in . Humaima Malick, known for her roles in films like Bol, was chosen as Umaima, the ambitious film star embodying glamour and moral ambiguity, to capitalize on her established screen presence and appeal. , with experience in both television and cinema including , filled the role of Umar, Ali's conflicted associate, selected for his ability to convey layered emotional depth. The ensemble was assembled to localize the remake's interpersonal dynamics for a Pakistani context, prioritizing actors who could authentically portray the themes of , redemption, and self-discovery without relying on overt star power beyond Shahid's involvement. Additional supporting roles, including cameos by musicians like , were integrated to enhance the narrative's musical elements.

Filming and Technical Aspects

The principal photography for Arth - The Destination incorporated international locations, with key scenes filmed in London, England. was handled by Muaz Iqbal, whose work emphasized long shots, dynamic lighting, and visual grading to enhance the film's dramatic tone. The production utilized digital capture, resulting in a color feature with a runtime of 134 minutes. involved by Sagheer Ahmed and Garry Madisonas, commencing in August 2016 and spanning over two months for grading and final cuts. was overseen by Scott Rockingham, with additional sound by Cristina Aragon, contributing to the film's musical sequences featuring playback singers like . Technical execution drew mixed commentary, with some observers noting inconsistencies in pacing despite strengths in visual composition.

Music and Soundtrack

Composition and Tracks

The soundtrack for Arth - The Destination was composed, arranged, and produced by , who also contributed vocals to select tracks. The original motion picture soundtrack album, containing 14 tracks blending Sufi influences, romantic ballads, and melodic pop elements typical of Bagga's style, was released digitally on December 7, 2017, ahead of the film's theatrical debut. Key vocal tracks feature prominent Pakistani artists, including on devotional and emotional numbers, emphasizing themes of love, longing, and spirituality aligned with the film's narrative of marital strife and self-discovery. The album's production incorporated traditional instrumentation like strings and percussion with contemporary electronic touches, resulting in a runtime of approximately 54 minutes.
Track No.TitlePrimary Artist(s)Duration (approx.)
1Sanwar Dey Khudaya7:24
2Ronay Dey4:05
3AadatSana Zulfiqar4:21
4Murshed Ji, 5:00
5Fana HuayParisa Farooq4:30
Additional tracks, such as instrumentals and background score pieces like "Kabhi Main Sochta Hoon" and "Roohon Kay Darmiyan," support the film's dramatic tension but received less individual promotion compared to the lead singles. "Sanwar Dey Khudaya" served as the primary promotional song, released with a on November 17, 2017, garnering attention for its qawwali-inspired melody.

Release

Distribution and Marketing

The film was distributed in by HKC Entertainment, led by Hammad Chaudhry, in collaboration with Distribution Club, with a worldwide theatrical release commencing on December 22, 2017. HKC Entertainment handled key aspects of exhibition, including screenings in major Pakistani cities, while limited international distribution reached overseas markets such as . Marketing efforts centered on leveraging Shaan Shahid's star power as director, , and lead , alongside the film's inspiration from Mahesh Bhatt's 1982 classic Arth. Promotional campaigns included multiple trailer releases, with the first official trailer unveiled on October 20, 2017, and a subsequent version on November 28, 2017, both shared via to build anticipation for the December rollout. Social media platforms like and were utilized for teasers, posters, and behind-the-scenes content, managed by a dedicated team including marketing executives Irfan Basit and Sahar Iqbal. Additional hype was generated through song launches, such as the track "Murshed Ji" featuring vocals by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Sahir Ali Bagga, promoted via Shaan Shahid's personal channels to highlight the soundtrack's appeal. Shahid participated in extensive promotional rounds, including media interviews and public appearances, positioning the film as a poignant exploration of personal purpose amid marital strife. Advance posters emphasized the ensemble cast, including Humaima Malick and Uzma Hassan, to attract audiences seeking emotional drama. Despite these initiatives, the campaign faced challenges in a competitive release window against films like Rangreza.

Box Office and Financial Performance

Arth - The Destination, released on December 22, 2017, in , opened to approximately PKR 1 domestically during its first weekend. By the end of five days, collections stood at around PKR 1.35 . The film's first week earned PKR 1.9 , with total domestic gross reaching PKR 2.01 after ten days, after which earnings sharply declined. Internationally, the film had limited release, grossing $11,591 in the over its opening weekend on 20 screens, representing its total earnings there. Reported worldwide from tracked markets totaled $13,503, though this excludes comprehensive domestic figures from . The was not publicly disclosed, but the film's low earnings relative to promotional hype and star power led to its classification as a disaster and commercial underperformer in . Despite this, it contributed to Shaan Shahid's portfolio as a producer-director, though financial recovery remained challenging given the dismal returns.

Reception

Critical Response

Critics offered mixed responses to Arth – The Destination upon its December 2017 release, with praise for its emotional resonance and performances tempered by criticisms of directorial excess and stylistic pretensions. The film, a of Mahesh Bhatt's 1982 Arth, was commended by some for its stylized narration and high emotional charge, particularly in exploring interpersonal turmoil and self-discovery among its four protagonists. Performances drew positive notes, with Shaan Shahid's portrayal of the struggling musician Ali highlighted for its sincerity, and Uzma Hassan's debut as the writer Uzma earning acclaim for emotional depth, though Humaima Malick's role as the actress was seen as archetypal. However, detractors faulted the film for prioritizing visual flair over narrative coherence, describing it as an "exercise in Shaan's ego satisfaction" due to Shahid's multifaceted involvement as , director, , and lead actor, which led to uneven pacing and contrived subplots shoehorned into the source material. The use of pseudo-English dialogues in affected accents was widely panned as an attempt to appear sophisticated, undermining authenticity and alienating viewers seeking relatable interactions. Critics also noted the film's muddled tone, blending with experimental shots that evoked found-footage unsuited to the story, resulting in a that felt withdrawn and less impactful than the original's raw . Aggregate scores reflected this divide, with user ratings averaging 5.6 out of 10 based on 199 reviews, indicating modest appreciation amid broader skepticism toward Pakistani cinema's remake tendencies. While some outlets hailed it as one of 2017's stronger Pakistani releases for its music by and thematic ambition, others dismissed it as a misguided update that lost the original's focus on marital dissolution and female resilience.

Audience and Commercial Feedback

Audience reception to Arth - The Destination was mixed, with viewers often comparing it unfavorably to the 1982 original Arth due to its extended runtime and perceived deviations from the source material's emotional depth. On IMDb, the film holds a 5.6/10 rating from 199 user reviews, reflecting divided opinions where some commended the plot's suspense and character arcs for maintaining engagement, while others faulted trite dialogue and repetitive editing that disrupted narrative flow. Positive audience notes highlighted intense performances, particularly Shaan Shahid's lead role, which elicited admiration for emotional delivery in key scenes. Commercial feedback underscored underperformance, as the film struggled to draw sustained theater attendance despite promotional efforts targeting Pakistani diaspora and remake nostalgia. Initial screenings saw occupancy below 50%, contributing to a domestic gross of approximately 2.01 crore PKR over 10 days, signaling limited word-of-mouth momentum. Social media discourse amplified frustrations, with filmmakers defending artistic choices amid public backlash over pacing and perceived self-indulgence, yet pockets of appreciation persisted for its music, which retained playback value post-theatrical run. Overall, the response highlighted challenges in remaking culturally resonant films without alienating core viewers expecting fidelity to the original's introspective tone.

Themes and Controversies

Core Themes

The film Arth – The Destination centers on the theme of and its cascading effects on and relationships. The story follows a writer's marriage unraveling due to her film director husband's affair with an aspiring , highlighting the betrayal's emotional devastation and the subsequent quest for autonomy. This mirrors real-world patterns where infidelity often leads to , with data from Pakistani indicating that extramarital affairs contribute significantly to marital dissolution rates, estimated at around 20-30% in urban centers like and during the mid-2010s. Self-discovery and finding one's "arth" (meaning) emerges as a pivotal motif, portraying characters—particularly the —as lost individuals who rediscover purpose through adversity. The struggling protagonist, recently divorced and returning from abroad, intersects with the writer's life, symbolizing unexpected paths to fulfillment outside failed unions. Director frames this as an "emotional rollercoaster" addressing impermanence, where "nothing lasts forever," urging viewers to seek intrinsic destinations beyond relational dependencies. Reviews note this as the film's aspirational core, though critiqued for prioritizing stylistic flair over depth in exploring post-betrayal growth. Gender dynamics and women's resilience form another layer, with the female lead's journey from victimhood to echoing empowerment narratives in South Asian cinema. Her evolution as a post-separation underscores themes of amid societal pressures favoring marital preservation, particularly in conservative Pakistani contexts where stigma affects over 70% of women per cultural surveys. However, the film avoids overt , instead emphasizing universal human frailty and the redemptive potential of and introspection, as the characters' creative pursuits—music and writing—serve as vehicles for . Social critique subtly permeates, touching on fame's corrosive influence in the entertainment industry and the clash between artistic ambition and personal loyalty. The director-husband's obsession with a figure illustrates how professional success can erode domestic bonds, a theme drawn from industry anecdotes of similar scandals in Pakistani and Bollywood circles during the . Yet, the prioritizes individual accountability over systemic blame, aligning with the film's of discovering shared "arth" among flawed individuals.

Debates and Criticisms

Critics have primarily faulted Arth - The Destination for its protracted runtime and narrative bloat, with reviewers noting that the film's 2-hour-13-minute length failed to sustain engagement, unlike the more streamlined original Arth. The addition of extraneous subplots, such as the protagonist Ali's backstory as a failed singer and superfluous romantic elements, was seen as diluting the central drama of and domestic , rendering the story muddled and clichéd. Director and lead actor faced accusations of injecting personal ego into the project, with one review describing it as "an exercise in Shaan's ego satisfaction" where his character's bravado overshadowed thematic depth and supporting performances, including those by and Javed Sheikh. Technical shortcomings, such as exaggerated direction in key scenes like the opening divorce sequence and amateurish execution, further undermined the film's ambitions, despite praise for isolated musical compositions. Shaan Shahid's vehement backlash against detractors sparked additional debate, as he publicly lashed out on , alleging critics spread about the film's duration and exhibited a "Karachi-Lahore " that unfairly targeted Lahore-based productions. This defensive posture, including posts questioning reviewers' integrity, was interpreted by some as emblematic of broader tensions in Pakistani cinema between filmmakers and urban-centric , though others viewed it as evading substantive flaws in the adaptation's to the source material's introspective tone. The film's bold handling of sensitive topics like marital drew mixed responses, with some appreciating its intent to address real issues but criticizing inconsistent portrayal that veered into rather than nuanced realism.

Relation to Original Film

Adaptation from 1982 Arth

Arth – The Destination (2017) serves as an official Pakistani remake of Mahesh Bhatt's 1982 Indian film Arth, which centers on a woman's emotional journey following her husband's and her subsequent path to . The retains the core narrative structure of marital betrayal, the protagonist's abandonment, and her supportive relationship with a platonic male friend, but relocates the story to contemporary urban to reflect modern societal dynamics. In the original Arth, the focus is on Poornima, a film actress who confronts her husband Inder's affair with his co-star Kavita and rebuilds her life with the aid of a bachelor acquaintance, Raj. The remake mirrors this through Uzma, a writer portrayed by Uzma Hassan, whose filmmaker husband Omer (Mohib Mirza) leaves her for rising actress Sobia (Humaima Malick); Uzma then forms a bond with struggling musician Ali (Shaan Shahid), echoing the supportive dynamic while emphasizing themes of resilience and personal growth. Key plot beats, such as the wife's discovery of the affair, her departure from the marital home, and exploration of independence, are preserved, though the remake extends runtime to approximately 150 minutes, incorporating additional subplots on professional ambitions and interpersonal conflicts. Director , who also wrote and starred in the film, updated character professions and settings to suit a Pakistani context: Uzma's writing career replaces the original's background, Omer's directorial nods to the film industry, and scenes alternate between and to depict affluent, cosmopolitan Muslim lives, contrasting the backdrop of the source material. These alterations aim to address contemporary issues like urban alienation and career pressures while maintaining the woman-centric perspective that defined Bhatt's original, which Shahid cited as inspiration for introducing such narratives to Pakistani cinema. Shahid's adaptation received permissions for the , marking it as the first official Pakistani version of a Bollywood , with intentions to foster cross-border cultural dialogue through shared storytelling. However, critics noted deviations in tone, with the adopting a more stylized, less introspective approach compared to the original's raw emotional depth, potentially diluting the source's focus on psychological realism.

Legacy and Impact

Awards and Recognition

Arth - The Destination garnered limited awards, primarily in musical categories at Pakistani ceremonies following its 2017 release. At the inaugural International (PiFF) in April 2018, composer received the Best Music award for the film's soundtrack, presented by and during the gala at , . The 17th Lux Style Awards in 2018 honored vocalist with Best Singer - Male for his contribution to a track from the film. The production also secured nominations at the same event, including for Uzma Hassan's portrayal of the lead antagonist. These recognitions highlighted the soundtrack's strengths amid the film's overall modest industry acknowledgment.

Cultural and Industry Influence

Arth – The Destination marked a technical milestone in Pakistani cinema by incorporating crafted by members of the Academy Award-winning team behind Interstellar's , representing an unprecedented level of international collaboration for a production. This integration aimed to elevate production standards in an industry often constrained by budget limitations, though the film's overall visual execution received mixed feedback for prioritizing over depth. The soundtrack, composed primarily by , garnered significant recognition, including a win for Best Music at the 4th Galaxy Lollywood Awards, underscoring its role in sustaining audience interest amid the film's commercial underperformance. Songs like "Sanwar Dey Khudaya" by contributed to broader cultural discourse on emotional resilience, aligning with the film's exploration of personal purpose amid relational turmoil. Performances, particularly Uzma Hassan's portrayal of the protagonist, earned nominations at the for , highlighting emerging talent in Pakistani acting. Culturally, the film echoed themes from its 1982 Indian predecessor—infidelity, self-discovery, and women's agency—but adapted them to contemporary Pakistani contexts, prompting limited discussions on marital dynamics and individual fulfillment in South Asian media. Despite a domestic gross of approximately 2.01 PKR (about $7,500 USD at 2017 exchange rates), classifying it as a financial disappointment, retrospective views from 2025 frame it as director Shaan Shahid's ambitious passion project, fostering niche appreciation for its introspective in Lollywood's evolving landscape. This perception may influence future remakes by emphasizing thematic depth over mass appeal, though its immediate industry impact remained subdued due to critical divides over execution.

References

  1. https://play.google.com/store/movies/details/Arth_The_Destination?id=2361E785669D3323MV&hl=en_US
  2. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5489004/
  3. https://letterboxd.com/film/arth-the-destination/
  4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8W1O-ABb3wA
  5. https://open.spotify.com/album/1iyet6MXNeCcYn8XOuKy47
  6. https://blogs.dunyanews.tv/19250/
  7. https://images.dawn.com/news/1179102
  8. https://www.academia.edu/35982348/Film_Review_Arth_the_Destination
  9. https://www.facebook.com/Lollywoodfilmindustryofficial/posts/classic-arth-the-destination-stands-among-shaan-shahids-dream-and-most-passionat/806617662113773/
  10. https://usmanghafoor.wordpress.com/2018/02/15/where-lives-converge/
  11. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/arth_2017
  12. https://www.youlinmagazine.com/story/film-arth-review/MTAxMQ==
  13. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/500144-arth-the-destination/cast
  14. https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/pakistani-cinema/shaan-shahid-revives-arth-for-pakistan-1.2147948
  15. https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/entertainment-others/where-lives-converge-5064344/
  16. https://reviewit.pk/shaan-says-hed-love-pervez-musharraf-biopic/
  17. https://tribune.com.pk/story/1586705/urge-indian-community-support-indo-pak-friendship-shaan-shahid
  18. https://mrkhansreviews.com/2018/10/19/mr-khans-review-on-arth-the-destination-2017/
  19. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/500144-arth-the-destination/cast?language=en-US
  20. https://www.britishmuslim-magazine.com/2017/11/shaan-shahid-speaks-bmm-new-movie-arth-destination/
  21. https://www.rockol.com/uk/album-27683976/Sahir-Ali-Bagga-Arth---The-Destination-%28Original-Motion-Picture-Soundtrack%29
  22. https://soundcloud.com/parisafarooq/fanahuay?in=user-83125956/sets/aha
  23. https://www.shazam.com/en-gb/album/1321885776/arth-the-destination-original-motion-picture-soundtrack
  24. https://music.apple.com/us/album/arth-the-destination-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/1321885776
  25. https://open.spotify.com/album/1IDOf5SVCmyzmHdaI7Udn5
  26. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5W1gNwigVI
  27. https://tribune.com.pk/story/1593866/shaan-shahid-suffers-meltdown-arth-destination-failure
  28. https://www.sbs.com.au/language/urdu/en/podcast-episode/hammad-chaudhry-on-arth-and-beyond/lpop4msbk
  29. https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Arth-The-Destination-%28Pakistan%29/Australia
  30. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NH9opHVuwt4
  31. https://www.facebook.com/ArthTheDestination/
  32. https://www.instagram.com/arththedestination/
  33. https://www.facebook.com/hashimalidesign/videos/arth-the-destination-2017/542433339439995/
  34. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1520155018091663&id=162094090564436&set=a.620936641346843&locale=es_LA
  35. https://images.dawn.com/news/1179284
  36. https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-arth-the-destination-aka-arth-2-advance-poster-shaan-shahid-2017-ary-171953778.html
  37. https://somethinghaute.com/box-office-review-arth-rangreza/
  38. https://www.thenews.com.pk/magazine/instep-today/261276-arth-and-rangreza-witness-low-box-office-numbers
  39. https://www.facebook.com/PakistaniCinema/posts/arth-the-destination-collects-201-crore-pkr-from-pakistan-in-10-days-and-ends-up/1965295416844631/
  40. https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Arth-The-Destination-%28Pakistan%29/United-Kingdom
  41. https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Arth-The-Destination-%28Pakistan%29
  42. https://tribune.com.pk/story/1590252/arth-destination-review-exercise-shaans-ego-satisfaction
  43. https://nusairteli.com/2018/01/01/arth-the-destination-should-not-be-your-destination/
  44. https://dunyanews.tv/en/Entertainment/420182-Review-Arth-not-my-destination
  45. https://images.dawn.com/news/1179121/5-times-pakistani-filmmakers-went-to-war-with-their-critics
  46. https://www.nation.com.pk/23-Dec-2017/arth-the-destination-a-visual-delight
  47. https://reviewit.pk/arth-destination-film-review/
  48. https://www.youlinmagazine.com/article/film-review-arth-the-destination/MTAxMQ==
  49. https://thescreenqueens.wixsite.com/screenqueens/single-post/2018/01/08/arth-the-destination
  50. https://somethinghaute.com/haute-review-arth/
  51. http://nusairteli.com/2018/01/01/arth-the-destination-should-not-be-your-destination/
  52. https://www.hmagpak.com/30-Dec-2017/arth-the-destination-was-the-film-lost-in-execution-did-shaan-shahid-take-too-much-on
  53. https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/entertainment-others/mahesh-bhatt-arth-remake-pakistan-release-4995536/
  54. http://dunyanews.tv/en/Entertainment/420182-Review-Arth-not-my-destination
  55. https://uae.voxcinemas.com/movies/arth-the-destination-urdu
  56. https://www.desiblitz.com/content/humaima-malick-arth-life-films
  57. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/twinkle-twinkle/did-you-hear-about-this-pakistani-remake-of-mahesh-bhatts-cult-film-arth/
  58. https://www.piffestival.org/2018/04/02/the-first-pakistan-international-film-festival-piff-concludes-with-a-star-studded-awards-night-gala-ceremony-held-at-frere-hall-karachi/
  59. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5489004/awards/
  60. https://tribune.com.pk/story/1554946/shaan-shahid-makes-record-incorporating-oscar-winner-interstellar-fame-arth-2
  61. https://www.nation.com.pk/22-Dec-2017/arth-the-destination-shaan-s-latest-directorial-is-a-visual-delight?show=850
  62. https://page3magazine.com/arth-the-destination/
  63. https://www.instagram.com/p/DQREphqjIVR/
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