Sarmad Khoosat appeals Imran Khan to save his film

After Sarmad Khoosat’s upcoming film Zindagi Tamasha, became the first Pakistani fiction to win big in South Korea, it’s trailer received criticism from its own country.

 Turn’s out the filmmaker is just as depressed as the people awaiting his film are, given it was set to release on January 24, 2020. According to Khoosat’s recent open letter to the Prime Minister, Imran Khan, there is an ongoing attempt to prevent the film from releasing at all.

 Khoosat uploaded the letter on his social media, stating the film is yet again being stopped from release after the first complaint was entertained, in a law-abiding manner.

Sarmad started his letter by providing details of his contributions to the film industry, “Like any other film, made in any part of the world, Zindagi Tamasha is a reflection of its setting. My team and I explored themes around gender constructs, class divisions and complex human experiences. There was never any intention to attack, to point fingers at or humiliate any individual or institution.”

He continued to address the appreciation his film received abroad, “Upon completion, the film was cleared by all three censor boards of Pakistan and had its world premiere at the prestigious Busan International Film Festival.”

“January was set as the release date. However, a ‘complaint’ was registered against the writer, the producer and myself, based on assumptions made from the two and a half minute long trailer..” Khoosat went on to clarify, “I couldn’t be more excited to bring this film to it’s original intended audience, however, a complaint was registered against the writer, producer and myself based on assumptions made from the trailer,” he said.

 “As a law-abiding citizen and with full conviction that there is nothing offensive or malicious in the film. In response I submitted the film for another review to the censor board. It was cleared once again with a few cuts to appease the complainants. ” According to the filmmaker, “Just a week before the film’s release, another attempt is being made by the same group to stop the release of the film and this time they are hell-bent on using pressurising tactics.”

“I am bringing this to your notice not just because my team and I are being bullied and pressurised but also because this series of episodes undermines a state institution like the Central Board of Film Censors and strips it of its authority and stature,” he added. He concluded by saying, “The space for rational and artistic thinking and expression must not be annexed by a few troublemakers for their political ends but I fear this is what will happen if we buckle under this time.” Zindagi Tamasha premiered at the Busan International Film Festival, where it won the Kim Ji-seok Award. Khoosat had cleared the air regarding the previous ban in an interview with The Express Tribune, explaining how he respected the censor board’s decision.

 “They were certain people who got offended, thinking I was pointing fingers at them. That wasn’t the idea and I was completely fine with re-editing the trailer. However, what’s problematic is that anytime one picks out a theme which people are uncomfortable discussing in public spaces or even behind closed doors, has to be deemed controversial.” Zindagi Tamasha is slated for release January 24. Here is hoping it makes it.

Saba Qamar's next film is a tragic love story at heart, reveals Sarmad Khoosat

Sarmad Khoosat's Zindagi Tamasha has premiered at the Busan Film Festival in South Korea but the director already has a new feature to work on.

Earlier, Saba Qamar had revealed to Images that she has signed on her next feature film, Kamli which will be helmed by Khoosat.

Now, Khoosat, who has also written the flick, spoke about the project to Variety.

"A tragic love story at heart, the film is going to be a fresh mix of a rustic setting captured in a contemporary, universal sensibility,” said Khoosat. “Unlike other films of the genre, Kamli is not only goaing to depict the vibrancy and humour of rural Punjab, but also its poetic lyricism and love-lore in an international film aesthetic."

For now, Khoosat is in South Korea for Zindagi Tamasha, about which he shared, "What was most important to me was exploring the idea of tolerance. Tolerance not just to others (to allow people to exist the way they are) but also tolerance to self – and this is where the concept of shame, need for approval etc. come in to play."

"I have been in situations where I have felt I should have been more tolerant of others and more accepting of my own self.

" Khoosat also spoke about Pakistani cinema, the journey it made and the current state its in. According to the director, "The misfortune with our industry in the 1980's and 1990's was that it did not cater to a wider audience.

But the last two decades have seen a nice variety of films come out, and the revival of Pakistani cinema."

"The mainstream is governed by commerce, but very interesting parallel cinema has also made its space – films like Moor [which was screened at Busan as well], Cake, Laal Kabootar, and even my first film Manto. The challenge remains financial support for genres beyond comedy or romance."

He added, "The absence of Indian films has highlighted just how nascent the Pakistani industry still is."

Sarmad Khoosat wraps up shooting for Punjabi Film Zindagi Tamasha

Every Sarmad Khoosat project offers something unique to the audiences. Be it a drama like Humsafar or the movie Manto, he always tries to entertain the audiences with quality content. Recently, he has been directing his Punjabi film Zindagi Tamasha. As per Entertainment Pakistan, the shooting phase of the film has been completed.

The movie was shot in various locations of Lahore as we have been seeing on Sarmad Khoosat's Instagram. The film focuses on the ways of Lahore and how this city shapes the lives of its residents.

Zindagi Tamasha stars Eman Suleman as the lead, alongside veteran television actress Samia Mumtaz. Arif Hasan and Ali Kureishi will also feature in pivotal roles.

Kanwal Khoosat has taken producer's seat and the screenplay was done by newcomer Nirmal Bano, a NCA graduate. Debutant band Sakin, has been given an opportunity to do the music for the film.

This will be the first film to release under the banner of "Khoosat Film."

Sarmad Khoosat's next to be Punjabi film based in Lahore

KARACHI: When it comes to what works with audiences, it’s a gamble. While most directors like to play it safe, Sarmad Khoosat is all for challenging himself.

His contemporary style of film-making may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but undoubtedly, the star’s narrating style is very unique and different.

While Khoosat’s projects such as Manto and Akhri Station did fairly well, others like Mor Mahal failed to leave a mark. However, it didn’t stop him from going back to his roots.

The actor is gearing up to take over the director’s seat once again for his upcoming Punjabi flick. The Ek Thi Marium helmer has been sharing pictures of his next ‘untitled’ project on his Instagram handle.

Talking about it, the 39-year-old film-maker told The Express Tribune, “The plot of the film is very close to my heart. I am Lahori, therefore, I can relate to the subject in a much more relatable manner.” Khoosat added, “What regional language does really well is to tell stories rooted in its culture.

I will show in all it glory in my next project. The idea is to unveil its sheer beauty that will surely captivate the audience.”

The film is the first production under Khoosat Films. His sister, Kanwal Khoosat, will be producing the film while Khizer Idrees is onboard as DOP. The script is penned by the actor himself. It stars Samiya Mumtaz, Eman Suleiman, Ali Kureishi and Arif Hasan. The yesteryear Pakistani film industry was essentially all about the Punjabi genre. So, when the number of such films being made was reduced drastically, it caused uproar among producers. Films such as Maula Jatt, Majajan, Gandasa, Gunda Raaj ruled cinemas some two decades ago.

Although Pakistani cinema has turned over a new leaf in the last couple of years, the revival somehow missed out on Punjabi films. Due to the fear of failure, producers refrained from taking up any new ventures.

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