We should accept we are not different from Bollywood: Nabeel Qureshi

‘Actor in Law’ director Nabeel Qureshi feels much is similar between Indian and Pakistani cinema

KARACHI: In 2014, Pakistani cinema saw the rise of new stars with Na Maloom Afraad’s surprising success. The film’s success turned Fahad Mustafa and Mehwish Hayat into sensations overnight. With Actor in Law’s release this Eidul Azha, the team returns to recreate the magic on screen with Mustafa and Hayat’s charm and a dash of Bollywood with veteran Om Puri.



Asked what made his first outing a success, Qureshi said, “The film industry has totally changed in two years. Back then, only about three films were released in one year, so it was relatively easier. This time around, we have three releasing on Eid alone. The industry has grown a lot.”



Comparing his two films, he revealed that Actor in Law is a bigger and better project. So far, it definitely has created the most hype amongst the upcoming Eid releases, including Janaan and Zindagi Kitni Haseen Hay. However, Qureshi remains unfettered by the competition. “I think Actor in Law will dominate the box office. People are talking about it. What also works in our favour is that our cast has a great fan following. The music is good. I am confident the film is going to do really well.”

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In terms of roping in the same star couple again, Qureshi shared, “Casting is never an issue. Mustafa and Hayat just fit the bill. When I make a film, I see who fits the character and go with it. In my next film, I don’t know who will act.”

With Na Maloom Afraad’s box office performance to beat, Qureshi seems to be under a great amount of pressure for his upcoming film. Nonetheless, he disclosed he likes it that way. “Yes, there is a lot of pressure but I work well in high-pressure situations. It keeps you moving forward.”

Qureshi has been receiving calls of appreciation even prior to the film’s release. “The movie has already had its UAE and London premieres. It has received a great response. I’m confident it will do well in Pakistan as well,” he mentioned. Earlier, the film created a buzz with its music launch, with big names such as Atif Aslam, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Asrar crooning for the film’s soundtrack.

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As far as the story and treatment go, we still have a fascination with the Bollywood style of film-making and Na Maloom Afraad was a testimony to that. “What is Bollywood formula? I don’t understand. We keep talking about how we need to be different from Indian films. I think we are not any different from them. We need to accept it. We understand both Hindi and Urdu. Our costumes and culture is almost the same. The only difference is the story. That’s all that matters. Our stories should be different.”

Published in The Express Tribune, September 12^th, 2016.

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