KARACHI: It was a press conference at which those who organised it outnumbered the journalists. The event was arranged at the Karachi Press Club on Tuesday evening to announce an upcoming film, Taaqub — The Chase Begins. One of the reasons for the sparse media attendance could be the coinciding presser of a politician which was eagerly awaited and largely attended.

Speaking on the occasion, the director of ‘Taaqub’ Muhammad Usman Aman said when the idea for the film was first floated it was debated whether it should be shot abroad or in Pakistan. He said the makers went for the latter option because it’s a Pakistani project and therefore should be made in Pakistan. He said the entire filming process, ranging from editing to cinematography to scripting, would be done in the country.

Producer of ‘Taaqub’ Aali Rafi said he had worked with Usman Aman before in different ventures. He said when he narrated the idea to him he liked it very much and decided to be a part of it. He said the script would be tweaked.

The writer of the film, Nuzhat Saman, said she had been scripting television plays and it was for the first time that she had penned a movie script. She said the story intended to touch upon important social issues by providing entertainment to the audience. She said the story revolved around a character who tried to tackle the issues that society was plagued with. She said that apart from that the film had a romantic angle as well as comedic track. She said she worked for television and did not initially want to write a film, but her ‘family terms’ with the director made her change her mind.

Laila Khan, the actress who is playing the female lead in the film, said she was a model and had been representing Pakistan in different parts of the world. She said once while in Italy she was offered to work in a movie but she refused it because she wanted to begin her film career in a Pakistani film. Describing ‘Taaqub’, she said it was full of masala. The name of the character that she’s playing was Sania, she said.

Osman Khan, who will be seen as the male lead in the film, said his character was of a journalist. Like all journalists, he said, he went through a lot of difficulties in the story.

Zeeshan Ali was introduced by the director as the supporting hero in ‘Taaqub’. Zeeshan said his role in the story was that of a detective.

Fashion designer Mansoor, who is also acting in the movie, Khurram and Talha (cinematographer) also spoke. Filming for ‘Taaqub’ will begin after Haj.

Published in Dawn, August 24th, 2016