The cast, crew and industry bigwigs turned up to support Wajahat Rauf’s Chhalawa, releasing this Eid.
Wajahat Rauf’s third and upcoming film, Chhalawa, unveiled its first theatrical trailer this weekend. The event – because for some reason trailers now get their own events too – was quite star studded with firstly the presence of the entire cast and secondly industry insiders turning up in support. Mehwish Hayat and debutant Zara Noor Abbas looked lovely in traditional attire, Azfar Rehman and Asad Siddiqui were all smiles standing next to their leading ladies, Wajahat Rauf, his wife and co-producer of the film, Shazia, and their son Asher – who also features in the film – were also present. And there were industry bigwigs like Humayun Saeed and Saqib Malik, who turned up in support.
Mehwish Hayat and Azfar Rehman
Mehwish Hayat, who was just recently honoured with a Tamgha e Imtiaz from the President, was glowing in traditional attire and looked great next to Azfar Rahman, who is also her leading man in Wajahat Rauf’s web series Enaaya. Mehwish has the Midas Touch when it comes to films and may just be Wajahat’s lucky charm.
Zara Noor Abbas and Asad Siddiqui
Zara Noor Abbas, who is veteran Asma Abbas’ daughter and Bushra Ansari’s niece, also chose traditional-wear for her public appearance. Zara is married to Asad Siddiqui, and so they have readymade chemistry on the screen. One thing is for sure, though, Zara has acting in her blood and practically lit up the frame in every scene.
Wajahat Rauf
Director and co-producer of the film, Wajahat Rauf, who’s also co-written the film in collaboration with Yasir Hussain, was all smiles at the trailer launch. This is Wajahat’s third film and he has an immensely successful YouTube Channel, which features fun celebrity interviews with his avatar, The Voiceover Man. Speaking about his previous films and explaining what he learnt from their experience, Wajahat said that he had learnt NOT to make another road trip. He had initially announced the third film in his road trip franchise (Lahore Sey Karachi and Karachi Sey Aagey) but then changed his mind and made Chhalawa instead.
The Brotherhood
Asad Siddiqui, Nausheen Shah – were present to support their friends, Amna Ilyas – who’s promoting her own film, Baaji these days, Humayun Saeed, Saqib Malik and Munib Nawaz – who stepped in as Style Director for Chhalawa.
Mehwish Hayat & Zara Noor Abbas steal the limelight in Chhalawa trailer
The trailer of Wajahat Rauf’s third film Chhalawa, set for release this Eid ul Fitr under his banner Showcase Films, was recently launched at a star studded event held in Karachi. Featuring Mehwish Hayat, Azfar Rehman, Asad Siddiqui and Zara Noor Abbas, the trailer hints at a family drama, with love, emotions and sadness taking over.
By the look of it, the trailer suggests a very DDLG-esque storyline with Azfar and Mehwish essaying roles similar to that of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol while Zara and Asad help bring the two together. Zoya’s (Mehwish) father, essayed by Mehmood Aslam, arranges her marriage to a young man of his choice but she decides to not comply. Her love interest Sameer, played by Azfar, somehow enters Zoya’s house with his friend Luqman (played by Asad) prior to her marriage. While they thought they’d convince Zoya’s father to not marry her off to the other guy, her father learns the truth and kicks them out of the house. Whether Zoya ends up with the love of her life or not, we’ll know once the film comes out.
Though the story is not completely original, it does look interesting. Dance sequences in a wedding setting look good while the music is catchy too. However, what worries one is Mehwish Hayat and Azfar Rehman’s chemistry; will they have any at all on the big screen? Asad Siddiqui appears quite forgettable though Zara Noor Abbas, who plays the role of Zoya’s sister Haya, steals the limelight with her vibrant character. Mehmood Aslam also wins hearts with his performance.
Executive produced by Shazia Wajahat, Chhalawa also features Wajahat Rauf’s son Ashir Wajahat, Mohsin Ejaz and Adnan Shah Tipu. Let’s see what exactly the film has more to offer come Eid ul Fitr. -Buraq Shabbir
