Thursday 20 April 2017

Shahroz Sabzwari to star in Aaina 2


Who doesn't remember the Pakistani Cinema golden couple, Shabnam ji and Nadeem Beyg? The duo are loved by many for their memorable movies roles together. But one movie still remembered today for its brilliant story and beautiful music is Aina. Regarded a mega hit of its time, Syed Noor is all set to make its second part. The director, along with the cast recently had a meet up at Movenpick Hotel in Karachi, to talk about the project as well as reveal who'll be joining the two legends on the big screen!

Attended by many, the meet up consisted of Shabnam Ji along with Nadeem Saheb and Syed Noor addressing the media. While it was revealed that the idea of a second movie had been floating for some time, it was when the script was finally ready that the great duo agreed to be part of the film.
In a fun meet up, Shabnam also shared memories of the time when she and Nadeem worked on the original movie.
"He'd always come late on set, the shoot would be scheduled for 9 in the morning but he would come around 12, rubbing his eyes. Meanwhile I'd be on set right on time. Him coming late angered me because I had to leave early since I had a house to look after." she shared.
She further added,
"But the funny thing was when he'd finally show up, he always had a well made excuse so one couldn't really say anything to him."
Besides Shabnam and Nadeem, Shahroz Sabzwari has been signed on to play the grown up version of the little boy who was the couple's son in the original movie. While Sabzwari has said yes to the project, as revealed at the meet up, the makers are still on the lookout to pair him with an actress.
Aina was released in 1977. The movie was a smashing success as it ran for a total 401 weeks in cinemas, 48 weeks on main cinemas in Karachi. The popularity was not only limited to Pakistan, it even played in theatres across China.
HIP would like to wish everyone associated with the project all the best and we cant wait to see what the second movie will have in store!

Yalghaar trailer to release on April 24

 It’s true. It’s really happening. We have it from several sources that the highly anticipated and long overdue film, Yalghaar, will be releasing on Eid ul Fitr and it’s trailer will be out on April 24. So buckle up, people.
Yalghaar is a Hassan Waqas Rana (better known as Doc) film and will have the tracings of his previous war-epic, block buster Waar. A full on action thriller, Yalghaar has been made over several years with a massive budget and a star cast. We’ll get to see superstar Shaan Shahid in lead and Humayun Saeed playing his first negative role. Fans who are loving his youthful look in Punjab Nahin Jaungi will be shocked to see the 180 degree transformation of Saeed in Yalghaar. His first look as terrorist will undoubtedly confuse his fans on whether they love it or hate it. The ensemble cast includes Gauher Rasheed, Sana Buccha, Ayesha Omar, Armeena Khan, Bilal Ashraf and Adnan Siddiqui in pivotal roles. Umair Jaswal was once part of the project but we’re unsure whether his footage has been retained or edited.
Regardless, you can expect a full-on war saga on Eid. It’ll have all the necessary trappings of a cinema magnum opus and from the looks of it, it does look phenomenal despite the fact that it’ll be a blood bath. Expect at least 200 people to die on screen!
“Make that 300,” Doc, the director smiled when I asked him. “People will be emotional when they leave the cinemas after the film. But hopefully it will be for the right reasons.”

Saturday 15 April 2017

Could 'Project Ghazi' define the future of film-making in Pakistan?


LAHORE: 
The clock was nearly striking midnight when I entered a dimly-lit building on Shahrah-e-Faisal. After climbing a few floors, I reached a place which smelt of smoke and dust but you would only notice that if you couldn’t keep your attention on the main show: Humayun Saeed suspended ten feet in the air with a cable wire. The production of Pakistan’s first live action superhero film, Project Ghazi was in progress.

Director Nadir Shah sat behind the camera, his gaze going back and forth from the frame and the scene in front of him, as if he was meticulously measuring the position and distance. The rest of the team was pacing around – some carrying wires, some boards.

As the director waited for the shot, he often shouted directions so that everyone could hear him. The dynamics of the team showed a symbiotic relationship, the sole purpose of which was to ultimately, create the best product.
Producing the country’s first superhero film is a herculean task and it certainly didn’t look like the Project Ghazi team was taking it any less seriously. Here was the lead actor, wearing a thick white jacket and pants, hanging against a while wall in the Karachi heat. I was told they were shooting a Siachen scene.

What I found interesting was that, in an industry where sharing credit is a sin and hogging the spotlight is all the rage, producer Ali Raza seemed particularly proud of his team. He introduced each of them by their name and role in bringing the film to life. Cinematographer Farhan Hafeez, sound engineer Absar Khan, digital artist Danial Shahzad Khan, one of Pakistan’s oldest action choreographer Mehboob Shah – could all be seen busting their heads to visualise Siachen for the big screen.
Raza was all praises for his star cast too. “It’s past midnight and extremely hot. Look at Humayun. He hasn’t complained once. And we will be doing this all night,” he said, with a fatherly pride in his eyes. He also commended the rest of the cast members (Sheheryar Munawar, Syra Shehroz among others) for being so committed to the film. “We have the best cast we could hope for.”

Later, Saeed weighed in on the hard work and his entire experience of working on Project Ghazi. The excitement was clear, yet his mixed emotions couldn’t be ignored. He pointed out the months of constant effort it takes to make a film, let alone a superhero film. “The audiences don’t see that though. They only see the actor and disregard it as good or bad.” In the end, it all comes down to the performances and how well the director creates an imaginary world. Saeed agreed.

Raza shared some stills and footage from the film, which is set for release later this year. The futuristic look, made of grayish silver tones, chiaroscuro lighting and detailed costume design looks appealing. He also shared that the masks and props were all 3D printed.
Another interesting fact about Project Ghazi is that apart from being the producer, Raza co-wrote the story with Shah, and serves as the associate director for the film. Generally, the perception is that producers must be kept at a distance from the production and the creative process but finding him so deeply involved, in all aspects, was as refreshing as it was intriguing. “When you know why the cinematographer needs an expensive lens, or why we need to spend this much money on a prop, it makes things easier for a producer.”
Even though his roles overlap, Raza’s vision for the film is crystal clear. “One of the main purposes for making Project Ghazi is to show the demons in society. It’s not just intolerance toward minorities or a particular group but rather, amongst ourselves. More than that, it’s the indifference,” he said. “Look at what we are doing to each other!” In retrospect, his statement has even more impact considering the brutal and cruel murder of Mashal Khan in Mardan.
The conversation flowed for hours and before we realised, it was almost three and time to leave. But as a film graduate, I left with a richer sense of the film-making process because, while we see them on screen in all their glory, it’s not often that you witness the stars getting their hands dirty and working through the night to finish a superhero film.

Friday 14 April 2017

Ahsan Khan and Ayesha Omar shoot at Lahore train station for Rehbra



The shoot for Ahsan Khan and Ayesha Omar's Rehbra is almost complete.
"The film is almost done, it's 95% done," Ahsan Khan confirms to Images.
The latest shoot for Rehbra, which has been described as a "love story with a twist", took Ahsan and Ayesha to the Lahore railway station.
The team has constantly been on the move, it seems. One of Ahsan's favourite parts about shooting Rehbra has been shooting for film's songs all over Pakistan.
"We loved picturising the songs because we went to Kund Malir, Gwadar, Kasur, Lahore and Karachi," says Ahsan.

"The songs have been the best part," he adds. "I loved doing the songs because the title track is awesome, I loved it. Asim Azhar sang that. And then there's the song by Rahat [Fateh Ali Khan] which is a sad track. That's also a great track, it features an Indian female singer performing for Ayesha. "
Luckily, Ahsan's got great company throughout his travels.
"It's been a great journey working with Ayesha. Ayesha Omar is a great co-star and it was so much fun being with her. [Director] Amin Iqbal has done a great job as well. The producer Saira, who is from US, is a wonderful lady."
"So far it's been a good experience. Tiring but good," Ahsan concludes.
Rehbra also stars Sarish Khan, who will also be seen in Syed Noor's Chein Aey Na. The film is slated for an Eid-ul-Azha release.

Zarrar-The Lone Shadow Will Be Pakistan's First Real Action Movie


If you still think of Shaan as the gandasa wielding man in a khet, its time you to wake up and give yourself a reality check. C'mon people, its 2017, our cinema industry has enroute to revival and Shaan Shahid has moved way too far from being the gravity defying, bullet darting, gandasa holding gujjar.

Yes, this one actor has come a long way from where he started off and is now all set to make a smashing entry once again on our cinema screens. And mind you, Shaan Shahid is his latest avatar will make you drool! He looks absolutely perfect and we can't help falling in love with Shaan even more in Zaraar.
Shaan is currently busy winding up his shoot for his directorial and acting venture Zarrar-The Lone Shadow and we we're eagerly waiting for the movie to hit the screens.

According to sources, Zarrar- The Lone Shadow, will be an action packed, fast paced thriller based on the life of a spy and the constant contributions of our intelligence agencies for the safety of the homeland. Zarrar will focus on a conspiracy not just action and thrills. The movie will have enough action, mystery, thrill and drama to entertain the masses and give them a solid message as well.

Zarrar is about fighting the enemies within and according to Adnan Butt, executive producer and the antagonist in the movie, the logo of the film also depicts the same. "The team has worked hard for Zarrar, making it one of its kind action movie to be released in Pakistan. The kind of action and thrill Zarrar will offer the audience will certainly be a turning point for the Pakistani film industry, proving to the world that even we are capable of making proper action movies".

Zarrar is currently under production and is slated for release in the later half of 2017. The film is being produced by 5th Dimension Films UK in association with Jehan Films Pakistan and is based on the concept by Adnan Butt. The movie has been written and directed by Shaan and has been shot in the UK, Pakistan and Turkey as well.
Zarrar- The Lone Shadow will star Shaan Shahid, Kiran Malik, Adnan Butt and also Nadeem Baig in prominent roles; marking the debut of model turned actress Kiran Malik on the big screen. With the looks of it (referring to shoots and bts received) we're in for quite a glamorous treat with Zarrar- perhaps our own take on the Bond movies, with the same amount of glamour and action.

"Filmmakers Should Produce Biopics On Top Athletes Of Pakistan."


Besides politics and entertainment, sports is vital when it come to contributing towards the recognition of a country. With the production of Shah, one is left wondering why there aren't biopics made on other great sports figures of the country. Shah tells the story of Pakistans only Olympic medalist boxer, Hussain Shah.
According to Geo, where India has made movies on Milkha Singh, Paan Singh Tomar, Mary Kom and Mohammed Azharuddin, we have just one to our credit, with the biopic on Imran Khan still awaiting release.

With the movie Industry flourishing, Major General Akram Sahi, head of Athletics Federation of Pakistan, suggested that more movies should be made on the life of Pakistan's top athletes. They have raised the country’s flag on several occasions, from the 1950s to 1970s. People like Abdul Khaliq, who was the country's best sprinter, known for winning the 100m gold medal in the Asian games and Mohammad Younis, who won the 1500m race gold medal in the 1974 Asian Games in Tehran, were given this honor.
Agreeing with the Major General was filmmaker Adnan Sarwar, who told the news channel that filmmakers have certain responsibilities and they play an important role in influencing peoples' thoughts. He also shared,
“We did Shah and proved that sports biopics can be made and do well in Pakistan, therefore I believe other filmmakers should also step-up."

We agree with Sarwar, seeing how there's so many great legends ranging from Jhangir Khan, Hassan Sardar and Wasim Akram to name a few. These are the people that deserve to have a biopic based on them. Their stories can inspire cinema goers, but also bring something new to the Pakistani cinema screens, and who knows, maybe even film festivals abroad.

Lollywood veterans demand 'low cinema ticket price'


Going to the cinema has become an ordeal for a commoner in the country. With the passage of time, cinemas have become a past time hobby and entertainment experience for a certain class of the country because of over priced tickets.
The current price of cinema tickets across the country range from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1300, making it impossible for a layman to step into a cinema house.
While many remain mum about it, Lollywood megastars Javed Sheikh and Sangeeta have expressed their concern about the skyrocketing cinema ticket prices.
"There should be reduction in prices in order to promote and encourage more people to come to cinemas and watch movies," said Sheikh.
Agreeing with Javed Sheikh, Sangeeta added; "This is in the best interest of the industry and it is truly something to think about."
Starring Danish Taimoor, Sangeeta's upcoming film 'Tum Hee Ho' is slated for release next week while Sheikh's movie 'Wujood' which also stars Taimoor as the leading face of the film awaits a confirmed release date.
With many promising movies set to release in the months to come, will the cinema authorities consider the advice of these two Lollywood stars? We'll have to wait and see.

Punjab Nahi Jaungi to Release Worldwide on Eid Ul Adha


Punjab Nahi Jaungi, the latest offering by ARY Films & Six Sigma Plus after the blockbuster Jawani Phir Nahin Aani, is ready to hit cinemas on Eid Ul Adha.

Punjab Nahi Jaungi is a romantic-drama directed by the award-winning director, Nadeem Baig and produced by Salman Iqbal, Shehzad Nasib, Humayun Saeed & Jerjees Seja.


Written by the legendary playwright Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar, of Sadqay Tumhare & Pyarey Afzal fame, Punjab Nahi Jaungi boasts an A-list ensemble cast including Humayun Saeed, Mehwish Hayat, Ahmad Ali Butt, Urwa Hocane, Azfar Rehman, Behroz Subzwari, Saba Hamid, Waseem Abbas & Naveed Shehzad.



The film has been shot entirely in Pakistan - and will be released under the banner of ARY Films worldwide.

Friday 7 April 2017

Chein Aye Na to Release on 21st July 2017


This year will be seeing the release of some amazing movies like Chalay Thay Saath , Punjab Nahi Jaonge to name a few and joining them will be Syed Noor directorial venture Chein Aye Na which sees the rather beefed up Shehroz Sabzwari in the lead.

With the behind the scenes footage of the movie looking good we cant wait to see Sabzwari and Sarish Khan spread their magic on the big screen. Syed Noor is one of the most respected film maker of our industry who stood by Lollywood when many had given up hope on it. To see him direct a movie once again will be a real treat for us as well for the audiences.

In an earlier conversation with HIP, Sheroz Sabzwari revealed a bit about the movie by saying,
"It is a pure romantic movie. Syed Noor Sahab made sure the movie is a modern reflection of the old Pakistani movies that once reigned the cinema"
Read : "Chein Aye Na is a pure romantic movie," says Shahroz Subzwari
Besides the lead pair the movie will also see Atiqa Odho, Behroz Sabzwari, Mustafa Qureshi and Nadeem Baig along with Adil Murad, son of the legendary actor Waheed Murad.

With us having spoken to Syed Noor Sahab about the release of Chein Aye Na, the director confirmed that it will be hitting the cinemas across Pakistan on 21st July 2017.


Hania Amir To Play The Lead In "Na Maloom Afraad 2"



Hania Amir, this one pretty girl isn't just another beautiful face. Hania Amir, in fact is a powerhouse of talent, people. After proving her mettle in Janaan, and with so many upcoming (read potential) projects to her name, this very talented and gorgeous 20 year old has now bagged the leading role in Na Maloom Afraad 2.

Yes, you heard us right people. Hania Amir will play one of the leading ladies in the upcoming venture Na Maloom Afraad 2. Talking about her character Hania has only revealed that she will be playing the love interest of one of the leads in the movie.
We know Fahad Mustafa is in NMA2 and we also know it has Urwa. We also know about Mohsin Abbas Haider being in the movie so we are guessing Hania Amir is being casted opposite our new hot-favorite Mohsin (we're hoping she is) as his love interest. But you never know how things might turn out.
For now, we're bringing you this exclusive piece of juicy information only. Stay tuned with us for more updates on Na Maloom Afraad 2 and we'll let you in as soon as we discover what's cooking behind the scenes here.