Legends and folklore are ingrained in cultural narratives, holding a special place in the hearts of people worldwide. When adapting these tales into films, it is essential to strike a balance between modern relevance and the timelessness of the story. The Pakistani film Umro Ayyar – A New Beginning achieves this balance by offering a contemporary retelling of the classical Persian epic, featuring the central characters Umro Ayyar and Amir Hamza facing challenges from sorcerers, jinns, and demons.
The lead actor, Usman Mukhtar, who portrays Umro Ayyar in the film, describes it as a modern adaptation of a beloved story, breathing new life into a cherished legend while staying true to its mythical roots. The film has recently been released in the UAE, showcasing a fresh take on the age-old narrative. Usman Mukhtar expresses his excitement at portraying a Pakistani superhero, a concept that has not been explored widely in Pakistani cinema before. The film also marks the first Pakistani entry in the WonderCon Film Festival, highlighting its international appeal.
Usman Mukhtar reflects on his experience of being a part of the film, including the challenges of mastering stunt-heavy sequences and working alongside renowned actors like Faran Tahir. He also discusses the importance of constructive criticism in the industry, emphasizing the value of feedback from experts to enhance the quality of their projects. The film’s focus on action and stunts required Usman to step out of his comfort zone, leading to unexpected growth and development as an actor.
Actress Sanam Saeed shares her perspective on embracing diverse roles and continuously evolving as an actor. She acknowledges the impact of classic projects like “Zindagi Gulzar Hai” on her career while actively seeking out new challenges and opportunities in various mediums. Sanam’s role in Umro Ayyar – A New Beginning offers her a chance to explore stunts and add another dimension to her acting repertoire. She emphasizes the importance of offering young audiences meaningful content that blends nostalgia with contemporary relevance.
Salmaan Shaukat, another actor in the film, highlights the intensity of the stunts and action sequences, recalling incidents where he performed most of his stunts and sustained injuries during filming. Despite the challenges, the month-long preparation and workshops helped the cast understand the technical aspects of the action sequences, leading to a memorable on-screen experience. Salmaan also reflects on the responsibility of entertainers to provide audiences with enriching content that sparks thought and inspires them to appreciate cultural heritage.
In conclusion, Umro Ayyar – A New Beginning represents a bold step in Pakistani cinema, reimagining a classic tale for modern audiences while honoring its traditional origins. The film’s blend of action, fantasy, and folklore showcases the talent and dedication of the cast and crew, setting a new standard for Pakistani superhero narratives. With a focus on authenticity, innovation, and cultural enrichment, the film offers a unique viewing experience that resonates with audiences of all ages. As Pakistani cinema continues to evolve, projects like Umro Ayyar – A New Beginning pave the way for future storytelling and representation in the industry.
