Ever thought about how a single story can change the way we see our future? Ever wondered how stories can inspire hope in difficult times? The Next Salahuddin is one such film — a Pakistani-led, AI-powered project that reviewers have described as “bold”, “visionary” and “a glimpse into the future of filmmaking.”

A joint creative effort between Pakistan and Malaysia, the film has been written and directed by Farhan Siddiqui, who has been working in international media for over two decades. The final product is impressive because it doesn’t use any human actors in front of the camera; all the animation is generated by AI, making it stand out not only for its message but also for its method.

Despite not having any big-name voice actors, the movie excels because it tells the story of a war-affected boy from Gaza who, with his will and grit, transforms into a leader who unites Muslims and raises the Palestinian flag over Masjid-e-Aqsa. The project marks a milestone in Pakistan’s film industry by demonstrating the use of AI tools across storytelling, visuals and cinematic production.

The film follows a young boy named Yousuf, who grows up inspired by tales of Salahuddin Ayyubi. It bridges the past and present, portraying timeless values such as courage, justice and unity through a contemporary lens. The film’s language is English for a reason — it will appeal to a global audience that way.

During its limited theatrical release, audiences reportedly showed strong curiosity, with many young creators expressing renewed interest in exploring AI tools for filmmaking. The film’s sound design has been described as minimal yet effective, reinforcing its reflective mood.

With a runtime of under an hour, the film can be described as a unifying narrative that inspires resilience and hope. While opinions vary on its artistic execution, many agree that The Next Salahuddin represents a significant moment for Pakistan’s creative industry — demonstrating how innovation, faith and storytelling can come together to reach audiences beyond borders.

Published in Dawn, Young World, February 28th, 2026