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Pakistan isn’t how the Western press makes it out to be, says Sherdil cinematographer Riki Butland

Pakistan isn’t how the Western press makes it out to be, says Sherdil cinematographer Riki Butland

Riki Butland talks about shooting Sherdil and what film crews get right and wrong in Pakistan
27 Feb, 2018

"We recently shot a scene that reminded me of Titanic. We also shot, what I believe, is one of the most epic fight sequences that Pakistan has ever seen. Riki is simply amazing at what he does."

Actor Mikaal Zulfiqar, who stars as the protagonist of the recently announced Sherdil, is all praise for his film's cinematographer Riki Butland. The Dubai-based British cinematographer is going full speed ahead with the film's shoot (it's said the producers plan to release the film this year), and I was lucky to catch him for a quick chat between takes on one of their Islamabad sets recently.

I started our conversation with the obvious: What convinced Riki to sign a project in Pakistan?

Contrary to popular belief, Sherdil is a privately funded project by first-time producer Nomaan Khan, which is logistically supported by the Pakistani Air Force. Azfar Jafri of Janaan fame wears the director’s cap.

“I was approached by Nomaan," shares Riki. "I think someone recommended me and he spoke to me about a feature film in Pakistan. He mentioned that it was along the lines of Top Gun."

"That was unusual, because I had prepped for [an aviation film] in England, back in 2011. We had been researching for about two years for that film, but unfortunately, just as we came to make it, there was a tragedy with the director and he passed, so we never made it.”

Riki with Sherdil director Azfar Jafri (right)
Riki with Sherdil director Azfar Jafri (right)

He continued after a pause, “After all that work, it was a little disappointing and along came this script, which I loved straight away. Of course, you have to have the dancing, but what really drew me was the fact that it doesn’t rely on that alone; it has a structure and a story. It’s far above from what I’ve seen of Bollywood films even. I told them that I was interested and the rest as they call it is history.”

Wasn't Riki apprehensive about safety and security before flying in, I asked. After all, Pakistan doesn't have the best image abroad.

“Maybe a little bit, but not really,” he is quick to respond. “I know a lot of Pakistanis in Dubai and I know it’s not how the Western press makes it out to be. The people here [in Pakistan] are incredibly kind and hospitable. It’s been a wonderful experience so far.”

Besides, Riki wasn’t a complete stranger to Pakistani cinema. He had already been approached by a filmmaker in Karachi in 2016. Though he refrained from taking any names, he shared, "It was a big action film that they had approached me for; they had a Singaporean DOP and Jet Li’s stunt team on board."

"They asked me if I was available and I told them I was, but I didn’t have the visa to Pakistan and they said they’d arrange it, and I’m still waiting for it,” he laughs.

Riki adds that he's been excited about the revival of Pakistani cinema because for him, it means more work, “I had heard from a couple of people actually that there was a big revival, which is always very exciting and new, anywhere in the world. I don’t know anything else; if there’s no film industry anywhere, I’m out of the job and totally useless.”

Riki’s body of work spans not only decades but also continents. He’s worked on the camera of high-budget Hollywood flicks like the seventh Fast & Furious (the last one featuring Paul Walker) and the Oscar-nominated Star Trek: Beyond. Closer to home, Riki shot Tezz, starring Anil Kapoor, Ajay Devgan and Kangana Ranaut.

Discussing technicalities
Discussing technicalities

When asked to compare Pakistan's filmmaking culture to what's he experienced previously, Riki says, “Hollywood has a very different base altogether; their budgets are phenomenal. But if you take European, low-budget filmmaking, it’s very similar [to Pakistan]. But, in all honesty, [Europe is] a little more disciplined and people are much strict on time management than they are here.”

“When it’s a 12-hour day, it’s just that. The movement and the speed of you doing things is far more crucial because you can’t run over even an hour,” he explains about how film sets function worldwide. “Here, it’s lacking that discipline or regimentation. The actual skill set or the focus you’ve got here is fantastic; it’s on-the-mark.”

Nonetheless, Butland speaks highly of the crew’s zeal and passion. “The crew is a little bit naïve. But what takes away the naivety are their energies, and the willingness to learn and work hard, which I feel is fantastic. Now, that we’ve been shooting for a while, they’re really gelling and moving like a well-oiled machine, so it’s a real pleasure.”

A scene featuring Mikaal and Armeena Khan
A scene featuring Mikaal and Armeena Khan

Sherdil, which stars Mikaal alongside Armeena Khan, Hassan Niazi and Sabeeka Iman, follows the journey of an Air Force officer (Mikaal); from getting recruited to finding love and the conflict that follows.

On a parting note, Riki expressed his admiration for the lead actor.

“Mikaal is top notch, he’s excellent! He turns up prepared and gives his 100%,” he says. “He’s somebody who I’ve found to very humble, so there’s no arrogance about him and it’s a pleasure. If all [Pakistani] actors are like him, then that’s very nice for the industry at large.”

Sherdil went on floors last month and is slated to wrap up production by mid-March with a final spell to take place in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. The soundtrack of the film is being composed by Adnan Dhool and Rabi Ahmed of Soch, while Sonu Dangerous will be choreographing the dance moves.

Although a release date hasn’t been announced, the film is speculated to release this year.

Comments

Aamer Feb 27, 2018 01:07pm
Worth Watching
Recommend (0)
Shazad Feb 27, 2018 01:33pm
Looking forward to something different. Can't wait!!
Recommend (0)
Unambiguous Feb 27, 2018 02:26pm
PAF has an aura of glamor, invincibility, and sense of pride the eyes of the nation. This movie will certainly inspire the new generation to be the part of the only institution of this nation that has never let it down and set new records of professional excellence.
Recommend (0)
RIAZ ULLAH BAIG Feb 27, 2018 03:13pm
Maybe you aren't aware that thousands of foreigners including Westerners visit Pakistan as genuine tourists and they come here after ascertaining the peaceful conditions. The producers and actors of that movie could have met some Westerners for the first time in their lives thus found it unusual.
Recommend (0)
Aiza Feb 27, 2018 03:21pm
Sounds great!! Will watch this for sure!
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RIAZ ULLAH BAIG Feb 27, 2018 03:56pm
Maybe you aren't aware that thousands of foreigners including Westerners visit Pakistan as genuine tourists and they come here after ascertaining the peaceful conditions. The producers and actors of that movie could have met some Westerners for the first time in their lives thus found it unusual.
Recommend (0)
Suzan Stetzer Maida Feb 27, 2018 04:26pm
The cinematographer was correct, Pakistan is very hospitable and the people are the kindest you will ever meet. I am sorry the Western news agencies always get Pakistan wrong. I had a wonderful time in Peshawar and plan on going back for another visit.
Recommend (0)
NKhan Feb 27, 2018 04:46pm
Nice article. Just one comment again again we hear that that time-keeping is an issue in Pakistan. If if only Pakistanis could take this as constructive and positive criticism and change their habits. Please note I myself must confess to having bad time keeping, like many Pakistanis its become such a habit not to take time-keeping seriously that I have to make a huge effort to be on time.
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N abidi Feb 27, 2018 10:03pm
So,impressed that pak film industry is using talented camara experts, this is so important. Lessons for film maker,keep going from strength to strength,look at your film,with a critical eye and learn,and improve! Good luck!
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