In an impressive career as an actor, spanning three-decades and over 500 films, Shaan Shahid has ruled the commercial cinema since the 90s like no other. With filmmaking in his blood, his singular achievement has been that during the difficult times of the industry, he kept his focus on films alone and contributed immensely towards sustaining the film infrastructure.
While his acting accolades speak of the skills he’s made of, Shaan didn’t hesitate to take up the challenge of film direction. His mission has been to make a difference in the industry and he decided to take the top job to tell stories he wanted to convey and did some commendable work behind the camera, too.
Completing two decades as a director
This year, Shaan completed two decades as a film director. Starting with Guns and Roses: Ik Junoon in 1999 to his last release Arth – The Destination in 2017, the Khuda Kay Liye star has over the years matured as a director and has covered diverse genres of films ranging from action to romantic comedies. Of the 6 films, he’s directed, some were outright successes, others were adequate but even his most middling efforts were watchable. Let’s take a look back:
Guns and Roses – Ik Junoon (1999)
This was his first ambitious project and it took around four years for completion. The film received a lukewarm response when released in early 1999 and turned out to be an average fare at the box office. However, it’s memorable for its action sequences and a different soundtrack. Jeena Hai Jeena Tau Hai and Khat were popular songs amongst the masses. Starring Meera and Resham as the female leads, the film was also the comeback vehicle for Faisal Rehman who ventured back into films after almost a decade.
Mujhe Chand Chahiye (2000)
Shaan managed to hit the bull’s eye with Mujhe Chand Chahiye and the romantic drama went on to become a blockbuster. It earned several nominations and won big at the Nigar awards. The cast included Noor Bukhari, Moammar Rana, Atiqa Odho, Javed Sheikh and Reema. The film was noted for its popular soundtrack and some avant-garde set designing by producer Tanveer Fatima Rehman.
Moosa Khan (2001)
In Moosa Khan, Shaan essayed the role of an eponymous hero. The film seemed to be a homage of sorts to the politically charged cinema of Shaan’s illustrious father, Riaz Shahid. Starring Saima as the female lead and boasting of many emotionally charged sequences, the film did well enough at the ticket counters when released in late 2001. Shaan once again came up with a popular soundtrack, composed this time by Jawad Ahmad.
Daku (2002)
Daku featured Shaan in two contrasting avatars, that of a college professor and a dacoit. One could find traces of Mujhe Chand Chahiye in Daku as the music was given by the same team. The film came during the resurgent phase of Punjabi cinema and had a mixture of Urdu and Punjabi film aesthetics. It featured Saima, Noor and Arbaz Khan in important roles.
Zilay Shah (2008)
This film was a pseudo-sequel to another popular Punjabi film Majajan (2006). It was the biggest success of 2008 and went to bag several nominations at the Lux Style Awards. The film featured Saima and Noor (once again after Daku) in important roles and had a popular music score.
Arth – The Destination (2017)
Shaan took the ambitious initiative to remake Mahesh Bhatt’s film of the same name to fit the contemporary times. Shaan took inspiration from the original, which came out in 1982 and improvised it. The film created quite a buzz before its release, however, its commercial outcome left much to be desired.
And all of these films lead us to the project which is arguably the most ambitious ever in Shaan’s career — Zarrar, the teaser of which is expected to be released soon.
Zarrar (To be released)
Zarrar is said to be mostly based on true events and has been shot on locations in Pakistan, Europe, and Turkey. Besides acting and directing Shaan has also penned the script for this one. The cast includes veteran actor Nadeem Baig, Kiran Malik, Adnan Butt, and Nayyer Ejaz. We are definitely looking forward to catching more of this one!
