It goes without saying that climate change is set to be that defining crisis of our times on which the fortunes, or rather, misfortunes of large swathes of the world will depend on. And the issue hits very close to home — according to a German think tank, Pakistan ranks among the 10 most climate change-sensitive countries. Despite its increasing salience, the issue tends to be lost in political static and barring a few exceptions, is largely shunned by mainstream cinema, especially in Hollywood.
Thankfully, some enterprising filmmakers in the country are set to break cinema’s silence on the impending climate crisis by broaching the issue head-on in an upcoming film. Director Uzair Zaheer Khan and animation wiz Azfar Jafri were the creative forces behind the 2018 hit ‘Allahyar and the Legend of Markhor,’ that won much acclaim for its depiction of illegal wildlife poaching in the northern reaches of the country. The duo have joined forces again for the film’s second installment titled ‘Allahyar and the 100 Flowers of God,’ and the first look clip for the movie has just been unveiled. “There are quite a few surprises in store for the sequel,” said the director when we reached him. “For one, this time around, the theme of the film centers on climate change.”
How that exactly happens will be interesting to watch. The first look teaser was recently unveiled and it shows Allahyar in an all new shiny superhero avatar, hinting at a sci-fi turn to the franchise. We thought the vibe of the visuals was very Iron Man meets Hayao Miyazaki, and add to that the film incorporates elements of fantasy and folklore, and the makers might just have something promising on their hands.
Returning along with Allahyar will be the host of characters that made the original film a hit among the younger audiences – and that includes the mischievous Chakor, Hero. “The character I played ‘Hero’, who everyone loved in the first film, is making a comeback and this time he’s more entertaining,” says animation head Azfar Jafri, who will also be lending his vocal talents to the film. While no release date is announced, the makers have indicated that the movie will release this year.
While we await for more previews from the movie to make their way to our screens, you can count on PakistaniCinema.net to keep you updated with the latest developments on the film and the best from Pakistani showbiz. Stay tuned!
