LAHORE: Ever since the release of Shoaib Mansoor's acclaimed film Khuda Kay Liye, the Pakistani film industry has been blossoming and numerous movies experimenting with different genres have been mushrooming left and right. However, most of these genres rely on themes relating to current affairs such as terrorism and extremism in the country.

DRIVEN a film different in its own way revolves around a Western-European theme and features an action-packed compelling storyline claiming to incite the audience. It is based on the events of actor-director Kamran Faiq’s life who is one of the leading actors in the film and is also the producer alongside Naveed Mehmood.

Azeem Sajjad, Kamran Faiq and Adnan Shah Tipu.

“The unique thing about this film is the narrative. When I was approached by Michael to participate in this project as an actor and a producer, what struck me most about the film was the way it was written. It indulges the audience with the action on-screen," said Faiq who was also seen in the telefilm remake of Devar-Bhabi on Geo TV.

Directed by Michael Hudson, the film boasts a diverse cast which includes renowned actors like Javaid Sheikh, Amna Illyas, Adnan Shah Tipu, Rehan Shiekh, Omair Rana, Najia Baig and Wahab Shah.

Artwork depicting a scene from the film.— Photo courtesy: Driven's official Facebook Page

In an interactive press conference held Tuesday at Faletti’s Hotel, Michael Hudson revealed that he has met many Pakistanis in his life which is why he doesn't perceive them as stereotypically "violent and aggressive". This became the reason for making a film that didn't present Pakistanis with the myopic vision that usually tends to portray them as beings blowing each other up for the world to see.

DRIVEN has been shot in Pakistan and the director chose to shoot here because the script was a perfect fit for the country. For Michael, it was not about a specific location rather a set of textures he wanted to capture which could only be found in Pakistan.

Logo of the film.— Publicity photo

Speaking about the film, Amna Ilyas, who was last seen in Sabiha Sumar's Good Morning Karachi, shared her experience with the director.

“It was a fantastic experience— being able to work with Michael and such a talented international cast and crew on home ground. Being part of this unique collaborative experience has been immensely rewarding and I hope that DRIVEN marks the start of many more good things to come for the Pakistani film industry."

Amna Illyas at the event.— Publicity photo

While it has been shot mostly in English, the film also comes with a twist of Urdu making it inherently bilingual and more accommodating for the Pakistani audience.

Upon asking if the film would fare well considering that it is in English for the most part, Michael revealed that his team had a niche audience in mind when developing the film. The audience of the film is meant to be a group of people who understand the language.

He maintained that “…it is in English for an educated audience”.

Michael Hudson, Amna Illyas and Kamran Faiq at the event.— Publicity photo

Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see, how the events of Kamran Faiq’s life will be portrayed on-screen through this film.

Artwork depicting a scene from the film.— Photo courtesy: Driven's Official Facebook Page

DRIVEN has been in production for about a year and a half with the expected release set around Eidul Azha this year. The film will not only be released in Pakistan but also worldwide in countries like Argentina, parts of Europe, India and other countries.

Foha Raza is a journalism graduate working as a freelance writer alongside being the Assistant Editor at SiddySays. She also works as a publicist with numerous clients as part of her portfolio.