In Pakistan’s post-revival cinema age, several artists have emerged who are contributing to the new narrative, one that is willing to acknowledge past mistakes in order to create a brighter cinematic future.
CultureVulture
Bilal Ashraf reflects on upcoming projects.
In Pakistan’s post-revival cinema age, several artists have emerged who are contributing to the new narrative, one that is willing to acknowledge past mistakes in order to create a brighter cinematic future.
A case in point is Bilal Ashraf, who has fully embraced the new age of cinema in more ways than one. Making a name for himself with a prominent role in Janaan, Ashraf is set to play significant roles in a number of film projects and is also willing to lend his input in production matters as well.
Instep ran into the actor at the Lux Style Awards just last week where he shared not just his reasons for attending the ceremony and his view on the LSA process but also spoke about upcoming films including the all-star ensemble war movie, Yalghaar.
With the film’s trailer having been released, the response to it has been mixed so far with comparisons being drawn to Waar. But ask Ashraf about the vision behind the film and if it has been executed well, he answers in the affirmative.
“The vision behind the film has been executed perfectly,” said Ashraf. “I’ve seen the film and I’m a part of the production team as well. Hassan Waqas Rana has done a wonderful job.”
Reflecting on Yalghaar further, he added: “Its been a tough project because there were outdoor shoots, jungle shoot with a lot of action, army choppers, etc. We have about 18 recognized actors so it’s not easy pulling everyone together on one platform and trying to make a movie with them.”
During the course of this conversation, Ashraf also revealed that apart from acting in the film (for which he trained for several months), he is also the visual effects director.
“By education I am a visual effects director and that’s what my original job was. I just got pulled in front of the camera and I’m acting and I know I will always go back to visual effects. I enjoy both things. In Yalghaar I’m doing both. I do try to give my input if someone asks whether I’m on a project as an actor or even when I’m not on a project as an actor because at the end of the day I think Pakistan is what’s most important and for us to make good films it’s important to be open to ideas from everyone.”
Moving away from Yalghaar, Ashraf also spoke to Instep about why he made an appearance at the Lux Style Awards.
“I’m basically here (at the LSAs) because HSY (team) is behind all this. I think they’ve done a brilliant job of putting it all together,” said Ashraf.
When asked about the LSA process, he explained that in his view the public should have a say in the nomination process as well as the selection of winners.
“Award ceremonies are important as long as they are fair and just. How to make them just is the question. It’s on everyone’s mind I guess because I know a lot of my friends weren’t nominated properly. In fact, people from my own film were not nominated. I’m not talking about myself. So a proper system should be there. Maybe a polling from the people, the public because whatever we do, all the products that we make, it’s all for the public so they need to have a say in the entire process including voting and jury decisions.”
On a parting note, Ashraf explained that after Yalghaar, his next release will be Rangreza which could release in and around December. “After that I move on to Waar 2.”
