Noor-us-Sabah
Usman Mukhtar ended the year on a high note, celebrating New Year’s Eve with an engaging conversation on CNN. During the interview, he discussed his film Umro Ayyar: A New Beginning and shared insights into his future plans. Released in June, Umro Ayyar: A New Beginning marked a significant milestone as Pakistan’s first superhero fantasy film. Featuring a diverse cast, including Mukhtar, Hamza Ali Abbasi, Sanam Saeed, Faran Tahir, and Adnan Siddiqui, the film boldly deviated from the usual cinematic offerings in Pakistan. Consequently, this shift in storytelling caught the attention of audiences, introducing a new genre to local cinema.
Reflecting on his experience, Mukhtar expressed his excitement about the project. He proudly stated, “As a big superhero fan, playing Umro Ayyar in a live-action film in Pakistan was an incredible honor.” Moreover, the film took four years to complete, and it finally premiered in theaters last year. Interestingly, neither Mukhtar nor the other cast members had seen the film before its release. “We all experienced it together in the cinema for the first time, and it was amazing—an experience unlike any other,” he recalled. This shared experience left a lasting impression on the cast, highlighting the significance of their contribution.
Mukhtar took special pride in making a film for younger audiences, given the lack of content available for children in Pakistan. He emphasized, “Young kids really enjoyed the film, and we’re eager to work on more sci-fi and superhero projects tailored for a global audience.” In particular, Mukhtar believes that introducing these genres will open new doors for Pakistan’s film industry, ensuring that children have access to diverse and entertaining content. This drive to cater to younger audiences reflects his deep commitment to expanding the boundaries of local filmmaking.
When discussing the potential for Umro Ayyar and other films based on South Asian folklore, Mukhtar stressed the wealth of untapped material in Pakistani literature. “Audiences are hungry for something fresh and innovative coming out of Pakistan,” he explained. He believes the country’s rich history and folklore could serve as a strong foundation for future sci-fi and fantasy projects. Therefore, this untapped potential, according to Mukhtar, can offer a unique perspective to the global film industry. He emphasized that there is an increasing demand for original and diverse content.
Mukhtar’s passion for superheroes and comic books continues to fuel his commitment to the genre. As a lifelong fan of DC Comics, particularly Superman, he expressed his love for collecting comic books, action figures, and film memorabilia. “This genre excites me personally, and I want to create work that my children will watch and cherish,” he shared. In fact, his deep connection to the superhero world has shaped his career aspirations, motivating him to produce content that resonates with audiences of all ages. Mukhtar aims to leave a lasting legacy for his children to admire.
Looking ahead to 2025, Mukhtar is set to take on a new role in a historical project. While he remains passionate about sci-fi and fantasy films, he is currently portraying Allama Iqbal in the upcoming Fatima Jinnah web series. “The series centers on Fatima Jinnah, the Pakistani stateswoman, politician, and sister of Quaid-i-Azam. I’m playing Allama Iqbal, the iconic South Asian Islamic philosopher and poet,” he explained. Mukhtar expressed his excitement about stepping into this important role, believing it will be a powerful portrayal of these historical figures. As a result, he is confident that audiences will appreciate this historical drama when it is released in 2025.
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