Instep gives you a lowdown on four directors who have fantastic films to their names and we definitely want to see more of their work in the near future.
Eid ul Azha is fast approaching and we have a promising line-up of movies – Superstar, Heer Maan Ja and Parey Hut Love - scheduled to release next month. Since the revival of Pakistani cinema, a number of filmmakers have given us some remarkable films. Through their films, be it romantic comedies or family drama(s), these creative directors have not just given the audience engaging commercial content, but have also tried to deliver powerful messages.
Here are four filmmakers whose work we want to see more of on the big screen…
Kamal Khan
The award-winning music video and TVC director, Kamal Khan’s debut film Laal Kabootar released across Pakistan in March 2019 - in partnership with Geo. The crime thriller featuring Ahmed Ali Akbar, Mansha Pasha and Ali Kazmi in lead roles, generated rave reviews from viewers and industry insiders. Produced by Nehr Ghar Films, Laal Kabootar is a Karachi-based crime drama that strays away from the typical formula movies and is backed with great music, superb camera work and remarkable performances by the cast.
In the film, Ahmed Ali essays the character of a taxi-driver looking for a way out of Karachi, while Mansha Pasha plays the role of Aliya Malik, a strong-headed girl who chooses to put up a fight after her world turns upside down.
Besides Mansha Pasha and Ahmed Ali, the film stars Rashid Farooqui, Salim Mairaj and Syed Mohammad Ahmed in important roles.
According to the director, he spent almost two years on the screenplay of Laal Kabootar and we are anxiously waiting for Kamal Khan to create magic on the big screen with his next film.
Asim Abbasi
Asim Abbasi’s debut feature film Cake that stars Aamina Sheikh, Sanam Saeed and Adnan Malik in key roles released in Pakistan in March of last year. The film not only had its world premiere in the UK but also represented Pakistan on various international fronts, including the Oscars where it was sent as Pakistan’s official entry under the Foreign Language category.
Cake, which was last year’s critically and commercially acclaimed film, made it to Netflix earlier this year and also won the Best Film Jury Award at the 18th edition of Lux Style Awards 2019.
Cake is a family drama that revolves around the conflict and complications that arise amongst a seemingly dysfunctional family. It is an exploration of family dynamics and touches upon issues that are relatable. Apart from the lead cast, the film also stars Beo Zafar Rana, Mohammad Ahmed as well as Mikaal Zulfiqar, Faris Khalid and Hira Hussain.
In an earlier interview with Instep, the director shared that he is working on a web series and writing a film as well. However, recent reports suggest that he is all geared up for his second film and we couldn’t be happier.
Adnan Sarwar
Actor-filmmaker Adnan Sarwar, who made his film debut with biopic Shah in 2015, directed and acted in Motorcycle Girl, which released in cinemas nationwide last year (on April 20). The biopic, which features Sohai Ali Abro in the titular role, is available on the streaming site, iflixpk.
Recently, Sohai won the Best Film Actress - Critic’s Choice Award at the Lux Style Awards for essaying the character of Zenith Irfan in Motorcycle Girl.
Motorcycle Girl is based on the inspirational and emotional story of Zenith Irfan, who became the first female motorcyclist to travel from Lahore to Khunjerab - alone on a motorbike. The film highlights the beautiful bond between a father and a daughter. It shows how she fights against all odds to fulfil her father’s dream of embarking on a journey to the northern areas of Pakistan on a motorcycle.
Besides, Sohai Ali Abro, the biopic features Ali Kazmi, Sarmad Khoosat, Samina Peerzada, Daniyal Raheel, Shamim Hilaly and Mehar Bano in important roles.
Earlier this year, Adnan revealed that he is working on three film scripts and plans to release one by one by the end of 2020. However, in March, 2019, the director took to social media to share that he had been diagnosed with a life-threatening disease and that he is recovering from the condition. While we wish him a speedy recovery, we can’t wait to see what Adnan comes up with next.
Jamshed ‘Jami’ Mahmood
Director and producer Jamshed Mahmood, popularly known as Jami, has to his credits films like O21 (2014) and the critically acclaimed, Moor (2015), which was lauded at various international film festivals.
Moor is set against the backdrop of the visually stunning Balochistan and the story revolves around love for the motherland and the decline of the railways in the province.
Last year, the filmmaker released a 90-second trailer of his upcoming production Jugnu, which was surrounded by the controversy of being an imitation of an idea for a film by Ahmad Baig, a student of National College of Arts (NCA).
However, Jami Mahmood has denied all such allegations and said that the research and initial talks with Jugnu’s writer and director Ali Abbas Naqvi started back in 2014, almost two years before Baig’s film, Ibbo ki Eid.
Jugnu, which has been directed by Ali Abbas Naqvi under Jami’s Azad film company banner, is set in the province of Sindh and is a fascinating tale of love, loss and selflessness. The intriguing trailer has some amazing visuals and follows the story a young boy and his goat. We are eagerly waiting for the release of Jami’s upcoming venture as well as a project that takes him behind the camera (as a director).
