Dawn Images

Soniya Hussain is thanking her lucky stars right now.

After making her debut in the LSA-nominated Moor — a film that was an ode to the land and motherhood — her next film is all about women's empowerment.

And it puts her role as female lead in the spotlight.

"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 says to Images.

Soniya adds that the film, yet to be titled, will be a real crowd-pleaser. "The film is a commercial movie that will offer something to all sorts of audiences. But essentially, it's an action thriller with hints of romance and patriotism and above all, it is about women's empowerment and that is something that really made me do this film!"

Directed by Imran Malik, the film 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 suffered a setback when its initial male lead Danish Taimoor walked out of the film. But those problems are in the past now, Soniya insists.

"There had been problems within the team, and due to professional differences Danish had to let go of the project, however, as of now, the film's shoot is going on in full swing and we will be able to wind up the whole shooting process by September," the actress tell us.

And she's all praise for the new hero in the film, Moammar Rana.

"Moammar is a movie star and his presence on and off-camera shows. He's very humble, accommodating and a great person inside out. It's been a good experience working with him. In fact his family was accompanying him and they all are very nice people."

The film is expected to release early next year.