The project represents a historic step.
Pakistan’s cinema industry celebrated a historic milestone with the premiere of The Next Salahuddin, the country’s first AI-generated feature film.
The premiere took place at Nueplex Cinema in Karachi, attended by media, cultural figures, and invited guests.
The film has been described as a ‘bold step into the future of filmmaking’, combining technology with socially conscious storytelling.
Farhan Siddiqui, who wrote and directed the project, explained that the film aims to deliver a meaningful message to global audiences.
Veteran producer Ustad Asim Ismail added that the story draws inspiration from history while remaining relevant to contemporary social realities.
Siddiqui said that the production contains no live actors, physical locations, or traditional sets at any stage.
He emphasised that audiences will experience the narrative naturally, without realising that the entire film was created using artificial intelligence.
Siddiqui highlighted that AI-based production is safer.
He added that it is cost-effective and avoids challenges such as scheduling conflicts with actors or location issues.
He also explained that the entire film can be produced from a single room, offering efficiency and flexibility in the process.
The 55-minute film was structured for younger audiences, using a fast-paced, reel-like format to keep viewers continuously engaged from start to finish.
Siddiqui said the film is intended to make audiences laugh, cry, and reflect.
Asim Ismail described the movie as a voice for peace, human rights, and solidarity, with particular attention to the people of Palestine.
He added that the project represents a historic step for AI-driven cinema in Pakistan and could establish the nation’s creative identity globally.
Writer and director Talal Farhat urged young filmmakers to move beyond stereotypical narratives of violence, feudal disputes, or formulaic family dramas.
Farhat emphasised that the digital age requires innovative storytelling, as technology and artificial intelligence now shape human relationships faster than ever.
He added that avoiding the influence of artificial intelligence is no longer possible, and creators must embrace it as a tool for innovation.
The Next Salahuddin will be released in Urdu, English, Bengali, and Arabic, aiming to reach audiences both in Pakistan and internationally.
The filmmakers also plan to submit the film to an international competition in France in March 2026 and organise screenings in Malaysia.
The premiere of The Next Salahuddin marks a pioneering achievement, blending historical inspiration, social messaging, and artificial intelligence in filmmaking.
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