Kanebaaz (2014)

"Kanebaaz" follows the journey of Siddiq (Mohib Mirza), a straight-talking car mechanic with a penchant for card-gambling. In the ultimate shuffle, the small-time hustler rises from the streets of Kharadar to Karachi's high society where his card-counting skill is recognized by the infamous Bawan Shah (Faisal Rehman). Shah, a legendary card-player himself and Siddiq's idol, has since moved on to secure a big stake in the city's underworld. A far cry from Kharadar, Shah's is an unflinching world of decadence and betrayal where nothing is ever what it seems to be. Beneath this layer of venality the real story lies: the bond between two men, one who is self-assured yet torn; and the other who desperately needs a mentor to give credence to his skill and entity. Thrust into this new environment, Siddiq experiences a speedy rise in fortune but risks alienating his friends and his love Shabana (Aamina Sheikh) who happens to be his best friend's sister. Shabana, the one person who brings out the real man behind "Kanebaaz", provides the steady dose of reality as Siddiq faces an impending moral downfall when his ties with Shah strengthen and unravel the true nature of 'business'. "Kanebaz" offers a harsh glimpse of Karachi, where a queen in the pocket doesn't always make one a king. Based on real events.