By Amar Ayaz
Karachi: Virsa, the first international Punjabi film and co-production between Indian and Pakistani producers, had a worldwide release on May 7th which, apart from India and Pakistan, included countries such as Canada and Australia. Since last Friday differing reports of the films success have been rumored. There have been some negative reviews of Virsa, some that have even called it a flop. However, there are others who are raving about it’s storyline, music and that it will have a positive affect in relation to paving the way for future collaborations.
To address these topics and to further promote Virsa, the two prominent producers, our very own Jawad Ahmad and Vikram Khakhar from Wize Mindz Entertainment in India, held a press conference to help familiarize their project to the media. They were joined by head of AAG TV Wajahat Rauf and CEO of Fire Records Dr. Akbar Yazdani.
Considering all four personalities were involved with music in some capacity (Vikram Khakhar being the man who organizes most shows by Pakistani musicians in India, including the likes of Ali Azmat and Hadiqa Kiyani), Dr. Yazdani commenced the evening with his view of the launch.
“Virsa was launched on Friday, May 7th as an international release, which is a first for Pakistan, as films usually come late here. We have had a positive response. It is a film with a relevant subject matter and story, with some quality music and performances,” he said.
Wajahat Rauf agreed with Dr. Yazdani saying that the music was fun and “very catchy,” which is true as the choruses of songs such as ‘Yaadan’ and ‘Hua Hua’ will get you humming along.
Dr. Yazdani cannot be too far off the mark in lieu of the performances. Recently at the Australian movie launch and premier of Virsa in Sydney, lead actor Arya Babbar addressed the audience, quelling any doubts his father, acknowledged Indian actor Raj Babbar, might have had about him embarking on this venture. Arya claimed that Virsa had turned out to be a lucky film for him as offers for others films have started rolling in, amongst which are a film with Farah Khan and another with Salman Khan.
After Dr. Yazdani had finished introducing Jawad Ahmad, as a “kind-hearted, down to earth person,” to the press that was gathered, a humbled Jawad spoke passionately about Virsa. He spoke of the pertinence of this project and the effect it can have on future collaborations.
It was clear that his belief in Virsa is strong. More so than the film itself, it was its achievement that sparks his passion. Citing examples of how European cinema had no qualms about working with, or for, Hollywood to strengthen their own cinema, he spoke of how we have a unique opportunity to avail the same by taking a helping hand from our neighbors.
“We are lucky to have the same predominantly the same language as India. Their stars are adored here and ours seem to attract large audiences there. We can no longer ignore this and any present or future Indian collaborations,” he said with an authoritatively.
He went on to give three examples of how Pakistan’s cinema can grow. One was to continue making regional cinema, apropos Punjabi and Pathan films. Another was to create niche cinema, ala Khuda Kay Liye. His third suggestion and one that seems most feasible, as the others have yet to sustain the ‘Revival of Cinema’, is to work in collaboration with Indian cinema. “Here we have attempted to lay a foundation for future cooperation,” he said with a resounding belief in Virsa.
The underlying message, apart from performances and music in the film, was of reaching out and taking help. It was clear, with the presence of Vikram Khakhar, that certain producers and artists are keen on working and helping out with Pakistani talent and cinema. Apart from Virsa being the first Pakistani film to be released internationally by India, it was Vikram who reassured us that the future is bright.
“This was an equal collaboration. It was a lot of fun, especially since we have had some positive response,” said Vikram.
Although Jawad spoke for most of the duration, it was during tea and snacks that Vikram seemed more at ease. It was then when he gave the most assuring sign of his willingness to work with Pakistan talent and producers in the future. When asked if Virsa were to only break even, or produce a minimal profit, whether he would consider doing anything similar. He replied with an comforting smile, “Even if it makes a loss I would not hesitate in working here with Pakistani talent and producers.”
Perhaps that alone should give audiences enough incentive to support the film, more so for the idea behind it, rather than what is on-screen. After all, Virsa was put together on a limited budget of Rs. 70 million. Considering some Indian actors charge that much for one film, it makes this a unique achievement. It may also pave the way for some big name producers or talents to follow in Jawad and Vikram’s footsteps, which would result in a larger budget, providing more quality and incentive for Pakistani cinema.
