Pakistani
films have been on a hiatus ever since Bilal Lashari’s Waar came out in the
last quarter of 2013. Since then, there have been Bollywood releases, Hollywood
blockbusters that have graced the screen, but no local movie. The wait is over
as first-time director Shahzad Ghufoor’s The System is all set for a
countrywide release on May 30.
The
System, as the name suggests, is a movie about growing corruption in our
society and how it affects the common man. It seems like a bold topic for the
first-time director, who was born in Pakistan, raised in Norway and has
completed the post-production of his movie in India. “Yes I reside in both
Norway and Pakistan,” says Shahzad, son of renowned distributor and veteran
Lollywood producer Ghufoor Butt. “My family migrated from Pakistan when I was
only six months old but I belong to Pakistan and will always remain a Proud
Pakistani. By making a film on the social issues of my country, I have tried to
show my love for my motherland.”
Shahzad
feels that making a movie was a safer bet than working for television. “I
always wanted to make a Pakistani movie, but with new technology and a new way
of storytelling, and The System has provided me that opportunity. Also, I feel
that it is the right time to make a film on corruption,” he asserts.
For
a debutante director, to rope in veteran film actors like Nadeem Baig, Shafqat
Cheema, Irfan Khoosat and Nayyar Ejaz was nothing short of a milestone. “This
story demanded fresh faces but also a mature cast, and I was very happy to work
with seniors,” says Shahzad. “They all liked the script and we agreed on the
dates, so it was great to work with such big names in my directorial debut.”
The
story of The System follows the ‘one man can make a difference’ formula which
has been tried and tested many a times in the past. Shahzad, however,
disagrees. “The basic idea is that every change, which is meant for good, is a
step forward towards betterment. I believe that one man can make a difference,
especially if many individuals take responsibility.”
The
System will be the first major release in Pakistan this year, and it plans to
open at as many as 59 screens across the country, a record since the advent of
multiplex cinemas in Pakistan. It may not change ‘the real system’ in the
country, but the director hopes that his film will at least motivate and give
local filmmakers the push they need.
“The
script, the way the story is told as well as the message in The System is
fresh. I am confident that the technical work done using international
equipment and studios will provide moviegoers a chance to view something
different,” assures Shahzad.
The
film also brings new talent – Kashaf Ali, Mariyam Ali Hussain and Saira
Chaudhary – to the forefront and the director promises that these newcomers
will surely impress with their acting prowess. He reintroduces his brother
Shehraz as the leading man (he made his debut as second lead in box-office
disaster Khamosh Raho with TV actress Juggan Kazim) who has developed a
muscular, Salman Khan-type physique for his role as the protagonist. The
director is certain that the film will provide him a chance to prove his
mettle, which was overlooked in his debut.
And
then, there is the cross-border connection since most of the post production
work has been done in Mumbai. Most of the singers (barring Komal Rizvi) as well
as the music composer (Shailesh Suwarna) and lyricists (Irfan Siddiqui and
Mohit Pathak) are from across the border. “India is the nearest we can get to
for our films. They have technical facilities, which are sadly not yet
available in Pakistan. I have many friends in India including a few music
directors and lyricists so it just happened on its own. Though, I hope in
future we can do the whole post production in Pakistan,” Shahzad clarifies.
The
film will be a welcome change for the audience since it has been shot in Lahore
and the picturesque locations of Norway. “Of course the Norwegian input is
there and I am glad that I can represent a bit of Norway in this movie. I have
high hopes from the project which brings newcomers and seniors together for a
fight against a common enemy – corruption,” Shahzad concludes.
Article by : Omair Alavi (Instep Magazine)
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