KARACHI: The multiplex where the premiere of the film Rangreza was held on Tuesday cut a regular picture in the beginning, with sparse attendance of showbiz hangers-on.

It seemed that’s going to be the case that evening. But in a little more than half an hour, the venue filled with journalists and showbiz glitterati and there was an indecipherable hubbub that can only be associated with the world of glitz and glamour.

The two male leads of the film, Gohar Rasheed and Bilal Ashraf, immediately hogged the media attention, though many were eagerly waiting for the bubbly Urwa Hocane to step in. She arrived late. Why wouldn’t she? That’s being fashionably showbizy.

The nice little difference from the rest of the movie premieres on Tuesday that one felt was the presence of some senior artists — such as Akbar Subhani, Seemi Pasha and Tanveer Jamal — on the red carpet. They looked happy to be part of the new era of the Pakistan film industry.

Talking to Dawn about what he’s expecting from the film, Gohar Rasheed said: “You always expect good from your child.” Answering the question whether Rangreza will be able to compete with or match the numbers that two of the successful films of this year — Punjab Nahi Jaungi and Na Maloom Afraad 2 — have achieved, he said, “This is not the time to compete. They [films] have set a good precedent, and we’re trying to take that forward so that Pakistan and Pakistani cinema should progress.”

Bilal Ashraf had high hopes from the film. His views on the year 2017 in the context of Pakistani movies were: “2017 has been good for our films. People are making great effort for the industry, and all the best to all of them [for future].”

Akbar Subhani, who is playing an important role in the film of the head of a clan around which the story revolves, remained true to his humble self. Like all seasoned actors, his answers to the questions put to him were measured. He said, “Rangreza is a family drama. It’s about a family involved in music.” On the new phase of the film industry he remarked, “It’s in a ‘progress’ phase and good films are also coming along. With the passage of time they will improve further.”

Subhani said nowadays he had also busied himself with teaching French to students and was taking acting classes at a cultural centre in the city.

At 9.45pm or thereabouts, the crowd walked into hall 2 of the multiplex, after which the screen began to run visuals. As is often the case, the first appearance of the male and female leads of the film was greeted by loud cheers [from the film crew]. While a majority of the invitees stayed back for the story to finish, there were a handful who suddenly remembered they had other fish to fry and left early.

Rangreza directed by Amir Mohiuddin releases on Dec 21.

Published in Dawn, December 21st, 2017