ISLAMABAD: A new movie based on the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), titled Sherdil, will be released on March 22.

Producers, sponsors and the film’s cast held a press conference Wednesday night, announcing the film’s release.

They also talked about the recent engagement between the air forces of Pakistan and India when two Indian jets were shot down and one Indian pilot was taken into custody.

The film’s producer, Noman Khan, said the idea for the film came to him three years ago and particularly appreciated the support of lead actor Mikaal Zulfiqar and late singer Junaid Jamshed in making the film possible.

“I am so thrilled and happy about this accomplishment,” Mr Khan said, adding that the film would also not have been possible without his wife and co-producer Nosheen Khan and another member of the lead cast, Hassan Niazi.

“The lead cast delivered to my expectations when I asked them to perform better than they had ever before,” Mr Khan said.

“This is the first time that Pakistan will see such cinema. The role was challenging, especially physically, whether that was in negotiating physical obstacles or running to an aircraft. The combat mission I flew with PAF was a once in a lifetime experience,” Mr Zulfiqar said.

The actor said his experiences of shooting for the film were like a dream.

“The film is relevant, especially after the recent tensions between Pakistan and India. There could not have been a more relevant time for the release of Sherdil,” he said.

The producers said Hassan Niazi has done justice to his role in the film as a villain.

Mr Niazi said the film was a good learning opportunity.

The movie is scheduled for release on March 22. After a briefing about how the idea for the film had started, those attending the press conference were shown a trailer, which was well received.

Published in Dawn, March 7th, 2019