Dawn Images

Imran Abbas is making his Punjabi cinematic debut with his upcoming Punjabi film Jee Ve Soneya Jee. The actor will be playing the main character in the love story and couldn’t be happier about it. He sees this as the two nations taking a step towards each other.

“This is a very serious, very intense love story between two countries, India and Pakistan. It will be shot in Europe, London and India. Our Punjab and Indian Punjab, as you know, are so close so this is a great effort to keep us close to people in the Indian Punjab,” he told Images. “Other actors of ours from Punjab were also working in films before this but it’s rare for a Pakistani to be playing the lead role in such circumstances. The producers were very adamant, they wanted to cast me because the story has such requirements.”

The Amanat actor shared the movie’s animated poster on his Instagram on Tuesday, quoting what seems like one of the dialogues in the caption. “Super excited to announce my first US-Indo Punjabi venture after the super success of Kali Jotta. Come be a part of the magical journey of Jee Ve Sohneya Jee. See you in cinemas [on] October 6.”

Mentioning that this is his first Punjabi film, he said, “It’s a beautiful musical and as you know, Punjabi cinema is taking over international cinemas. This is a really beautiful subject and although it’s a love story, it has a very strong message. Everyone is working really hard, it’s a huge production, so please pray for us.” He said that the team is still shooting the film.

The Khuda Aur Muhabbat actor said he’s elated about actors from both sides of the order collaborating again. “It has been happening on OTT but when it comes to theatrical releases, people hesitate when casting Pakistani actors, especially in India,” he said. “I’m happy our producers took a stand. I am playing the lead opposite Simi Chahal, she’s done some great films before this and is a very beautiful, very talented girl. She has received quite some awards and fulfils the character’s requirements perfectly. I think she’s a great choice for this role.”

Sharing that he was directly approached by the director and producer, he said that the film plays a part in connecting people across borders and conveys the love one has for the other. He gave an example of the last government as it opened the border for the other side, saying this will be another way we open ourselves to them.