Ali Zafar set to make Pakistani film debut

Ahsan Rahim ropes in ‘Tere Bin Laden’ star for upcoming project

KARACHI: As the Pakistani exhibitors’ boycott of Indian films puts the local film industry in a tight spot, it has seen quite a few developments lately. While some film-makers rush to finish their projects, others announce new ones in a bid to not let the industry crumble.

Shoaib Mansoor recently announced his return for the first time since the release of Bol that happened five years ago. Following this, pop sensation Ali Zafar has also finally decided to step into local cinema and make his Pakistani film debut.

Video director Ahsan Rahim has roped Zafar in for the former’s feature film directorial debut. The yet-to-be-titled film will be an action-comedy.

“I always wanted to make such a film because the genre excites me and I believe it is unexplored in the Pakistan market. We plan to take it on the floors next year and release it soon after,” Rahim said.

Essentially, Zafar has pulled out of a Bollywood project as well as delayed his production Deosai to focus on Rahim’s film. The film-maker revealed that he and Zafar decided to team up for this film when they were at a dinner together. “Zafar and I first discussed the idea while having ‘hardcore’ desi food. As the conversation went ahead, it got him more and more excited. So much so, that he pulled out of a big Bollywood project and pushed his own film Deosai for later,” added Rahim.

“I am excited to be working with him as I find him to be an extremely versatile and talented actor and I feel he can play this role best.” Speaking about who will be playing the female lead in the film, Rahim said, “We are currently in the process of auditioning the right actor to star opposite him.”

Rahim has previously proved his mettle by directing some of Pakistan’s most famous music videos such as Laga Reh, Sajania, Kismat Apne Hath Main, Preeto, Dosti and popular TV ad films.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 19^th, 2016.

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