2018 has so far proven to be a good year for Pakistani cinema. Opening with box office hits like Parchi, Allahyar and the Legend of Markhor, 2018 is expected to be yet another year of accomplishments. Upcoming ARY movie Azaadi, which is written and directed by debutant Imran Malik, starring a promising star cast; Moammar Rana, Sonya Hussyn, Nadeem Baig and Javed Sheikh.
Is all set to leave a lasting impact on Pakistani cinema. Azaadi portrays the struggle of Kashmiris living in Indian Occupied Kashmir for freedom and liberty. Azaadi’s trailer was released on Kashmir Solidarity Day on February 5, the Pakistani national holiday to mark the country’s support for the Kashmiri freedom movement.
Azadi is a story of a man who has dreamt his entire life for the liberation of Kashmiris. Imran reveals, Azaadi “tells the story of a man who sacrifices it all for the freedom of Kashmir and how his vision is carried forward by young people he inspires”. The movie is a unique blend of a plethora of emotions, patriotism and has the potential to encapsulate viewers’ attention with its vivid storyline.
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Azaadi aims to show the struggle and resilience of Kashmiris who still dream to live their lives free from Indian oppression, despite facing endless hardships. Imran in an interview stated, “The film has elements of patriotism, a very powerful love story, some action scenes – a film has never been attempted on such a big canvas in Pakistan before”.
The dynamic Moammar Rana is playing the lead character in the movie, while the beautiful Sonya Hussyn a well-known Pakistani television actress is playing the role of a Pakistani-British journalist.
Lead actress Sonya Hussayn has stated that the film also postulates a strong message of women empowerment, “My character Zara is an independent journalist, who is [of] Pakistani [origin] but was born and brought up in the UK. She’s outspoken, feisty and just a very empowered woman that many young girls will be able to relate to,” she said in an interview.
The movie is further complemented by the legendary Nadeem Baig and Javed Sheik. Azaadi was first set to be released in November 2017, however, it will now be releasing on April 27, 2018. Sonya Hussyn revealed the reason for delayed-release in an interview, “It was only natural for a film as huge as Azaadi to delay slightly as there are a lot of aspects that come into consideration since a lot of action is involved”.
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Azaadi is shot by an Australian cinematographer Ben Jasper (who also shot Hrithik Roshan-starrer Bang Bang) also has a catchy soundtrack with music composed by Sahir Ali Bagga and tracks by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Quratulain Baloch and Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan. Azaadi packed with a promising star cast and the plight of Kashmiris promises to make a tremendous contribution towards Pakistani cinema.