WAAR 2 IS OFFICIALLY IN THE MAKING

Waar’s sequel will be shot all around the world. PHOTO: FILE

KARACHI: 

It seems like everything is heading in the right direction for Pakistani cinema, as the makers of Waar have already announced its sequel, Waar 2. Waarbecame the highest grossing film in Pakistan’s cinematic history when it surpassed the Rs200 million mark at the local box office in November, beating Chooriyan’s record-breaking take when it was released in 1998.

Though the film is yet to be released internationally, with the UAE and the UK being the first likely release regions, the sequel has already been announced for an expected release in 2015.

Waar revolves around the efforts of the Pakistani army and intelligence forces as they try to stop a terrorist attack from occurring within the country. The film stars actors Shaan and Hamza Abbasi.

Representative of ARY films revealed that Waar 2 will not be directed by Bilal Lashari, but by the writer/producer of Waar, Dr Hassan Waqas Rana. The reason behind this directorial change has not been disclosed. Sources close to ARY Films reveal that given the massive success of Waar on Eid 2013, the producers are aiming for an Eid 2015 release for the sequel.

Waar 2 will be a collaboration between Mindworks Media and ARY Films, and is all set to go into production in 2014. The movie will be shot in a number of international locations including Russia, Yugoslavia, UK and Turkey and will cast both local and international actors. However, this is not the only collaborative project between the two companies. Mindworks and ARY will also be collaborating on another movie, Delta Echo Foxtrot. Details of the two projects were shared at a press conference held at the ARY office in Saddar, Karachi on Saturday. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Salman Iqbal, President and founder of ARY Digital Network said, “After the super success of Waar and the sound relationship that we have developed with Mind works Media, it is natural for both companies to bring their expertise together for even bigger and better movies.”

Top-notch directors from both Pakistan and Hollywood will work under the umbrella of this collaboration. Shooting for Delta Echo Foxtrot, the first venture under this collaboration will begin at the end of 2013, with the film slated for a 2014 release. The plot for Delta Echo Foxtrot will centre on the concepts of courage, sacrifice, passion and patriotism. While the cast of this movie is yet to be finalised, it will not only boast top names in the industry, but will also find new faces, auditions for which are currently being held. Further details of both the movies will be shared in the coming weeks.