Everything we know about ‘Umro Ayyar – A New Beginning’ starring Usman Mukhtar, Sanam Saeed, others

The film reimagines a legendary character for modern audiences

Umro Ayyar, a prominent character from the beloved Dastan-e-Amir Hamza, is set to make a cinematic debut in a film adaptation titled Umro Ayyar – A New Beginning. Lead actor Sanam Saeed, along with an ensemble cast, aims to bring the magical tales of Umro Ayyar to life for both Pakistani and global audiences.

Saeed, who portrays a member of Ayyar's group, describes it as a folklore-inspired superhero film, in her conversation with Arab News. She highlights the integration of Ayyar's backstory with modern times, bringing the character into today's world. The approach is intended to captivate younger audiences.

“Today’s generation needs to be told stories from Urdu literature … We have so many characters and stories to draw inspiration from. Unless we connect with our Urdu literature, it will die,” says Saeed. “We haven’t had a real-life motion feature film with a superhero at the heart of it. I have never been involved in a lot of stunts and actions in front of a green screen. The film is VFX-heavy ... A stunt director and coordinator came from abroad while there were trainers who came to the set to teach us,” she adds.

Director Azfar Jafri emphasises the conscious decision to adopt a contemporary approach, while adding that certain concepts presented in Western books and films are derived from Umro Ayyar's verses, leading to the misconception that these ideas are entirely original.  “Some western books and films incorporate elements derived from Umro Ayyar’s verse, leading our younger audience to believe that these concepts are entirely their own,” Jafri told Arab News. “We have aimed to shed light on the true source of inspiration and made the decision to create a film centered on Umro Ayyar.”

Dastan-e-Amir Hamza is a collection of Urdu stories written by Ghalib Lakhnavi in 1855, showcasing elements of magic, adventure, and intrigue.

Umro Ayyar – A New Beginning will star an ensemble cast of Saeed, Usman Mukhtar, Faran Tahir, Ali Kazmi, Adnan Siddiqui, Simi Raheal, Sana Fakhar, Manzar Sehbai, Daniyal Raheal, Salmaan Shaukat, Osama Karamat, Uloomi Karim, Asad Chaudhary, Atif Rehan Siddique, Muhammad Imran, Bilal Jutt, Ruman Ali and Shehroz Sanaullah.

While the project's release date remains undisclosed, the intriguing premise and the talent involved in the film make it a highly anticipated cinematic experience.

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