Dawn Images

Upcoming film 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.

Starring Nadeem Baig, Moammar Rana and Sonya Hussayn, Azaadi will mark the directorial debut of Imran Malik, the son of veteran film producer/director Pervez Malik. Imran has also written the story while his brother Irfan Malik has produced the film.

"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," said Imran in conversation with Images.

Actor Sonya Hussayn also revealed that the film also conveys a strong message of women's 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 earlier interview.

Azaadi is being shot by Australian cinematographer Ben Jasper (who also shot Hrithik Roshan-starrer Bang Bang) and features a soundtrack with music by Sahir Ali Bagga and tracks by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Quratulain Baloch and Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan.

The film will release this year.