‘Umro Ayyar’ emerges as Pakistan’s Most Expensive Film

This Eid Ul Azha, Pakistani cinema is poised to make a significant leap forward with the release of Umro Ayyar – A New Beginning. It is a bold venture into the Science Fiction genre.

Esteemed actors Usman Mukhtar and Faran Tahir shared their insights with FHM Pakistan about this ground-breaking film.

They called it the most expensive production in the country’s history.

Faran, who plays the primary antagonist, expressed immense pride in being part of the project.

He remarked: “This film represents a new era for our industry, introducing a genre that we’ve not traditionally explored.

“The excitement and the multifaceted nature of this new beginning extend far beyond the title of the movie.”

Usman Mukhtar, who portrays the legendary figure of Umro Ayyar, emphasised the importance of local support for Pakistani Sci-Fi endeavours.

He said: “You watch similar films from our neighbouring country, so you should definitely watch this one since it’s derived from our own literature.”

Faran added: “Our industry often faces criticism for not expanding. Now, we’re taking a significant, albeit risky, step forward.”

The film’s foundation in classical literature was a focal point for the cast.

Faran, known for his diverse roles in Hollywood, highlighted the gap between the younger generation and Pakistani literary heritage.

He said: “Creating content for our younger audience is crucial.

“There is a huge gap between the younger generation and Pakistani literature.

“Stories like Umro Ayyar have been part of our culture for centuries, yet we’ve neglected to celebrate them.”

Usman called the film “Pakistan’s first superhero movie”, acknowledging the unique challenges faced during production, particularly in a country lacking established VFX studios.

Faran elaborated on the innovative solutions employed, such as hiring European stunt directors with experience on high-profile series like Game of Thrones.

“We identified gaps and brought in international talent where necessary. However, we also established our own VFX studio in Islamabad, which is now fully operational.”

Initially, Usman Mukhtar harboured concerns about the film’s visual effects, admitting:

“My primary worry was whether the VFX would appear subpar, which is a significant issue here.”

However, director Azfar Jafri’s assurance subdued these fears.

Usman added: “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.”

This film not only marks a significant milestone for the industry but also promises to pave the way for future Sci-Fi productions in Pakistan.