2013 proved to be a game changer for Pakistani Cinema when as many as seven quality films released and changed the film scene in Pakistan. The hopes now are naturally high and it is expected that the year 2014 will be an even bigger period for the local cinema and will take Pakistan film industry to newer heights. Validating these hopes are the trailers of some upcoming films which guarantee that the current year will be no less and that it will help Pakistani film in regaining its lost glory. The first of these films, that is the first Pakistani film of 2014 ( UPDATE: The System releasing on the 30th May is the first film) to hit cinemas, is Tamanna which is all set to release on the 6th of June.
For those of you who were living under a rock, let us tell you that Tamanna is one of the most eagerly anticipated Pakistani films as it is also Pakistan’s very first experience with the ‘neo-noir’ genre. As for the cast, the film has a talented and classic bunch of actors including Omair Rana, Salman Shahid, Mehreen Raheel and Feryal Gauhar. Talking about the plot:-
“The story sees a famous film director named Tariq (played by Salman Shahid), who is fond of playing games, inviting a man named Riz (Omair Rana) to his house. The plot develops into a feud between these two characters, who fight over a woman in a story which deals with love, adultery, robbery and murder.” (Express Tribune)
Galaxy Lollywood Editor Momin Ali got a chance to talk to the producer of the film Sarah Tareen and ask her a few questions about the film . Excerpts from the interview :-
Q- First of all I want to ask that there have been so many rumors about the release date of the film, can you please clarify on the final release date for Tamanna?
(ST)Ans: I’ve learnt on this journey just how amusing and creative rumors can be! When you have something important on the go you find out just how easily some of the media will casually throw in misinformation or misquote without informed research or confirmation. Regarding the release date of Tamanna, the only “official” date announced was March 23rd at a press conference. The distributors postponed this date due to the delay in music production, and shifted the release to May. No official date had been given for May while rumors were circulating of different dates. The film, along with other international releases, was scheduled for end of May but all these films have now been shifted to first week of June and hence our film Tamanna is also coming in the first week of June i.e 6th June.
Q- Do you think 6th June is the best release date? I ask this because the Bollywood film “Holiday” starring Akshay Kumar and Sonakshi Sinha is also releasing on the same day and following this release is a chain of big Bollywood films.
(ST)Ans: First let me add that producers do not release films, distributors do. Distribution is a complex process and is determined by a number of factors including screen space, timings, censor clearance and exhibitors. That having said, we did have a detailed discussion with the distributors on this same issue and finally came to the consensus that 6th June would be the best date for us. Moreover I believe that Pakistani cinema has managed to create enough nationalist pride and people actually want to come and see “their” films.
Q- How would you describe Tamanna in one line?
(ST)Ans: Tamanna is a rare intelligent thriller whilst also being incredibly entertaining it’s sure to be a unique experience for Pakistani cinema viewers. Furthermore I am proud to launch my debut film under the banner of Summit Entertainment and ARY Films.
Q- So was Tamanna ever a GEO film? Or was it another one of the numerous social media-powered rumors regarding the film?
(ST)Ans: No! We were never associated with GEO. Summit Entertainment is distributing Tamanna in association with ARY Films. GEO Films have been promoting certain Pakistani films on the social media at times, as a tribute to the ‘revival of Pakistani cinema’. We appreciate their support to the industry, but no, Tamanna is not being distributed by GEO.
Q- We all know about the multiplex vs Single Screen Divide. Tamanna is more of a multiplex film and will surely appeal to the Cinestar, DHA crowd. Do you think Tamanna will be met with a favorable response at the single screen structure as well?
(ST)Ans: See as far as the single screens are concerned, that is a risk with any film in Pakistan. You can never predict which film will work there and this is true with even big budget international films. All I want to say on this is that we need more screens and cinemas to cater to the demand and influx of films coming into the country, be it single screen or the multiplex. I am happy to see growth in numbers of digital multiplexes and screens in the past year and this is all beneficial for us the local film-makers as we have screens to showcase our films. Single screen-multiplex divide is something that I can’t change!
Q-A lot of audience members are waiting in anticipation for the film for a long time. Does that put any pressure on the team?
(ST)Ans: Film is the most powerful medium in the world and if the film’s marketing evokes a strong emotional reaction from people prior to its release then I believe the job is half done. I do hope that the “anticipation” actually brings them to the cinema! Going to see local films is the only way to support the industry right now!
Q- Any concluding remarks?
(ST)Ans: I would urge people to buy tickets and go see the film in cinemas. Don’t wait for the torrents because I keep getting messages “ Torrent kab ayay gaa.” The thing is that cinema numbers do matter for sustainability and shelf life so please buy the tickets and see the film in cinemas. Make a judgment, like it, love it or hate it but please go and watch it.
Galaxy Lollywood would like to thank Sarah Tareen for taking out some time to meet us and wishes Tamanna all the very best for its theatrical release. Hope you enjoyed the interview.
