KARACHI: The trailer for an upcoming film Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad directed by Nabeel Qureshi was launched at the Arts Council on Thursday evening.

After the initial red carpet ceremony, in which the stars of the film Mahira Khan and Fahad Mustafa posed for photographers, the media was taken into the main auditorium of the council where, first, the moderator for the evening, Aamna Isani, invited Fizza Ali Meerza (producer), Fahad Mustafa, Mahira Khan, Nabeel Qureshi and Javed Sheikh on stage, and then the trailer was shown twice, which was greeted with rapturous applause.

Answering a question about corruption, the main subject of the movie, Ms Mirza said corruption is spreading like cancer in society; if we’re not going to address the issue right now, then when.

Mr Mustafa, in his typically jovial mood, thanked Mahira Khan and extended his sympathies to her for being in the film because she has worked with Indian superstar Shah Rukh Khan and now she’s had to work with him. He said in his opinion the film is the best of his career and claimed the lead pair “have looked good together”.

Ms Khan said, “I’m gonna ride on his [Mustafa’s] muscles, he’s going to carry me through this film.”

Talking about the Nabeel-Fizza team, she said she was nervous to work with them but they took care of her. On the question of what drew her to sign up for the part, she replied, “It was the story. It’s an original story, extremely relevant.”

Responding to a question about Mr Sheikh’s role in the film, Mr Qureshi said it’s very relatable; he’s playing a Sindhi constable. The seasoned actor has done so well that people will forget his role in Namaloom Afraad.

The director told journalists that the music for the film has been composed by Shani.

Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad will have its countrywide release on Eidul Azha.

Published in Dawn,June 10th, 2022