'Sub Set Hai' returning for a sequel called 'Mid Life'
The show will explore the midlife crisis of the core characters
KARACHI:
Having a cult-classic under the belt can be both a blessing and a cruse for a creative. For the most part it's the former as it gives an opportunity to those involved in further branching out and cementing their careers.
At the same time however, the cult-like mentality of fans becomes a deterrent for creators in revisiting and paying homage to their own humble beginnings.
On one hand, fans would relentlessly yearn for their favourite piece of pop culture be it a film, TV show or even a song to make a triumphant return. On the other, they themselves would be the first to nitpick and write off the sequel just because it didn't evoke the same emotions the original did.
Given the considerable amount of pressure, it doesn't come as a surprise why it takes years and at times even a decade or two, for a sequel to be made. Undertaking such a task perhaps needs resolve before anything else which the team behind cult-comedy series Sub Set Hai has finally built . "You see its about being relevant. We are returning after a long time the audiences have grown with us," writer, director and actor Azfar Ali told The Express Tribune.
The original cast of the show, Azfar, Salma Hasan, Adnan Shah Tipu and Salman Saqib Sheikh (Mani) is returning for a sequel called Mid Life. As the name suggests, the show would see all the main characters from Sub Set Hai now grown up and coming to terms with their midlife phase.
However, unlike Sub Set Hai, Mid Life would mainly explore the serious side of things. "Mid Life is a serial, not a sitcom. But it will have some portions of the comedy series that will take audiences down memory lane for sure," he said.
Adding on, Azfar discussed how the show sets itself apart from other serials. " Mid life is based on all four of us now grown up and going through midlife crisis. Midlife crisis is a subject no drama has highlighted before. It is funny but has a serious under tone of real midlife difficulties."
Aside from the core cast members of Sub Set Hai, the sequel would also feature Marina Khan, Ayesha Omer, Khalid Anum, Behroz Sabzwari and Jinaan Hussain. Hira Mani is also planned to make a few cameos in the series.
At present Mid Life appears to be in its preliminary phase with a pilot already shot. According to Azfar , the team is waiting on the approval of major Tv channels before things are moved further into motion.
This is not the first time the idea of Sub Set Hai returning for a second run has been on the cards. Back in 2014 while talking to The Express Tribune, both Azfar and Mani had alluded to the possibility of the shows return. At the time the two had noted that both them and Adnan would be returning however Salma had refused to partake.
Now that Salma is in the picture once more and considering a pilot has already been shot, the much awaited sequel finally gracing television screens is highly likely. As far as pressure from audiences is concerned, Azfar appears hopeful and optimistic.
"Most of our original audiences must be going through their midlife right now, as long was we are true to the core idea of the original series we will remain relevant. Of course there is always pressure where my work as a director is involved and here I’m also writing, and acting so its three times more. But I’m always up for a challenge," he said.
Have something to add to the story? Share in comments below.
Having a cult-classic under the belt can be both a blessing and a cruse for a creative. For the most part it's the former as it gives an opportunity to those involved in further branching out and cementing their careers.
At the same time however, the cult-like mentality of fans becomes a deterrent for creators in revisiting and paying homage to their own humble beginnings.
On one hand, fans would relentlessly yearn for their favourite piece of pop culture be it a film, TV show or even a song to make a triumphant return. On the other, they themselves would be the first to nitpick and write off the sequel just because it didn't evoke the same emotions the original did.
Given the considerable amount of pressure, it doesn't come as a surprise why it takes years and at times even a decade or two, for a sequel to be made. Undertaking such a task perhaps needs resolve before anything else which the team behind cult-comedy series Sub Set Hai has finally built . "You see its about being relevant. We are returning after a long time the audiences have grown with us," writer, director and actor Azfar Ali told The Express Tribune.
The original cast of the show, Azfar, Salma Hasan, Adnan Shah Tipu and Salman Saqib Sheikh (Mani) is returning for a sequel called Mid Life. As the name suggests, the show would see all the main characters from Sub Set Hai now grown up and coming to terms with their midlife phase.
However, unlike Sub Set Hai, Mid Life would mainly explore the serious side of things. "Mid Life is a serial, not a sitcom. But it will have some portions of the comedy series that will take audiences down memory lane for sure," he said.
Adding on, Azfar discussed how the show sets itself apart from other serials. " Mid life is based on all four of us now grown up and going through midlife crisis. Midlife crisis is a subject no drama has highlighted before. It is funny but has a serious under tone of real midlife difficulties."
Aside from the core cast members of Sub Set Hai, the sequel would also feature Marina Khan, Ayesha Omer, Khalid Anum, Behroz Sabzwari and Jinaan Hussain. Hira Mani is also planned to make a few cameos in the series.
At present Mid Life appears to be in its preliminary phase with a pilot already shot. According to Azfar , the team is waiting on the approval of major Tv channels before things are moved further into motion.
This is not the first time the idea of Sub Set Hai returning for a second run has been on the cards. Back in 2014 while talking to The Express Tribune, both Azfar and Mani had alluded to the possibility of the shows return. At the time the two had noted that both them and Adnan would be returning however Salma had refused to partake.
Now that Salma is in the picture once more and considering a pilot has already been shot, the much awaited sequel finally gracing television screens is highly likely. As far as pressure from audiences is concerned, Azfar appears hopeful and optimistic.
"Most of our original audiences must be going through their midlife right now, as long was we are true to the core idea of the original series we will remain relevant. Of course there is always pressure where my work as a director is involved and here I’m also writing, and acting so its three times more. But I’m always up for a challenge," he said.
Have something to add to the story? Share in comments below.