Will ‘Motorcycle Girl’ be a ride to remember?

Director Adnan Sarwar and actor Ali Kazmi reveal why the film will be worth the wait

DUBAI: Motorcycle Girl has recently dropped its trailer and we have to say the subject matter is thoroughly unique. The fact that it is based on the true story of Zenith Irfan – the first female to embark on a solo motorcycle trip through Pakistan’s northern areas – makes it all the more reason for filmgoers to be excited to watch it.

The character of Zenith, played by Sohai Ali Abro, sheds light on the boundary-breaking journeys of the 20-year-old girl. Talking to The Express Tribune, film-maker Adnan Sarwar and actor Ali Kazmi weigh in on what the audiences can expect from the film and how the trailer has told us a lot of the story.

SCREENGRAB

While the teaser and Zenith’s real life story have clarified a lot of things for us, we are eager to find out the main hook that we should look forward to in the film.

“I think what attracted me most to this topic was the fact that at such a young age, Zenith was able to pull off such a remarkable feat. I’m a firm believer of women empowerment and gender equality and Zenith has proved that times are changing,” said Sarwar.

Zenith’s journey began eight years ago, when she learnt of her late father’s dream of travelling the world on a motorbike. Speaking about this, Sarwar shared, “When I found out that the reason she made the journey was in memory of her father, I fell in love with the story completely. I have tried to treat the film with immense sensitivity and at its core; it is about a daughter's love for her father.”

SCREENGRAB

Kazmi revealed he plays a “male chauvinist” in Motorcycle Girl. “I will not describe too much about my role except that he’s a bit of a male chauvinist, narcissist and a perfectionist. He’s not really negative. He’s just real because more than half then men I know would respond the way he does. You’ll see once you watch the film.”

Did he feel typecast after the Saba Qamar-starrer Baaghi, in which he played a negative role as well? “Honestly, I don’t feel typecast at all. I always try to maintain a balance with the characters I play – some good, some bad and some grey. Such is life, not all of us are in black and white. There’s so much in the middle that’s unexplored and that is where some very interesting and intriguing characters lie,” mentioned Kazmi.

SCREENGRAB

When asked whether the film will be an extension of the trailer or if there are some things the audiences are not aware of yet, Sarwar said, “The trailer only shows what the world already knows about Zenith's life. I wanted to make a film which is entertaining and fun to watch and I think everyone will be pleasantly surprised at the treatment of the screenplay.”

Confessing he was hesitant to take on the role at first, Kazmi stated, “I wanted something light and not negative but Adnan convinced me. My character is a small part of the great ensemble cast but a pivotal one. It is an amalgamation of the interesting potential suitors of Zenith.”

SCREENGRAB

He continued, “You’ll see me in many different avatars in my upcoming projects. Lots more to come from me, stay tuned, stay blessed and let’s celebrate Pakistani cinema together.” We look forward to celebrating Pakistani cinema with Motorcycle Girl.

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.