Director Abu Aleeha’s latest film, “Taxali Gate,” attempts to encompass various themes and genres within its 95-minute runtime, resulting in a confused and disjointed narrative. The film endeavors to explore politics, consent, womanhood, and the dynamics of a rape-revenge storyline while also aspiring to be a courtroom drama. However, it struggles to cohesively integrate these elements, leading to a disjointed viewing experience.
The story unfolds over three days in Lahore’s historic red light district, Taxali Gate, also known as Heera Mandi. The protagonist, Shafiq, portrayed by Yasir Hussain, is a lovestruck pimp who navigates the streets alongside Muskan, played by Ayesha Omar. The narrative also introduces Zainab, Shafiq’s niece, played by Mehar Bano, who becomes embroiled in a legal battle after being gang-raped by her boyfriend and his friend.
Also Read: ‘Taxali Gate’ trailer presents a powerful perspective on justice and consent
A significant departure from typical portrayals of Heera Mandi is the film’s focus on caste dynamics, particularly Zainab’s lower-caste identity and her struggle for justice against privileged perpetrators. The courtroom scenes, while attempting to depict reality, fall short due to poorly executed sequences and exaggerated performances.
Despite the solid performances of the lead actors, including Nayyer Ejaz and Alyy Khan, the film is plagued by technical flaws, including shaky camerawork, inconsistent focus, and patchy sound design. The narrative suffers from abrupt transitions and unresolved subplots, highlighting the lack of coherence in storytelling.
Overall, “Taxali Gate” struggles to reconcile its ambitious themes and genres, resulting in a film that feels disjointed and contrived. While it offers moments of promise and a compelling plot twist, it ultimately fails to deliver a cohesive and satisfying viewing experience.
