Instep got in touch with the directors and/or producer of four upcoming films to learn what makes their film special
This Eid ul Fitr saw the release of two romantic comedies, Wrong No. 2 and Mehwish Hayat starrer Chhalawa.
With Eid-ul-Azha upon us, we are now geared up for the release of four anticipated films - Superstar, Heer Maan Ja, Parey Hut Love and Kaaf Kangana - that are scheduled to hit cinemas in August 2019.
Though it is quite common for films to release during the Eid season, it does feel that the competition is going to be severe with four movies coming out at the same time.
Keeping this in mind, Instep got in touch with the producer or director of the four films to learn what is unique about their film that will attract the viewers.
Heer Maan Ja
Directed by Azfar Jafri, Heer Maan Ja stars Ali Rehman and Hareem Farooq in lead roles. The teaser of the upcoming romantic comedy was launched recently and packs quite a punch with hilarious one-liners, romance and gripping action.
Produced by Imran Raza Kazmi and Lakhani Films, Heer Maan Ja will release in collaboration with Geo Films this August.
In a bid to know about what makes Heer Maan Ja different, we reached out to Imran Raza Kazmi, who in response said that 50 to 60 per cent of Pakistani cinema goers can watch one film in a month because of the ticket prices. “So, if that person gets a choice to watch one film, which one would he/she prefer?” asked Kazmi, and gave three options - comedy, action and romance, romantic drama and tragedy – to choose from.
“Do keep in mind the stats of past couple of years,” he said, adding that most of the people prefer comedy, action and romance; hence it is quite evident what the USP of Heer Maan Ja is.
He further said, “Our film offers great family humour, good romance, action along with great subliminal messages and awesome songs. It is a feel good film and gives the important message of positivity. You will come in tired, angry or disappointed but after watching the film, you will go back home with a smile on your face. And that is the best message you can give to the Pakistani audience in current times.”
Superstar
Recently the official first look of Superstar was released featuring Mahira Khan and Bilal Ashraf with the tagline that read: ‘If you want to shine, you’ll need the darkness’.
The poster shows the gorgeous Mahira Khan in a royal blue dress along with Bilal Ashraf, while a romantic, mellow track sung by Atif Aslam plays in the background.
The film is helmed by ace director Mohammad Ehteshamuddin, who has popular TV play Udaari and ongoing period drama Aangan to his credit. The dialogues are written by Ali and Mustafa Afridi, while the film’s screenplay and music are by Azaan Sami Khan.
Speaking about what makes Superstar distinct, Ehteshamuddin told Instep, “The soulful music along with Mahira Khan and Bilal Ashraf’s excellent chemistry are the USP of Superstar. Apart from that, it has heart and I’m sure you’ll love it. InshaAllah.”
Superstar, which revolves around the subject of stardom in Pakistan will feature Mahira as an actress and has an all-star cast that includes Nadeem Baig, Jawed Sheikh, Marina Khan, Asma Abbas, Saife Hassan and Ali Kazmi, besides Bilal Ashraf and Mahira Khan, with the latter essaying the character of ‘Noori’.
Parey Hut Love
Asim Raza’s second feature film, Parey Hut Love, stars Maya Ali and Sheheryar Munawar in lead roles. Dubbed as a romantic coming-of-age comedy, the film is written by Imran Aslam. With the trailer already launched, it seems that the upcoming film is going to be grand. While the trailer doesn’t give away too much, we do learn that Sheheryar Munawar is an aspiring actor, who is on a look out for different characters. He comes across Maya Ali and falls in love with her, only to find out that she is already engaged to someone else. Things take a turn from there and what happens next will become apparent when the film hits cinemas.
When asked about the USP of Parey Hut Love, Asim Raza shared, “The film is an ode to the classic Pakistani romantic cinema, presented through a contemporary love story filled with love, laughter and tears.”
Apart from the main leads, the film has an ensemble cast that includes the likes of veterans Nadeem Baig and Hina Dilpazeer as well as Ahmed Ali Butt, Zara Noor Abbas, Rachel Viccaji, Frieha Altaf, Faheem Azam, Jimmy Khan and Parisheh James, among others. Not to forget, the film also features the Humsafar duo, Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan, in special appearances along with cameos by Meera Jee, Sonya Jehan and Cybil Chaudhry.
Kaaf Kangana
Featuring Sami Khan, Eeshal Fayyaz and Ayesha Omar in key roles, Khalil Ur Rehman Qamar’s directorial debut Kaaf Kangana is also slated to release this Eid.
Known for penning blockbuster film such as Punjab Nahi Jaungi, according to the director, Kaaf Kangana’s performances, script and music are the things that set it apart from the other three releases. “The film is an intense love story that is connected to the unfortunate past,” said Khalil Ur Rehman Qamar.
Earlier this month, Kaaf Kangana’s trailer was launched, which is a period film about cross-border love. Sami Khan essays the character of a Pakistani-Muslim guy who is in love with Kangana (played by Eshal Fayyaz) – a Sikh-Indian girl.
While the trailer doesn’t reveal much about the plot, it is full of dramatic dialogues, something that Khalil Ur Rehman Qamar is famous for. The film also features Sajid Hassan, Shafqat Cheema and Fiza Ali.
