Its alleviating to see that the looming dark shadows have finally started to melt away, leaving fresh faces and surprisingly, new set of ideas in Pakistani Film Industry. Gone are the days when we were given heroines who could pass for heavy weight championships. There were scarring images of a size 14+ actress pouncing around a tree (causing earthquake or so) in deep cleavage-flashing sequined bra worn over a long skirt-cum-dhoti, that quite often glistened under the sun (and seductively so, in mustached-heros’ eyes).
Jeez, whatever did we do to deserve THAT?!
Nonetheless, after Shoaib Mansoor’s two blockbusters, namely Khud Kay Liye and Bol; followed by a handful few, the Pakistani Cinema has resurrected. Its no longer the quintessential ster/bahu, husband/wife, avenged/avenger or deshum dushum types in making but, rather sensitive topics and well-thought screenplays are being written/produced.
It wasn’t until recently, we got our regular dose of cricket through Main Hoon Shahid Afridi – a movie that is set to reach astounding success on box office. (Followed by Waar, Operation 021 and Na Maloom Afraad) The censor board as well as the audiences are now thankfully accepting a tinge of liberalism and have agreed to watch films with a broader mindset. Its about time, really!
On the set of Good Morning, Karachi © Zeeshan Haider
Now its Good Morning Karachi, a first ever fashion-based Pakistani film made under the banner of Vidhi Films (Pakistan) in association with ZDF / ARTE (Europe).
Directed by Sabiha Sumar,GMK is a story about a young girl from lower middle class who aspires to become the next big thing in Pakistani fashion industry. Understandably so, the film will feature her journey to heights of fame and hindrances she undergoes in order to achieve her dream. In midst of vivid glimpses shown via trailer, we gather that the movie will be putting the blurred division between Islamized Pakistan and the Muslim high society to test.
Though, the trailer does not reveal much of the story line (and by no means its supposed to) it whets the audiences’ appetite. Which is EXACTLY why, it intrigued me onto digging a bit deeper.
Upon contacting the film’s producer, Sachithanandam Sathananthan (aka. Dr. Satha, my ex-sociology professor at The Lyceum) I learnt that Good Morning, Karachi, comes from a production house, Vidhi Films, that debuted with a feature film called Khamosh Pani back in 2003. It was a film that won international acclaim and have had a worldwide theatrical release. Vidhi Films also have numerous documentaries made and shown internationally under its banner. One of such was Dinner with the President: A Nation’s Journey, featuring Pervez Musharaf.
The script for Rafina (GMK) is written by Malia Scotch Marmo, Samhita Arni and Sabiha Sumar, with music produced by Robert Logan. So in many ways, it’s a combination of local and international film makers, which I believe should be the strongest USP for the film’s success.
I was also told that, Rafina (GMK) was screened at the Goteborg International Film Festival, Sweden in January 2013 and has been invited to show at the San Francisco International Film Festival for November 2013.
From the top: Zoe Viccaji, Tapu Javeri, Deepak Perwani, Saba Pervez and Savera Nadeem. ©Zeeshan Haider.
To name a few, the cast of Rafina includes the industry’s biggest like Deepak Perwani (as star dsigner), Tapu Javeri (star cameo) Saba Perwaiz (Rafina’s stereotypical mother as seen in trailers), Zoe Viccaji (actor/singer), Savera Nadeem, Atta Yaqub, Beo Raana Zafar and RJ Khalid Malik.
Amna Ilyas as Rafina.
Character of Rafina is played by the phenomenal, Amna Ilyas who nowadays just doesn’t get tired of making headlines. Ilyas was also in lead role for Zinda Bhaag.
Guess there will be a lot of cheering and hooting for this talented one here? Make us proud Amna!
More updates will follow as we anxiously wait for Good Morning, Karachi to hit the local cinemas in the first week of Jan 2015 Till then, feast you eyes on Amna Ilyas as Rafina:
Use proxy. xx
Cashing on Couture 