Not films, Pakistani dramas are our primary content: Sonya Hussyn
Actor talks first Netflix project, OTT platforms and changing mediums
PHOTO: SONYA HUSSYN/INSTAGRAM
KARACHI:
Pakistani actor Sonya Hussyn appears to be moving on to bigger things. In a recent Instagram post, Sonya revealed that the shooting for her upcoming film, Lockdown, has commenced. Sharing a photo from the sets, the actor also told fans that the film will be releasing on Netflix.
"Shooting begins for our film Lockdown, set to be released on Netflix. I cannot wait to share it with you guys. Prayers needed,” she wrote. According to reports, Faryal Mahmood was initially supposed to be in the film in place of Sonya. However, due to personal commitments including her marriage to actor Daniyal Raheal, she had to eventually leave the project.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBkn2I8DDUX/
The film also stars Mirza Gohar Rasheed, opposite Hussyn, and is directed by Abu Aleeha. The director had recently posted photos from the set. In the caption, the director shared a quote by Quentin Tarantino that went as,” When people ask me if I went to film school, I tell them no, I went to films.”
We sat down with Sonya to talk about her upcoming project.
The Express Tribune (ET): What’s the project about? Who are your co-stars?
Sonya Hussyn (SH): The project is based on a current global situation. It’s about the Covid-19 pandemic and the impact it has on normal lives. The story revolves around a couple. My co-star is Gohar Rasheed, who is simply brilliant. He’s a terrific performer and I’m looking forward to our on-screen duo.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBi3ztgDZM3/
ET: Being your first-ever Netflix project; how excited are you?
SH: I am already on-set for the project. It’s an extremely elevating feeling working on a project that will be released on one of the biggest digital global platforms. I am very excited.
ET: Tell us a bit about your character in the film. Is it anything you’ve done before?
SH: Every project that I take up comes with an off-screen understanding of my character in order to develop an emotional connection necessary to air the performance. But to answer your question, my role in this project will definitely bring something new to audiences.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBD8oWTjIx6/
ET: Let’s talk about OTT platforms. How necessary are they? Compare the same to the theatres and cinemas.
SH: Digital as medium connects the entire world all at the same time. It’s new-age and we can already see the dynamic change it has brought to current affairs, entertainment as well as global movements. While theatre, traditional film as a medium will always have its charm and value, digital seems to be the future.
ET: Why do you think Pakistani content is a bit behind Indian content when it comes to online programs, films?
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBGh0okDVtc/
SH: If you compare content, Pakistani dramas are where the most amounts of our work-efforts are invested. That’s our primary entertainment content and that on global mediums eg: YouTube, have a huge reach. Our drama content is appreciated and seen across the globe through digital mediums compared to Indian dramas. However, yes, Indian content when it comes to original digital productions have taken a lead with multiple projects such as Sacred Games, Lust Stories, Delhi Crime to name a few and continues to produce more. In Pakistan, we are highly invested in producing for television which makes film secondary and digital tertiary. Now, with the global change of affairs, I presume the future will be more of digital content alongside television content coming out of Pakistan.
Lockdown is being produced under the banner of Mont Blanc Entertainment
Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.
Pakistani actor Sonya Hussyn appears to be moving on to bigger things. In a recent Instagram post, Sonya revealed that the shooting for her upcoming film, Lockdown, has commenced. Sharing a photo from the sets, the actor also told fans that the film will be releasing on Netflix.
"Shooting begins for our film Lockdown, set to be released on Netflix. I cannot wait to share it with you guys. Prayers needed,” she wrote. According to reports, Faryal Mahmood was initially supposed to be in the film in place of Sonya. However, due to personal commitments including her marriage to actor Daniyal Raheal, she had to eventually leave the project.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBkn2I8DDUX/
The film also stars Mirza Gohar Rasheed, opposite Hussyn, and is directed by Abu Aleeha. The director had recently posted photos from the set. In the caption, the director shared a quote by Quentin Tarantino that went as,” When people ask me if I went to film school, I tell them no, I went to films.”
We sat down with Sonya to talk about her upcoming project.
The Express Tribune (ET): What’s the project about? Who are your co-stars?
Sonya Hussyn (SH): The project is based on a current global situation. It’s about the Covid-19 pandemic and the impact it has on normal lives. The story revolves around a couple. My co-star is Gohar Rasheed, who is simply brilliant. He’s a terrific performer and I’m looking forward to our on-screen duo.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBi3ztgDZM3/
ET: Being your first-ever Netflix project; how excited are you?
SH: I am already on-set for the project. It’s an extremely elevating feeling working on a project that will be released on one of the biggest digital global platforms. I am very excited.
ET: Tell us a bit about your character in the film. Is it anything you’ve done before?
SH: Every project that I take up comes with an off-screen understanding of my character in order to develop an emotional connection necessary to air the performance. But to answer your question, my role in this project will definitely bring something new to audiences.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBD8oWTjIx6/
ET: Let’s talk about OTT platforms. How necessary are they? Compare the same to the theatres and cinemas.
SH: Digital as medium connects the entire world all at the same time. It’s new-age and we can already see the dynamic change it has brought to current affairs, entertainment as well as global movements. While theatre, traditional film as a medium will always have its charm and value, digital seems to be the future.
ET: Why do you think Pakistani content is a bit behind Indian content when it comes to online programs, films?
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBGh0okDVtc/
SH: If you compare content, Pakistani dramas are where the most amounts of our work-efforts are invested. That’s our primary entertainment content and that on global mediums eg: YouTube, have a huge reach. Our drama content is appreciated and seen across the globe through digital mediums compared to Indian dramas. However, yes, Indian content when it comes to original digital productions have taken a lead with multiple projects such as Sacred Games, Lust Stories, Delhi Crime to name a few and continues to produce more. In Pakistan, we are highly invested in producing for television which makes film secondary and digital tertiary. Now, with the global change of affairs, I presume the future will be more of digital content alongside television content coming out of Pakistan.
Lockdown is being produced under the banner of Mont Blanc Entertainment
Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.