LAHORE: Perhaps in order to minimise the trepidation factor surrounding the police, a deputy inspector general-level officer, Akbar Nasir Khan, who also happens to be the in-charge of Punjab Safe Cities Authority, has stepped into filmmaking.

A police officer making a film sounds unlikely, but this has virtually happened. Mr Khan is the producer, writer as well as music composer of an upcoming film, Daal Chawal, which is releasing on Oct 4. The film is an endeavour to build a positive image of the police.

A Funclub Production, the movie directed by Awais Khalid features the melodious voice of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan besides relatively new singers Jabbar Abbas and Maria Mir. The star cast includes Salman Shahid and Shafqat Cheema alongside fresh faces Ahmed Sufiyan and Momina Iqbal in leading roles.

Mr Khan told Dawn that the name of the movie, Daal Chawal, immediately set in motion the taste buds of cinegoers, adding that the film revolves around the story of an erudite young man, Ahmed. The mission of this project is to highlight the tough environment in which the police force works, and to commemorate the police martyrs.

The theme song of the film has been sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. It is inspired by true events and shot on actual locations based on an original screenplay. The film focuses on social issues, yet features satire, humour and fast-paced action.

Published in Dawn, September 16th, 2019