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What if Star Wars was made in Pakistan?

What if Star Wars was made in Pakistan?

In Star Wars some Jedi go to the dark side, killing those who don’t follow a hardline version of faith. Sound familiar?
Updated 25 Dec, 2015

Since its release in 1977, the Star Wars franchise has grown into a cultural phenomenon, and the hype surrounding its latest installment Star Wars: The Force Awakens (out in Pakistan today) makes clear that its popularity endures.

You may or may not be a fan of The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Star Trek, Marvel, or DC properties, but you most likely are a fan of Star Wars.

Words from the films like Jedi, Sith, lightsabers, wookies, droids, and phrases such as ‘I have a bad feeling about this’, ‘may The Force be with you’, ‘it’s a trap’, ‘No, I am your Father’, and ‘I find your lack of faith disturbing’, have become a cornerstone of popular culture.

As a longtime fan of the series who has watched the trilogies countless times, read the extended universe books, owns dozens of miniature Star Wars warfare and board games and has played just about every Star Wars video game possible, I have found it interesting how certain aspects of the fiction resonate with Pakistani culture.

For example, the noble Jedi follow an old religion taught to them from childhood, sport beards, wear long flowing robes colored in earthy tones, believe in a guiding intangible mystical force, and are commanded not to give in to their vices. At the same time, some of these whiskered men turn to the ‘dark side’, killing and lording over those who don’t follow the hardline version of their faith, often using politics and corrupt generals to further their goals. Hmmm.

We're all just looking for the moon, er, truth, right?
We're all just looking for the moon, er, truth, right?

Of course, there is also Tatooine, an isolated desert land considered to be a conduit for gangsters where the illicit trade flourishes, and is ruled by corrupt clans that employ gangsters and militants.

Does this remind anyone of a certain northern portion of Pakistan?

Basically, we're offended that they didn't shoot the Tatooine scenes in North Waziristan
Basically, we're offended that they didn't shoot the Tatooine scenes in North Waziristan

The similarities also continue with the spiritual nature of 'The Force', and how the Jedi turn to it constantly to shape their destinies.

It is reminiscent of how, no matter what their level of religiosity is, many Pakistanis turn to prayer in their time of need. Take for example, how in sporting events, more than any other nation, Pakistanis bring their hands together in prayer during crunch time.

In light of these similarities, I feel Star Wars would make for an interesting localized version. But who would star in the Pakistani version of Star Wars? Here are the people we had in mind.

1. Obi-Wan Kenobi:

The grave and serious Nadeem sahab really is Old Ben material
The grave and serious Nadeem sahab really is Old Ben material

This old and wise Jedi was played by Sir Alec Guinness, one of the greatest actors of his time. Naturally, his Pakistani counterpart should be equally respected in local circles. We feel that the golden man of Lollywood, Nadeem Baig, would make the perfect ‘Old Ben’.

2. Luke Skywalker:

Zayn Malik could understand young Skywalker's angst
Zayn Malik could understand young Skywalker's angst

The boyish looking Mark Hamill was a relative unknown when cast in the starring role as a young actor. We think the English entertainer of Pakistani origin, Zayn Malik, with his similarly boyish looks, would also make for a great Jedi prodigy. Certainly, his rebellious streak will help him play a young farmer tired of repairing droids and finding power converters. Let’s just hope the controversial Malik turns out to be a nicer guy on set like Hamill.

3. Princess Leia (Skywalker) Organa:

Lucky coincidence that Mawra looks good in white!
Lucky coincidence that Mawra looks good in white!

Young Mawra Hocane is the right age to play the member of the Alderaan Senate who is later revealed to be Luke’s twin sister. Clearly, Mawra has the physique to don the iconic golden metal bikini, and as her open letter to Shaan reveals, carries the fortitude to play a rebel leader. Of course, like Leia, Mawra is no stranger to sporting a fake last name.

4. Han Solo:

Hamza Ali Abbasi could actually save the day if he played Han Solo
Hamza Ali Abbasi could actually save the day if he played Han Solo

The actor everyone loves to hate, Hamza Ali Abbassi would make a great Han Solo. Like the smuggler, the cocky Abbassi is skeptical of pretty much everything, and recently turned a leaf when he unexpectedly came out in support of Ahmadis.

5. Chewbacca:

All Mohammad Irfan would have to do is wear a Chewbacca suit
All Mohammad Irfan would have to do is wear a Chewbacca suit

We think there is no one better to play the gigantic hairy wookie than Pakistani fast bowler, the seven foot tall cricketer Mohammad Irfan. Sure, Irfan doesn’t have much acting experience, but all he has to do is wear the suit and moan his lines ferociously as if he is appealing for a dismissal in the heat of a cricket match.

6. Darth Vader:

We're not sure this needs a caption.
We're not sure this needs a caption.

Altaf Hussain could easily play the part of Darth Vader.

One is a misunderstood man considered by many to be baneful, who speaks in robotic tones between gasps of air, is feared by countless, commands a powerful group of troopers… and the other is Darth Vader.

Fans: Bhai, great job on playing Darth Vader.

Altaf Hussain: Shukria.

Fans: We love the special effects they used for your voice!

Altaf Hussain: What…gasp…special effects?

7. Yoda:

Both Yoda and Uncle Sargam are remembered for their wisdom
Both Yoda and Uncle Sargam are remembered for their wisdom

Who better to replace the alien Jedi Master brought to life by Jim Henson than Pakistan’s very own Uncle Sargam? Both Yoda and Uncle Sargam spoke in a cryptic language with more meaning behind their words than initially understood, and a bushy moustache would look good on any Jedi Master.

8. Boba Fett:

Taher Shah's fame is almost as inexplicable as Boba Fett's
Taher Shah's fame is almost as inexplicable as Boba Fett's

It has been difficult to understand the Fett man’s popularity. After barely any screen time in the original trilogy where he had his rear handed to him, the bounty hunter became an instant fan favorite, leaving his toys flying off of store shelves and quickly growing in value. This is why Taher Shah would make a great Boba Fett. Sure, he would look like Peter Griffin in a space costume, but the humble Tahir Shah would be able to handle the fame.

9. Senator Palpatine/Darth Sidious:

Come to... the dark... side...
Come to... the dark... side...

With a little makeup, Qaim Ali Shah could look like a spitting image of Darth Vader’s master. As a politician with some questionable statements on record, he would probably pull it off too.

Darth Vader: Yes, my master?

Emperor Palpatine: Kal bhi Sith zinda tha… aaj bhi Sith zinda hai.

Darth Vader: Huh?

10. Jar Jar Binks:

Kamran Akmal's clumsy presence on the field qualifies him as the Jar Jar Binks of cricket
Kamran Akmal's clumsy presence on the field qualifies him as the Jar Jar Binks of cricket

This goofy alien is the most hated character in the Star Wars universe, considered by most to have singlehandedly sullied The Phantom Menace. Although his role was shortened for the two following films, he continued to haunt fans with his presence.

I can only think of one Pakistani who is similarly clumsy and inexplicably found himself to be a regular fixture on our television sets in spite of his incompetence. Of course, the man I speak of is Kamran Akmal, the Jar Jar of Pakistan cricket.


Disclaimer: this article is categorised as humour/satire. Its content is not meant to be read literally, and the views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the writer or the views of the IMAGES editorial staff.

Comments

Umair Nasir Dec 25, 2015 01:12pm
Brilliant casting apart from Qaim Ali shah as palpatine. A person has to have some power to be sith lord.
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malika Dec 25, 2015 01:56pm
Not funny at all
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Leia Lover Dec 25, 2015 02:24pm
So all it takes to play Leia is : 1. she's the right age 2. she has the right 'body' 3. Lol Lol - her last name - At least make an effort bro
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Shoaib Ahmed Dec 25, 2015 02:25pm
where did zayn malik come from? shehroz sabzwari could have been better.. he also has those boyish looks..
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Tushar Singh Dec 25, 2015 04:12pm
If Star wars was made in Pakistan ... it would have made no difference. Anyway no one would have gone to watch it.
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The Force Dec 25, 2015 05:01pm
LOVED IT! HILARIOUS!
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Maira Dec 25, 2015 05:12pm
superb.. i laughed a lot... good casting esp. jar jar
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naveed Dec 25, 2015 11:57pm
brilliant,got even better as went along
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Kala Ingrez - کالا انگریز - काला अंग्रेज - কালো ইংরাজি Dec 26, 2015 12:46am
Who will play the part of the new character in the movie - The FIN? I see many more casting issues in the Desi version than you think and they have to do with skin tanning vs. skin bleaching. The Hollywood actors seems to either have a natural tan or they have rented the tan temporarily, while the Desi actors/players seems to have bleached their skin to a extend that they look more whiter than the white actors but on a positive side the Desi actors do form unnatural deformities and dermatologist issues necessary for the SC FI movies.
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AR Dec 26, 2015 04:16am
lame...
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Khan-Haqiqi Dec 26, 2015 07:13am
Do some constructive work
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hKHAN Dec 26, 2015 07:24am
Never knew someone could manage to taint Star Wars for me.. You have succeeded. Well done.
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Kashif A. Qureshi, USA Dec 26, 2015 08:13am
If Star Wars Was Made In Pakistan? It's an Insult to Star Wars Franchise.
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Salman Rashid Dec 26, 2015 09:21am
"Does this remind anyone of a certain northern portion of Pakistan?" For goodness sake, get your geography right.The northern part of Pakistan is Hunza-Gojal, Baltistan and also Chitral. That is not where all this happens. Thugland is FATA and that is the northwest. The people of Gilgit-Baltistan (which includes Hunza-Gojal) and also of Chitral can bring tears to your eyes with their goodness, hospitality, humanity and gentleness. Educate yourself in geography and know the difference. Though I am a Punjabi, I take your statement as an affront to some very fine specimens of the human race.
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A. Khan Dec 26, 2015 09:24am
Lighten up people, this is akin to parody. And a good one too.
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Fawad Khan Dec 26, 2015 09:39am
and I expected it to be funny.. sigh.. still good effort.
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Shahrukh Waheed Dec 26, 2015 01:19pm
It's "Luke I am your father!", not, "no I am your father". Seems like you spent some time on wikipedia researching a 13 hour long saga instead of doing any actual research.
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raw is war Dec 26, 2015 01:56pm
You have to rename it "Star Jihads".
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Noman Ansari Dec 26, 2015 02:40pm
@Shahrukh Waheed Actually, as any Star Wars fan knows, it is "No. I'm your father." What you are saying is a popular misquote. You'd know that if you were an actual Star Wars fan. Read the script. Or do a quick search before commenting. Thanks for your feedback. :)
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Obi Bhai Dec 26, 2015 02:50pm
@Shahrukh Waheed Check "No I am your father vs luke I am your father" before you force choke yourself. U are wrong.
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Noman Ansari Dec 26, 2015 03:24pm
@raw is war I lol'ed.
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Jar Jar ki Najaiz Aulaad Dec 26, 2015 11:22pm
@Shahrukh Waheed HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAH. WOW. I don't know if you're being serious, or this is some weird attempt at trolling. Vv nice article though. Made me kek
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cat Dec 28, 2015 03:53am
As a person from Canada let me tell you.... That although the similarities are striking..... I would hope that you people do not flatter yourselves in believing this. In particular the Jedi culture. George Lucas created the Jedi and its culture in reference to Eastern/Buddhist, and European Druidic / Pagan culture. Although Yes, all religions of the world can take something out of it, and see similarities with in their own faith. That is what George Lucas claimed inspiration from.
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Naeem Akhter Dec 28, 2015 05:17am
Nice castings (y)
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Zuhaib Dec 28, 2015 08:57am
Not cool !!
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karachi wala Dec 28, 2015 10:07am
Was it sarcasm? really?
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Queen Dec 28, 2015 10:49am
@cat Is this the real life... or is this just parody?
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adil Dec 28, 2015 04:21pm
Sorry, but it was lame
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