Shaan Shahid’s much-touted adaptation of Bollywood writer-director Mahesh Bhatt’s critically acclaimed Arth has long been in the works. Finally, it seems, the film might be out soon. Titled Arth — The Destination, the Pakistani version of this complex tale of obsession, remorse, and self-respecting individuals is suitably updated for the present-day audiences.
Noted TV actress Uzma Hasan has the most challenging task at hand, getting into the character of the wronged wife that was immortalised by Shabana Azmi in the 1982 Hindi film. Her on-screen husband (Kulbhushan Kharbanda in the original) is played by Mohib Mirza, another Pak TV actor, while the petite Humaima Malik slips into the fine stilettos of the legendary (late) Smita Patel. Shahid is the good-looking singer with a heart of gold (remember the incredibly natural Raj Kiran?) who helps Uzma’s character to pick herself up.
A few characters have also been added to the story. For instance, Fuzon keyboardist Imran Momina aka Emu makes his big-screen debut in an extended cameo, while BNN-famed comedian Murtaza Chaudhry matches wits with the inimitable Yasir Hussain in a special appearance.
The film is currently in its post-production at a studio in London where the colour-grading and sound mixing is in process. It has music by Sahir Ali Bagga. The OST features Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Aima Baig, among others. The film’s first teaser is expected at the end of this month.
