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Beloved BNN duo goes grim for new film 'Quetta'

Beloved BNN duo goes grim for new film 'Quetta'

Calling it an emotional drama he thinks while humour works to jab societal ills, certain stories are to be dealt gravely
Updated 09 Oct, 2015

You would think that a team as witty and playful as the Banana News Network (BNN) and 4 Man Show folks would continue its streak of side-splitting TV shows. But Murtaza and Faysal Chaudary are stepping away from the media limelight and entering the uncharted territory of big screens.

Their upcoming venture Quetta is centered on the survival story of three men. With Murtaza donning the director's cap and also doing screenplay, Faysal is at the helm for the film's writing.

Murtaza tells Images Quetta is an "emotional drama" set in a city of significant historical and geographical importance.

"The film is set in Quetta. It documents the journeys of three individuals of different age groups who have diverse experiences and aspirations. What brings them together is their ability to dream against the magnanimous odds."

"It has been shot in Quetta to the core. Not only did we shoot the entire movie there but all the actors, costume designers and production support staff are also from there."

While the makers are the much-adored men from one of Pakistan's most popular comedy shows, the film doesn't boast famous actors in the lead.

"A real story could be best portrayed by real people who have lived those stories. To ensure that the screen is authentic and genuine to the viewers, except a few veterans, majority of the cast members are new actors."

When asked why they made the dramatic switch from humour to drama, Murtaza says it's a matter of perception.

"We have been a household name for raising serious societal problems and issues in a humorous manner. This time the chosen medium is also what you and I call 'serious'."

While satire is a clever tool that highlights societal ills, Murtaza feels certain stories should be addressed with a grave concern.

"Humour is a rubber sword, it allows you to make a point without drawing blood. We have always used humour to bring to fore society's prevailing issues, albeit in a subdued way. This film is an extension of the same thought process and aims to evoke emotions regarding forgotten issues."

Will they leave what they do best — political satire? Not quite.

"While the interest for political satire is very much present, we have intentionally taken a break to focus on film projects," he assured.

Murtaza says the film is slated for an international release in January next year and "very soon" across the country.

Comments

shubs Oct 09, 2015 01:47pm
Promo pictures look beautiful. Should be an interesting movie. Hope we'll get to see it in India.
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Saj Oct 09, 2015 02:00pm
I love Quetta.
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AZ Oct 09, 2015 02:01pm
Nice one
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Shah Oct 09, 2015 02:10pm
I hope you do know the meaning of "Magnanimous" - it means noble and generous. Odds typically are not magnanimous.
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suhail Yusuf Oct 09, 2015 02:44pm
Quetta was once called a little paris and a center for harmony among Baloch, Pashtuns and Hazaras. I pray and wish that Quetta will prosper and flourish again. But the media should also focus on ordinary people of Balochistan.
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Parvez Oct 09, 2015 03:17pm
This is the sort of stuff I enjoy watching......can't wait to see it.
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abuzar Oct 09, 2015 03:27pm
People of Quetta lost too much,
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Riffat Oct 09, 2015 03:44pm
Sounds very interesting... We people of quetta are waiting for this movie to be released.
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Laree Oct 09, 2015 03:54pm
Wonderful captures. Interesting to see many film makers / subjects paying attention to Balochistan. Being of Balochi origin, I know the land is full of interesting, captivating and genuine stories; far away from the glitter and glamour. Another Moor in making...
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APakistani Oct 09, 2015 03:55pm
wow ... waiting
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Ga Oct 09, 2015 05:02pm
All the best. One suggestion to Pak filmmakers. If you want an old person with white hair then cast an old person with white hairs instead of coloring them white. It looks fake. And no overacting please. Actors should act as if the camera doesn't exist.
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FM Oct 09, 2015 06:30pm
@Ga How this actual old man looks young to you escapes my wildest imagination. This could be a result of watching Shahrukh with white hair and being confused about what real old people look like
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MHamza Oct 09, 2015 08:12pm
Awesome fantastic Fabulous poster.... Best of Massive Luck to the makers... Anxiously Waiting
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MHamza Oct 09, 2015 08:13pm
Quetta has a special place in every Pakistani's Heart... Its stunningly beautiful and people are drop dead Hospitable...!!
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salman khan Oct 09, 2015 08:57pm
i am from peshawar..i love quetta
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Y-Fi Oct 09, 2015 10:09pm
All i need to say is that, it is good to see that our film industry has been revived and become lively once again. But, the thing that sometimes annoys me is that, why we are promoting Indian Culture. It is time to think differently and if we have an opportunity to say something to the world that segregate us from the rest of the world and gives us a unique identity, the big screen could be most prestigious medium for it. So, better to highlight real and core problems rather than making false glamor movies that reveals Indian inspiration.
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Iqbal Zaman Khan Oct 09, 2015 11:48pm
Good luck
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ILyas Oct 10, 2015 12:29am
@suhail Yusuf in Pre-indpendence days it was also called little London for its weather. Fresh water used to flow along side most roads before the earthquake. Its cool evenings dry breeze and very cold nights, snowfall and extended rains now all gone were the most cherished memories. Fond memories no regrets.
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Madhu Oct 10, 2015 02:37am
Love to visit Pakistan and see how everyday life goes there. but its too safe to visit as an Indian.
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Ali Baloch Oct 10, 2015 02:57am
Yeah white wash the existence of Baloch people from every aspect of Balochistan and then ask with all the innocence on your face
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Raja Oct 10, 2015 03:08am
What a peaceful ,beautiful mountainous historical city Quetta with great people of diverse communities living togather from centuries .i spend my childhood in this city of love. I love you Quetta and pray for your progress and peace.
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Kashif Rehan Oct 10, 2015 08:42am
Eagerly looking forward to watch this movie based and shot in my hometown.
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@thar Oct 10, 2015 10:27am
Looks beautiful...... hope for the be$t ...>!
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Taimur Khan Oct 10, 2015 12:09pm
Love to watch this movie. I love Quetta, born there and lived for firs 18 years of my life, there is something special about quetta.
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ali Bilgrami Oct 10, 2015 12:32pm
@Raja ahh I love Quetta where I was born. May there be peace and love amongst all.
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Arisha G Oct 10, 2015 07:49pm
Thank you, Murtaza and Faysal and the team for bringing this (what I am sure is to be a ) masterpiece. It looks visually stunning! Looking forward to follow the stories as they unfold during the course of the film. All the best.
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Hasan Oct 10, 2015 10:19pm
@Madhu Trust me its much favourable for foreigners including Indians , if you want to know more you should listen interview of Swara Bhaskar visit to Pakistan when she was not an actress
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Leo Oct 10, 2015 10:46pm
One of the most talented people. I am from India and I loved the way They conducted their program on the television. I wish them all success.…
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