Umroayyar: A New Beginning[1] is a 2024 Pakistani feature film directed by Azfar Jafri. The film introduces a fresh narrative for the character UmroAyyar, a figure in Pakistani folklore. It was released on Eid ul Adha, June 17, 2024.[2]
Plot
editA descendant of Umro Ayyar, a cunning warrior of Persian folklore, is a quantum mechanics professor in Pakistan. With wit inherited, he ventures into a realm where fable meets reality, determined to unravel mysteries that transcend time and space.
Production Development
editUmroayyar: A New Beginning is a collaborative effort between VR Chili Production and Mandviwalla Entertainment. The project was announced on November 17, 2021,[3] when the production company revealed the official star cast and title of film's official star cast and title he film via social media, generating significant interest among fans of the original Umro Ayyar tales and the broader film community.[4]
Casting
editThe film features a cast including
- Usman Mukhtar as [Amar]
- Faran Tahir as [Laqqa]
- Sanam Saeed as [Meena]
- Ali Kazmi as [Maaz]
- Adnan Siddiqui as [Amar's Father]
- Simi Raheal as [Amar's Aunt]
- Sana Nawaz as [Cheno]
- Manzar Sehbai as [Guru]
- Daniyal Raheal as [Babar]
- Salmaan Shaukat as [Azam]
- Osama Karamat as [Shayan]
- Uloomi Karim as [Goon]
- Asad Chaudhary as [Safeer]
- Atif Rehan Siddique as [Doctor]
- Muhammad Imran as [Goon]
- Bilal Jutt as [Goon]
- Ruman Ali as [Child Star]
- Shehroz Sunny as [Tribal Leader]
- Hamza Ali Abbasi as [Special Appearance]
Filming
editPrincipal photography for Umroayyar: A New Beginning took place in Islamabad. The production utilized a combination of sets, chroma sets, and various outdoor locations around the city. Behind-the-scenes footage and reports indicate that the film was shot during the COVID-19 pandemic, with all cast and crew members adhering to safety protocols, including wearing masks.[5]
International Crew
editThe film features an international crew, prominent among them are:
- Director of Photography: Riki Butland (known for Star Trek, Furious)
- Action Team:
- Ian Van Temperley (known for John Wick, Maula Jatt, Game of Thrones)
- Deni Jordan (known for Vikings, Troll, Money Heist - 180+ IMDb credits)
- Judd Wild (known for Mad Max: Fury Road, X-Men, Black Panther - 90+ IMDb credits)
- Production Designer: Paolo Di Maio
Visual Effects
editThe visual effects for Umroayyar: A New Beginning were created by Jubilant Studios, contributing to the film's visual storytelling.
Crew
edit- Directed By: Azfar Jafri[6]
- Executive Producer: Huma Jamil Babar[7]
- Head of Production: Jay Khan[8]
- Director of Photography: Riki Butland[9]
- Production Designer: Paolo Di Maio[10]
- Edited By: Mitesh Soni
- Screenplay By: Atif Rehan Siddique
- Action By: Ian Van Temperley,[11] Deni Jordan,[12] Judd Wild[13]
- Line Producer: Yawar Malik
- Music By: Ahmed Ali
- Sound Design: Gokul K.R.
- Re-Recording Mix: Sreejesh Nair
- Colorist: Dan Mitre
- Costume Designer: Malaika Riyasat
- Assistant Director: Pasha
- Public Relations: Ayman Zahid
Festivals
editUmroayyar: A New Beginning was selected for WonderCon, where its trailer and comic were released.[14] The film also participated in the Red Sea Film Festival,[15] where it received appreciation from global stars including Will Smith and Johnny Depp.[16]
Release
editUmroayyar: A New Beginning was released on Eid ul Adha, June 17, 2024. The film was distributed in Pakistan by Mandviwalla Entertainment and internationally by Rising Star Entertainment.
Reception
editUmroayyar: A New Beginning received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. Some of the notable reviews include
Daily Times: "UmroAyyar — A New Beginning gets thumbs up from moviegoers."[17]
Express Tribune: "'Umro Ayyar' spells a new beginning for Pakistani sci-fi and fantasy."[18]
Dunya News: "Umro Ayyar - A visual treat you should not miss."[19]
Khaleej Times: "'Umro Ayyar: A New Beginning' is a good introduction to Pakistan's first superhero."[20]
References
edit- ^ "Umro Ayyar - A New Beginning". June 17, 2024 – via IMDb.
- ^ "Pakistani film 'Umro Ayyar: A New Beginning' out on Eid". Asian Image. June 11, 2024.
- ^ Desk, Entertainment (November 17, 2021). "Of magical lands and evil jinns: Umro Ayyar looks promising!". The Express Tribune.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ "'Umro Ayyar' makes it to Times Square, New York City". Daily Jang. July 1, 2024.
- ^ NOAH AHMAD (10 June 2024). "BTS: Umro Ayyar: A New Beginning". bollynewsuk. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
- ^ "Azfar Jafri | Director, Actor, Animation Department". IMDb.
- ^ "Huma Jamil Babar | Producer". IMDb.
- ^ "Jay Khan | Producer". IMDb.
- ^ "Riki Butland | Camera and Electrical Department, Cinematographer". IMDb.
- ^ "Paolo Di Maio | Production Designer". IMDb.
- ^ "Ian van Temperley | Stunts, Actor, Second Unit Director or Assistant Director". IMDb.
- ^ "Deni Jordan | Stunts, Actor, Director". IMDb.
- ^ "Judd Wild | Stunts, Second Unit Director or Assistant Director". IMDb.
- ^ Desk, Web (March 26, 2024). "'Umro Ayyar – A New Beginning' in a historic feat set to launch trailer at WonderCon event".
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ "Hollywood icons ignite excitement at Red Sea Film Festival in support of Pakistani cinema". Arabnewspk. 6 December 2023.
- ^ "Hollywood stars Will Smith, Johnny Depp support Pakistan's 'Umro Ayyar a New Beginning'". Geo.tv.
- ^ "'UmroAyyar — A New Beginning' gets thumbs up from moviegoers". June 20, 2024.
- ^ Desk, Entertainment (April 8, 2024). "'Umro Ayyar' trailer blends adventure and fantasy". The Express Tribune.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ "Umro Ayyar - A visual treat you should not miss". Dunya News. June 24, 2024.
- ^ "Review: 'Umro Ayyar: A New Beginning' is a good introduction to Pakistan's first superhero". Khaleej Times.
- ^ Jawaid, Mohammad Kamran (June 22, 2024). "Review: Umro Ayyar: A New Beginning — a fairytale fit for children, made for adults". Images.
- ^ Fatima, Sana (June 23, 2024). "Umro Ayyar gets mixed public reaction".
- ^ Fatima, Sana (June 19, 2024). "Umro Ayyar director hilariously mimicry on Usman Mukhtar and Sanam Saeed".
- ^ Irfan Ul Haq; Pernia Mubashir (November 17, 2021). "The tales of Umro Ayyar will come alive on the big screen with a star-studded cast". Images.
- ^ "Out of magic books straight to the screen, Umro Ayyar's debut seems close". April 19, 2023.