Despite having faced a slump last year due to box
office failures coupled with regular bouts of illness, acclaimed film director
Syed Noor knows there is no looking
back. At the Shabab Studio, located in the periphery of Lahore, Noor, 61, is
busy filming his latest venture Shareeka, which is set to release on Eidul Fitr
this year.
Credited
for revitalising Lollywood in the mid-90s, Noor is known for making issue-based
films and has some of Lollywood’s biggest hits, such as Choorian, Jeeva,
Ghoonghat and Deewane Tere Pyar Ke, under his belt. However, with a slump in
the overall film industry and the economy in general, the director faced many
failures as well but unswayed by these setbacks, he held on to his determination
of keeping the Punjabi cinema alive and continued making films.
Noor looks
at each film with the hope of reviving the industry. “I can’t say whether a
revival will occur or not but I want to ensure films are being made not only
for the audiences but also for those who rely on them for their livelihood,”
says the director.
A sneak peek
Speaking
about the film, Noor, considered one of the best film-makers in Pakistan,
reveals, “Shareeka is a total family drama film. In our culture, joint families
are a norm; but within these there are jealousies, negativities and other
problems. However, we’ll focus on the importance of understanding these
differences and moving past petty issues.”
The
star-studded cast of the film includes Shaan, Saima, Irfan Khoosat,Mustafa
Qureshi, Afzal Ahmed and others. Noor reveals that the film revolves around a
big family, their two sons and then grandsons, all living together. Both
Qureshi and Ahmed will be seen playing crucial parts. Ahmed, who is finally
back after suffering from a stroke which left him wheelchair bound and unable
to speak, has a role that’s designed to accommodate his condition. Shaan and
Saima will feature as the children of the lead characters.
“You can
probably tell what my character is,” quips Qureshi, adding that he will play
the role of the grandfather. “Shareeka is an important story, with an important
message. The film makes an analogy to the situation of Pakistan and compares it
to a big family, consisting of different people from different backgrounds and
languages, all living together.”
“In these
times, to have a film like this being made is a positive thing,” states
Qureshi. “We are, in a way, trying to discuss those issues which matter to the
people of the country. I really believe that relationships thrive on
understanding and likewise a nation also thrives on understanding amongst
citizens.”
Like
Qureshi, producer Safdar Malik also believes that the best thing about the film
is that most people in Pakistan can relate to it. Recently, questions have
arisen over whether a family film can generate enough revenue for the
film-maker as well as cinema owners. Malik states, “People are tired of the
vulgar and cheap films that are commonplace these days. That’s the reason
families don’t even bother going to the cinemas. This will be a comeback of a
genre of films that has been long neglected.”
While
talking about the onslaught of foreign movies and how they affect the business
of local ones, Malik says, “Currently, the industry is not producing enough
films so foreign and Indian films are necessary for the survival of cinemas and
theatres. However, on our part, we have made sure that at least some work is
going on and that new faces are getting a chance to show their mettle.”
Noor’s upcoming venture
Meanwhile,
apart from Shareeka, Noor’s other venture, Meri Shaadi Karao, is also scheduled
to be released in June this year. The director confirmed it will include Indian
Punjabi Daler Mehndi’s son Gurdeep Singh in the lead role. The film is a
co-production of Noor and Mehndi.
Published
in The Express Tribune, May 30th, 2012.
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