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Umro Ayyar: Challenges in Making Pakistan’s Most Expensive Film

Umro Ayyar – A New Beginning, Eidul Azha’s most anticipated release, boldly marks Pakistan’s entry into the SciFi genre. In an interview with FHM Pakistan, stars Usman Mukhtar and Faran Tahir shared intriguing details about what is hailed as “Pakistan’s most expensive film to date.” Tahir, playing the main antagonist, proudly described the project as “a new beginning in Pakistan’s industry, of a new genre, with excitement and layers that go beyond the film’s title.”

Mukhtar, portraying the legendary thief and warrior Umro Ayyar, urged Pakistani audiences to support local SciFi productions as they do Bollywood’s. “You watch these kinds of films from our neighbouring country, so you should definitely watch this one, especially since it’s derived from your own literature,” he said. Tahir agreed, adding, “We always complain that our industry doesn’t expand. Now we’re taking that brave and risky step.”

Highlighting the film’s literary roots, Tahir, known for his roles in popular Hollywood productions, noted the gap between the younger generation and Pakistani literature. The Pakistani-American actor emphasized, “It’s vital to create content for our younger generation. Umro Ayyar and others are stories that have been part of our culture for 600 years, but we’re not celebrating them. With this film, we’ve modernized a classic story, hopefully starting a new trend.”

As an actor taking on this new first-of-it’s-kind project, Mukhtar admitted his initial concern about the film’s visuals. “My first question was about the VFX and if it would look like a joke, because it’s a big problem here,” he said. However, he was reassured by director Azfar Jafri’s confidence. “When he said it wouldn’t look like a joke, I was convinced because Azfar’s background is in VFX. I went into the studio in the beginning when the first few shots were being made, and I came home so excited. If you took the VFX shot that I had seen in the studio and replaced it with a Marvel film, you wouldn’t know the difference,” the actor enthused.

The Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay actor also shared a humorous anecdote about his casting. “When Azfar called me and he said the words Umro Ayyar, I did not ask which role I was playing, I just said done. I didn’t know what role he was offering me. I just said I’m on board.” He was pleasantly surprised to learn that Tahir was part of the project. “Azfar plays a lot of pranks on me. When I saw the role of the main antagonist, my first question was: who will pull this off? Azfar said Faran Tahir, and I genuinely thought this was one of his jokes.”

The conversation then turned to accessibility, with Mukhtar advocating for more affordable cinema experiences. “If we want to expand cinema we will have to start single screen cinemas instead of multiplexes. In these single screens you will have to charge 300 to 400 rupees per ticket so that the masses can go and watch films. Masses make or break films anywhere in the world. Masses in this country don’t have the opportunity to watch these movies because they can’t afford a 1000 rupees ticket for the cinema,” said the Anaa actor.

The pair also addressed the frequent comparisons to Bollywood, questioning whether local audiences will embrace a project of this calibre, given that Bollywood audiences have been doing so for years. Tahir made a poignant statement: “I appreciate their work, but I don’t want to compare us to our neighbouring country anymore. We need to create our own voice. We’re living in their shadow. It’s time to bask in our own sunlight.” The Iron Man actor then posed a crucial question, “Why are we always comparing ourselves to this one country?”

Also Read: ‘Umro Ayyar – A New Beginning’ Trailer Launch Set for Comic-Con Event

Related Topics:Faran Tahir Umro Ayyar Usman mukhtar

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Sardaar Ji 3 Sets New Box Office Record in Pakistan

Pakistani actress Hania Aamir and Indian superstar Diljit Dosanjh are celebrating massive box office success as their film Sardaar Ji 3 races past several major titles in Pakistan.

Reports confirm that Sardaar Ji 3 has shattered records nationwide, especially in Lahore, where it’s playing on over 30 cinema screens. Producers Gambhir Singh Sidhu, Manmord Sidhu, and Diljit Dosanjh released the film across Pakistan on June 27.

Despite strong opposition in India, Sardaar Ji 3 made history by earning the highest-ever first-day box office for an Indian film in Pakistan, collecting PKR 3.5 crore and surpassing Salman Khan’s Sultan (2016). Globally, the film has already earned over ?36.6 crore.

Blending comedy, fantasy, and horror, the film stars Diljit as a ghost hunter on a thrilling mission in a haunted UK mansion. The cast includes Hania Aamir, Neeru Bajwa, Gulshan Grover, Jasmin Bajwa, and Pakistani actors Nasir Chinyoti, Saleem Albela, and Daniyal Khawar.

With packed theatres and glowing reviews, the movie shows no signs of slowing down at the box office.

Also Read: Hania Aamir and Diljit Dosanjh’s Sardaar Ji 3 Cleared for Release in Pakistan and Overseas Today

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Lakshmi Manchu Defends Pakistani Artists Amid Ongoing India Ban

Renowned Telugu actress Lakshmi Manchu has openly criticized the increasing restrictions on Pakistani artists, challenging the fairness of such bans and censorship.

Speaking amid the controversy surrounding Sardaar Ji 3—which stars Diljit Dosanjh and Pakistani actress Hania Aamir—Lakshmi questioned the decision to block the film’s release in India following objections from local film bodies.

She voiced her frustration over the politicisation of art and targeted the logic of punishing creative professionals. “Are Pakistani artists really a threat?” she asked, calling the outrage over cross-border collaborations deeply misplaced.

She defended the role of art as a force above political tensions and condemned the Instagram account suspensions affecting Pakistani celebrities, labeling them a violation of free expression. “If we treat them like this, where is the India we are proud of?” she questioned.

Lakshmi Manchu strongly opposed blanket bans on Pakistani talent, arguing that such measures damage the cultural bridge the arts can build between nations. “Artists rise above nationalities,” she said, adding, “To say ‘you can’t do this’ to an artist simply because of their background undermines everything art stands for.”

Also Read: Hania Aamir and Diljit Dosanjh’s Sardaar Ji 3 Cleared for Release in Pakistan and Overseas Today

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Asim Azhar Reacts to Merub Chants at Concert

Singer Asim Azhar recently addressed his fans directly during a concert, urging them to respect personal boundaries and avoid dragging private matters into public spaces.

The incident unfolded when a few attendees began chanting remarks about Asim’s former fiancée, Merub Ali. Taking hold of the microphone, Asim responded calmly, asking the crowd to stop.

“Please don’t say such things,” he told them. “It hurts both families. Let’s not bring personal matters into such public gatherings.”

He reminded the audience to show empathy for artists and their personal lives. A video of the moment quickly circulated online, sparking mixed reactions. While many applauded Asim for staying composed and mature, others were surprised by the disruption.

One user commented, “It’s our duty not to insult entertainers. They don’t perform alone—they bring their families too. Heckling hurts everyone involved. This herd mentality must end.”

Earlier, Asim officially confirmed the end of his engagement with Merub Ali. Sharing a message via Instagram, he wrote, “Salam everyone, we hope this message finds you well. We wanted to take a moment to share something personal, as we believe we owe that to those who have supported us.”

He added, “After much thought and reflection, Merub and I have decided to go our separate ways—peacefully and with mutual understanding.”

Asim acknowledged the bond they shared and noted, “We continue to hold deep respect for each other and for our families.” He concluded by requesting privacy, asking fans to show the same grace with which the message was shared.

Merub Ali has not made any public statement yet, but fans noticed that both have unfollowed each other on Instagram.

The couple, who had known each other since childhood, got engaged in 2022 and acted together in Sinf-e-Aahan. They were frequently seen together in public, often making headlines for their close friendship.

Also Read: Asim Azhar and Merub Ali Call Off Engagement After Three-Years