Dawn Images

Actors Amna Ilyas and Junaid Khan have initiated legal proceedings after Noman Khan, the producer of their telefilm Hum Tum Aur Woo (Me You and Them) — formerly titled Chira Chiri — decided to release it in cinemas as a feature film.

Both the actors took to Instagram to denounce the move and posted the same statement which they also sent to the chairperson of the Pakistan Film Producers Association. The film’s producer has not publicly commented on the allegations. Images has reached out to Noman for a comment.

Detailing why they were not a part of the project’s promotion, Ilyas and Junaid maintained that the “main reason is that it’s not a cinema feature film, neither its [sic] produced like a film”. They added that they had signed a telefilm and expected nothing more, highlighting that their agreement with Noman was never for a film.

The actors further alleged that certain technical elements promised to them while pitching the story were changed when they arrived on set, however, they “let it slide” because they were already on set and did not want to be difficult.

“This isn’t about the quality of our work or the dedication of the team, but rather about staying true to the original essence of [the] script and the commitments we made,” the duo continued.

Ilyas and Junaid urged everyone in the distribution process to prevent the movie’s theatrical release as it was a “clear breach of trust and contract with the talent”.

They stated that they had initiated legal proceedings and that any parties involved in the breach of trust could be subject to potential legal action.

The actors starred in the telefilm one year ago. However, the theatrical release of the movie is planned for Eid, with tickets already up for sale on local cinemas’ websites.

The film also stars Afshan Khan, Raja Yasir, Saad Khan and Neni Abbasi.