E X C L U S I V E
kind of spark Maya bought on camera would only look better on
the big screen. Moreover, cinema is a medium through which
you either radiate energy to the audience or you suck it in and
radiating energy in a positive way is always welcomed on the big
screen. This is exactly what happened when Maya auditioned for
the role, we knew she was made for Anya's character.
Maya: Definitely.
What is your take on the Pakistani cinema?
Ali: When it comes to movies, a lot of effort is put in by the
entire team. Moreover, from what we see these days is people
who are venturing into the field for the first time. Obviously,
along with the hard work and investment put into each project
Maya: First of all, I would like to add that when we were shooting is done with the intention to entertain the audience. In this case,
for the film, I had a little fangirl moment where I felt like I I would give them the benefit of the doubt and move on from it.
couldn't act in front of Ali, but he made sure that everyone was If movies did not do well during Eid-ul-Fitr, we can only hope
comfortable and then continued. He explained how he wanted to what comes after is better.
portray Anya - a strong headed girl who knew what she wanted.
Noone makes a bad film, but what the critics and people who
Before shooting any scene, Ali would explain how I should act want the 'Pakistani cinema to evolve' need to understand that it
and bring Anya to life. Both Ahsan and Ali were very possessive is going to take time and if you are to criticise a movie, do it in a
about every character in the movie. Moreover, it is the teamwork constructive creative manner so that it adds value to it.
that paid off. From the writer to the producer and director,
everybody put in equal efforts to bring all these characters to the It is very easy to write two paragraphs and destroy the movie, but
audience.
only someone who has been through the process will understand
it. Furthermore, we need to have
Ali, do you think working
institutions and academies that
multiple capacities on set
train and teach people the proper
compromised
your
acting?
methodology of filmmaking.
Ali: I would have preferred not
Maya: When we make films, we
to indulge in so many avenues
and focus on my acting, usually
put in our best by working hard
because this is always preferred by
and wholeheartedly. We do not
worry about the movie being a hit
an actor. However, I did not have
that choice, but I tried to give it
or a flop, it is up to the audience
to decide that. However, criticising
my best, hoping it won't affect my
excessively never works for any
acting.
industry. Moreover, when we
Maya: I don't think so.
make films, our audience feels
like adding a good song is taking
Amidst the ongoing controversy,
inspiration from Bollywood; when
we show them what they want to
do you think it will affect the
see, the audience complains about
box office numbers for Teefa In
Trouble?
sticking to the drama culture then.
In my opinion, our audience is very
Ali: Nobody can predict the future,
but you can always speak from your instincts. In my case, they confused as well. They do not know what they want to see. As
have always been creative, constructive and positive even in long as they don't figure that out, we can only continue doing
the worst times of my life. I have blocked the negativity out what we do - making films.
completely and I am only focusing on the positivity, especially
when I know the truth, in this case.
Why should we go watch the movie?
Ali: If you want to walk out of the cinema happy, Teefa is what
you should watch.
What is your take on the boycott of Teefa In Trouble?
Ali: Everybody has the right to do what they want and make
their own choices in life. I have no control over anyone; all I can Maya: If you want to have a good time and watch a full-on
do is to deliver the best version of what I can do. I respect the entertainment ‘desi-masala’ movie, this is where you should be.
decision of those who decided to boycott and those who come
to support it, however, I do know that in time, as things become Whats in the pipeline for you after the film?
Ali: I take time with my projects, I like to do them my way, at
more eminent people just might regret boycotting.
my own pace. I don’t rush into things, I am just living my life
Will Teefa In Trouble advance the cause for Pakistani cinema? one step at a time. I have my children and family and I would
Ali: I hope so. The film is made with the intention and hopes to like to be on the beach and enjoy some time with them and once
take our cinema forward from here on to the next level; not just in a while, I like to make a great film.
nationally, but globally as well. I think where your intentions are
Maya: Vacations, before I start shooting for ‘Parey Hut Love.’
right, one can only hope for the best.
47