Nouman Ijaz, is associated with drama industry since years and is the soul of every drama he appears in. He continues to prove his mettle as an actor with his strong and gripping performances. The actor who’s acting at times can get you goosebumps is set to make his comeback in Pakistani cinema after almost 9 years with upcoming film ‘Maidaan’
Speaking to the Images the Khan actor, Nouman Ijaz said, “What tempted me to do Maidaan was quite honestly, the subject. It is our genre. It is a film being made out of a reason. It offers something substantial.”
“It’s an honest effort and I see great potential in the vision of its makers. All you need is a new approach and a veteran actor, the product of which is always positive [laughs]. I yet have to go through the final draft, but I have said yes to the project for now.”
Maidaan, which will also star co-producer Gohar Rasheed and Besharam-fame actress Ghana Ali in lead roles, is based on true events and Ijaz plans on taking it in his stride. “People will be able to relate to it,” he says confidently. “Sultan Rahi’s films worked because the audience at that time was able to relate to the aggression, and that is something that is ought to happen when you present real-life stories on the reel.”
When asked to share his views on the current state of local cinema, he replied:
“Films are not being made in Pakistan right now. We are just seeing television dramas releasing on the big screen,” he observes. “We are only running after everything that India does, hence, I was only being offered rom-coms. We need to understand that we have a different genre. Shah, to me has been one of the best films Pakistan has produced in recent times.”
Maidaan might not be your usual run-off- the-mill extravaganza that offers romance or comedy, and despite having an ensemble cast, Ijaz says that screen-space or box-office numbers have never bothered him and he remains clear about his priorities as an artist.
“I’m not bothered about whether the film does well at the box office or not,” the Nijaat actor expresses. “I’m not a hero; I’m a character actor, hence, screen-space is never a concern as long as my character has some sort of a turning point in the script. To me, personal satisfaction in a project is what matters the most.”
The upcoming film titled Maidaan is under the banner of Shuffler Films, co-founded by Waqas Rizvi and Gohar Rasheed. Nouman Ijaz will be seen essaying the character of a coach to 12 street children who come together for the ‘Street Child World Cup’ that took place in Brazil three years ago.
