Mahesh Bhatt, Humayun Saeed team up for 'pro-Pakistan' film Dushman

The film's story is set in the UK and revolves around two men -- one of whom is Pakistani and the other Indian

KARACHI: Veteran Indian filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt and Pakistani superstar Humayun Saeed have joined hands to bring a Punjabi film to audiences on both sides of the border -- a film they both claim will bring India and Pakistan closer amid rising tensions.

The movie, titled Dushman, will be directed by Shagufta Rafique who has written several hit films -- such as Aashiqui 2 -- for Bhatt's production company Vishesh Films. Humayun is playing one of the two leading characters but says he might also co-produce the film. The other lead character is being played by Shaad Randhawa who has appeared in several Vishesh Films productions and is best known for playing Aditya Roy Kapur's manager and friend in Aashiqui 2.

Read: Jawani Phir Nahi Ani: Where's the outrage now?

Although Bhatt isn't producing the film himself (it's being produced by Vinay Bhardwaj), he will be 'presenting' it and is actively involved in the project. In fact it was him who broke the news on Twitter:

I am honoured to PRESENT Vinay & Shagufta's first Punjabi Film **HUMAYUN & SHAAD which will bring the people of our two nations closer !

— Mahesh Bhatt (@MaheshNBhatt) October 9, 2015

Prod Vinay Bhardwaj & my hit writer/director Shagufta have cast SHAAD & Humayun in their Punjabi film Dushman. pic.twitter.com/HS56h3tAI6

— Mahesh Bhatt (@MaheshNBhatt) October 8, 2015

With Jawani Phir Nahi Ani (JPNA) shattering all box office records in Pakistan and well on its way to becoming the biggest blockbuster in the history of Pakistani cinema, it's a rather odd choice by Humayun to pick an Indian film, that too one which isn't a mainstream Bollywood movie but a Punjabi film.

"To be honest, I was nervous before signing the film. I wasn't even meant to do it," Humayun disclosed to The Express Tribune. "They [the makers] had called me a while back asking if I could recommend Pakistani actors for the film. And I did give them four, five names. But somehow it didn't work out," he explained.

Read: Mahesh Bhatt cannot stop tweeting about Jawani Phir Nahi Ani!

Humayun said it was only later when he went to India for JPNA's post-production work when he met Shagufta and heard the script. "Nadeem (JPNA director) and I both were there. I was really impressed with the storyline. Usually, there's always an element of negativity in Indian films which include Pakistani characters. But this one is pro-Pakistan. So I told them if I had the time, I would love to do it."

Perhaps this is what Shagufta wanted. She accompanied Bhatt to the premiere of JPNA in Lahore last month. "When Bhatt sb came he asked me if I liked the script. He said he had heard that I was doing the film. I respect and love him a lot so there's no way I could have said 'no' to him. But I explained to him I had a lot going on with JPNA's release and other projects and I could only take time out for it next year."

Turns out that Shagufta and her producer Vinay didn't mind waiting for Humayun, even if that meant they had to postpone production till March 2016. "There are two reasons why I have signed the film. One, I am really close to Bhatt sb and Shagufta is a good friend so I couldn't have refused their offer. And second, the film shows Pakistan in a very positive light," he added.

Dushman's story is set in the UK and revolves around two men -- one of whom is Pakistani and the other Indian. "Shaad's character runs into trouble and my character helps him out. It's a very strong role. But most importantly, the film is pro-Pakistan," Humayun said when asked about the storyline.

Bhatt too seems very excited about the project. "Dushman is a path-breaking tale of love and friendship of an Indian and a Pakistani. This brave tale will be shot in India, Pakistan and Britain," he tweeted.

Dushman is a path breaking tale of love & friendship of an Indian & a Pakistani. This brave tale will be shot in India, Pakistan & UK.

— Mahesh Bhatt (@MaheshNBhatt) October 8, 2015

Well, we certainly share Bhatt sb's excitement and wish the entire team of Dushman good luck!