KARACHI: The trailer for an anthology of three films Teri Meri ahaniyaan,produced by See Prime and directed by Nabeel Qureshi, Marina Khan and Nadeem Baig, was launched at a local hotel on Friday evening. As is often the case with showbiz events, the programme started much later than the time given on the invite; but, as they say, better (fashionably) late than never.

Vasay Chaudhry moderated the launch. One thought in order to keep the mood of the event light and entertaining his hosting remained in the lighter vein. Thankfully, he gave one of the vital pieces of information in the beginning. Four writers — Ali Abbas Naqvi, Basit Naqvi, Vasay Chaudhry and Khalilur Rehman Qamar — have penned the stories.

Seemeen Naveed, who runs See Prime, was the first one to be interviewed by the moderator. She said her company makes short films. But when the subject of a feature film came up, they thought of making a compilation.

“We first started working with Nabeel, during which we decided to engage others as well. Then Nadeem was kind enough to say yes to the project after which we approached Marina. The first film directed by Nabeel, Jinn Mahal, is a horror comedy. The second is Aik Sau Ta’isvaan helmed by Nadeem. And the third is Pasoori with Marina in the director’s seat,” she said.

Nabeel Qureshi said when he was making a film for the producers’ YouTube channel that they came up with the idea of releasing it in cinema. After a bit of deliberation, since the silver screen has different requirements, the concept for the anthology was finalised.

Responding to a question about making a film for the first time after directing television plays all her career, Marina Khan said she was scared. It was a learning process for her.

Nadeem Baig said it was exciting for him to work for Teri Meri Kahaniyaan.

Hira and Mani play the central characters in Nabeel’s film; Sheheryar Munawar and Ramsha Khan essay the main roles in Marina’s movie; and Mehwish Hayat and Wahaj Ali are the female and male protagonists for Nadeem’s project. All of them appeared on stage on Friday along with their directors to talk about their experience working in the three films. They also indulged in banter with the host. Prior to the discussion, the trailer was shown twice.

Teri Meri Kahaniyaan will be released on Eidul Azha.

Published in Dawn, June 4th, 2023