Neelofar: a story of love, silence, and rediscovery

Mahira, Fawad say the film will resonate, calling it special, learning experience

KARACHI:

Neelofar, an upcoming Pakistani romantic movie written and directed by Ammar Rasool, is set to bring Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan and Madiha Imam together in lead roles. The film, co-produced by Fawad Khan, marks the third on-screen collaboration between Fawad and Mahira following their acclaimed work in Humsafar and The Legend of Maula Jatt.

A media junket was held for the film, attended by actors Behroze Sabzwari, Sarwat Gillani, Madiha Imam, Atiqa Odho, Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan.

The film, co-produced by Fawad Khan, marks the third on-screen collaboration between Fawad and Mahira following their acclaimed work in Humsafar and The Legend of Maula Jatt. PHOTO: AUTHOR

Speaking to the press, cast members expressed confidence that the film would resonate with audiences. Mahira Khan said, “Sometimes in life, projects come your way that you are willing to be a small part of.” Fawad Khan added, “I have learned a lot from this film, and I made many mistakes, but I hope when you watch the movie, you will like it.”

Veteran actor Behroze Sabzwari shared his enthusiasm: “My heart tells me that I am genuinely happy to be a part of this film.” He added, “It’s a good thing that the film is being released internationally, because if a film releases only in Pakistan, only about 5% of people go to watch it, and out of those, even 2% watch it for free.”

Madiha Imam and Atiqa Odho echoed the film’s emotional core, saying, “This film has been made out of love for Fawad and Mahira.”

Mahira Khan on excitement, nerves and destiny

Talking with The Express Tribune, Mahira said, “Excited and nervous. But there is excitement. There is happiness. There is a strange feeling. I don't know what will happen with this movie. So, it will be its own destiny. But my prayers are going. And by the way, it has been five years.”

The cast noted that many of them had previously worked together in the hit serial Humsafar, including Mahira, Fawad, Atiqa Odho, and Behroze Sabzwari.

Reflecting on the ensemble, Mahira said, “The producer is such an intelligent producer. He has brought all of us together. My scenes are only with Behroze Sabzwari, Navid Shahzad, and Fawad—I love him. So, my scenes are only with them. But when we are together on the set, we always have love and respect.”

Fawad Khan, Atiqa Odho and Mahira Khan. PHOTO: AUTHOR

She added a more intimate reflection on the film’s mood: “People will get a small break in this very busy world. Go to your grandmother's house. And have tea. With malai and paratha.”

Mahira also spoke about reuniting with Fawad in a long-form narrative: “We were also a little different as actors, but because we haven't worked together for so long, I think it was a lot of fun. Very good.”

When asked about performing another intense romantic role, Fawad reflected on his connection with the genre: “I think my family says, ‘You are a loving person.’ This film is so close to my heart because, like you said, it's an epic world. It's a romantic movie, a film that talks about love, focused on only two characters and a backdrop. It's a very romantic film.”

Asked whether he anticipated any particular scene becoming iconic, Mahira responded candidly: “If we knew this, we wouldn't have made such a video. No, no, it's very rare. It's not trending at all.”

On viral trends, she added: “I think, when something becomes successful, then it becomes a trend, people make TikToks, we didn't think that it will be successful, or we will make it like this, but yes, if it goes viral, then I'll be very happy, that people make reels on it, and people like you make things.”

Mahira on Karachi, memory and belonging

Responding to comments about Karachi, Mahira said, “I was born here, I grew up here, and I like it a lot. Everyone loves their own city, but if you ask me about Karachi, I just want to say it is like a mother who welcomes people with a hug.”

She added, “Some people take a lot from her, and sometimes she treats them harshly, but this is the nature of Karachi.”

When asked how closely they relate to their characters in Neelofar, Fawad said: “As actors, our job is to read the lines, so your teacher is a very big part of the film.”

Mahira agreed, “I think this is the kind of film, we like this sort of films, we are also a bit old school.”

A media junket was held for the film, attended by actors Behroze Sabzwari, Sarwat Gillani, Madiha Imam, Atiqa Odho, Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan. PHOTO: AUTHOR

Fawad reflected on the long production journey, referencing the COVID-19 delay: “Look, I won't say it was a mistake, it was a coincidence. Covid came, I thought it was a responsible thing to go and stop shooting, A lot of people lost their lives in this.”

Movie plot

Mansoor Ali Khan, a world-renowned Urdu novelist known for one celebrated masterpiece, returns to Lahore for a literary festival. There, he encounters Neelofar, a blind young woman who experiences the world through sound, scent and silence.

Her presence transforms Mansoor’s understanding of life and art. As their bond grows in a fast-paced digital age, the film explores analogue intimacy, vulnerability and the unseen connections that alter human lives. Set against the pulse of modern Lahore, Neelofar is presented as a meditative reflection on seeing, feeling and rediscovering meaning.