In 2017, the cinema-going audience in Pakistan was not impressed by most locally-produced films that released in the year. Barring two films – Punjab Nahi Jaungi and Na Maloom Afraad 2 – that set the box office ringing with the former becoming the highest grossing Pakistani film to date, it remains a struggle to name one film that managed to cover its cost at the box office.
The stars of upcoming Pakistani film, Maan Jao Naa, recall their fondest memories of shooting for the film.
In 2017, the cinema-going audience in Pakistan was not impressed by most locally-produced films that released in the year. Barring two films – Punjab Nahi Jaungi and Na Maloom Afraad 2 – that set the box office ringing with the former becoming the highest grossing Pakistani film to date, it remains a struggle to name one film that managed to cover its cost at the box office.
But, despite the dismal fate of films like Arth, Verna and Chalay Thay Saath, one is cautiously optimistic to see an increase in the number of films being produced locally as well as an improvement in the technical aspects of filmmaking.
It is also reassuring to know that the Lollywood machinery is still capable of churning out good films, a glimpse of which can be found in the upcoming line-up of films.
One case in point is Aabis Raza’s upcoming film, Maan Jao Naa (MJN), that stars Adeel Chaudhry and Naaz Norouzi as protagonists and is penned by the very talented Asma Nabeel (writer of Khaani and Khuda Mera Bhi Hai).
With Maan Jao Naa slated to open tomorrow (February 2), Instep caught up with the film’s lead pair, who have been on a promotional spree in a bid to push their film further into public consciousness.
Instep: What is your fondest memory from the making of this film?
Naaz Norouzi (NN): I think the time I shared with my director and co-actors are all fond memories. I had a beautiful time and it was a great learning experience as well.
Adeel Chaudhry (AC): My fondest memory has to be the shooting of my favourite song, ‘Chal Para’. Everything in that song, from the cinematography to lyrics, was magical.
Instep: Many recent Pakistani films, including high profile productions such as Arth, have underperformed on the box office. Does it scare you to know that the audience will not accept everything presented to them?
AC: Not really. I think if a movie is well made, it will do well. I do believe that promotions are important as well. There are films that aren’t that great but because of effective promotions, they are still running and doing well.
The beauty of Maan Jao Naa is that it is a complete package and every aspect of the film is well thought out. There is a surprise element as well and I am sure that our efforts will be appreciated. It is the kind of film that I would like to watch myself, which is why I signed on.
Instep: You are a singer as well; how is your singing coming along? Has it taken a backseat?
AC: Yes, unfortunately, I have not been able to give my singing the time it deserves but I am planning to come back with a bang. You will soon be hearing from me as I am working on my next album.
Instep: What is the status of the films you signed in India? Given the fact that Pakistani talent is not welcomed across the border anymore, do you expect those projects to see the light of day?
AC: It is pretty sad that an artist is subjected to boundaries like these. As of now only artists from Pakistan are banned in India, which isn’t fair I feel. Bollywood is a great market and we have lots of great artists who have done well there so I pray that soon we’ll all be working together again.
Instep: Naaz, since you already have a number of Indian projects on hand, what made you say yes to a Pakistani film?
NN: When I signed this film, my Hindi film had been pushed to a later date so I thought it was a good opportunity, to explore a new country and learn something more.
Instep: Tell us about some of your upcoming projects?
NN: After Maan Jao Naa, my next release will be Khido Khundi, which will come out in April. My Netflix original series, which is called Sacred Games, will release in June. In between I will be shooting for my next film, which is going to be a sequel but unfortunately, I can’t disclose the name right now.
Instep: Adeel, what was it like working with Shah Rukh Khan? Did he tell you anything about Pakistan?
AC: The experience was great as he makes everyone around him feel very comfortable. It was one of the best campaigns I’ve done. He told me he is from Peshawar and that he’d love to visit Pakistan because his forefathers are from there and that he has imm d that is what I love about this story.
Instep: How would you rate your experience of working with the MJN team and will you consider doing another Pakistani film after this?
NN: The experience was good; we had our ups and downs but all in all, I was welcomed very warmly in this country and the production house made me feel so much at home that if any other production house can hold up to them, I will consider the project.
– Sadiq Saleem is a Dubai based entertainment journalist. He is also an Instep & Something Haute correspondent and can be contacted on his page fb/sidsaidso.
