The familiar story of good versus evil always ends with the heroes triumphing over the villain—something audiences have seen countless times before. The question is whether it's still enjoyable to watch, especially in Pakistan’s first animated film, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and Waadi Animations’ 3 Bahadur? Those who appreciate a well-told story likely would say yes, as evidenced by the crowd at the Karachi premiere. While the core plot revolves around the age-old conflict between good and evil, it's been made fresh with humor, music, and action sequences to avoid feeling stale. Cleverly crafted and full of lively Urdu dialogue, this movie entertains both children and their parents. 3 Bahadur follows Kamil, Saadi, and Amna, three brave children who decide to confront the villainous Mangu and end his reign of terror. Mangu is empowered by Baba Baalam’s dark magic and supported by a group of despicable henchmen. Together, they wreak havoc on the once-happy city of Roshan Basti, transforming it into Andher Nagri through theft and violence. What happens next is predictable. The children gain special abilities and ultimately defeat the villains in a series of often funny, action-packed scenes. While the outcome is expected, the movie succeeds due to its subtle details. A large thug who enjoys classical dance provides comic relief; the kids’ playful banter is amusing, and the parents' worry as the heroes head out to face Mangu adds an emotional touch. The voice acting is well done, and while character development is limited, it’s engaging enough to see these ordinary school children become superheroes for their town. However, the animation itself isn’t a highlight. Compared to the flawless, realistic technology used by Disney or Pixar, Pakistan's first animated venture can’t quite measure up. The movements appear stiff and the visuals are not particularly impressive; however, this is understandable given Hollywood’s larger budgets and years of research and development in the field. Despite this, audiences who regularly enjoy Hollywood animation will likely be entertained by 3 Bahadur. The villains in 3 Bahadur… The creators may stumble as they begin their journey into animation, but they compensate with a catchy soundtrack and a plot that keeps viewers engaged throughout the film’s 90-minute length. The story of the '3 Bahadurs' begins with an upbeat and cheerful opening sequence called 'Raunaqein.' Also read: 3 Bahadur's new song Raunaqein is full of life. The mobile theft, fraud, money laundering, and water shortages experienced by Andher Basti at Mangu’s hands are sadly familiar—a reflection of the lawlessness seen in present-day Karachi. For example, the thugs discuss how to distract people with everyday problems so they won't notice bigger crimes happening. The underlying message is clear: it’s time for the nation to look beyond daily concerns, recognize larger issues, and find the courage to confront their own "Mangus." The movie’s use of fluent Urdu dialogue is another positive aspect. Some recent local films have included too much English, which alienates many viewers. 3 Bahadur uses Urdu exclusively; its humor and messages are for everyone in Pakistan, not just those familiar with English. The film has been heavily promoted before its release. Characters from 3 Bahadur have visited schools, distributing coloring books and T-shirts, while a smartphone game based on the movie is already available. Sharmeen herself has appeared on television shows—morning programs and even game shows where people compete for motorbikes and gold—to promote the film. This publicity has created enough interest to ensure a strong opening weekend, with more viewers likely to come after experiencing it themselves. One significant flaw in the movie is the constant presence of product placement. While filmmaking is expensive and sponsorship support is appreciated, did certain biscuit brands really need to be featured in every scene? Was it necessary to repeatedly mention a particular soap brand? Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, as an Oscar winner, has built up credibility, even though this marks her debut into animation. Having their names on the movie’s poster and billboards should have been sufficient for the sponsors. The constant advertising is distracting and detracts from the storyline's entertainment value. Nevertheless, the film is worth seeing: to celebrate Sharmeen’s move from documentary filmmaking to pioneering animation in Pakistan; for its messages; for the laughs and action. It lays the groundwork for improved animation in the future and encourages bravery to build a stronger Pakistan—a message that never gets old.

Source on TMDB