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.
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.