Jeewan Hathi: A Dark Comedy Guaranteed To Make You Laugh Out
The idea stemmed from a universal concept of TV channels being in a constant race for higher ratings. Moreover, in Pakistan amidst the numerous morning shows and other shows-alike, anchors in Pakistan go to extraordinary lengths to achieve higher ratings. In an attempt to do a spoof on this, the idea of a black comedy was born according to the makers of the film.
The script has been written by Fasih Bari Khan and produced by Mazhar Zaidi and stars powerhouse performers like Hina Dilpazeer, Samiya Mumtaz, Naseeruddin Shah alongside Adnan Jaffar, Kiran Tabeer and Fawad Khan.
In an exclusive tête-à-tête with Hello! the talented cast shares a bit more about the film,
"Audiences should expect a fantastic comedy with a serious message; it is a comedy - a black comedy, the issue that we are bringing to life is the race for ratings by media, especially television. So, the treatment of this is done in a very funny way. It is laughter from the very start to end." Adnan Jaffar told Hello!
And to sum it up in a single sentence Kiran added,
"It's a chotay packet mein bara dhamaka"
(A big surprise in a small package)
When asked about spoilers, interestingly Adnan said,
"We all look like cartoons - realistic caricatures!"
Though, shooting for the film was an overall smooth experience for each one of the cast members, a few difficulties were faced by the couple who is also the main protagonist of the film; Kiran and Fawad. Adopting the accent and mannerisms of an Indian Bihari girl was a challenge faced by Kiran which she successfully overcame after frequent rehearsals, as told by her. Nonetheless, her hard-work and determination was applauded by the team and her best support through the film asides from the team itself has been her family, namely her husband who also helped her rehearse at odd hours of the night.
When inquired about the witty title of the movie Fawad excitedly said,
"The word hathi is for the TV set, as the proverbial 'elephant in the room'. So we all know that it is present but no one addresses or acknowledges it."
What is interesting to note is that though none of the actors directly worked with Naseeruddin Shah, each one of them is very excited to share a screen with an experienced actor like him.
For Fawad it was an exciting project that he is really looking forward to whereas for Kiran it is surely a step up in her career that she wishes to pursue. Hina Dilpazeer too praised the cast, directors and the script of the film whereas Samiya Mumtaz and Adnan found it interesting and different from the previous roles that they have been playing on screen.
Hina Dilpazeer said signing the film was a great decision and she feels honored to be part of a film that also featured Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah. The Bulbulay lead woman has also worked in a number of immensely popular TV shows including Quddusi Sahab Ki Bewa and Ye Zindagi Hai and is now making her debut in the upcoming film, Jeewan Hathi.
Jeewan Hathi has already been screened at the Zeal for Unity festival in Amritsar, India and the London Indian Film Festival earlier this year. With the response from International audiences being positive, let's all get ready for it's release on November 4 in Pakistan.