A feature film set against the backdrop of the armed forces immediately calls to mind the stylish 1986 Tom Cruise film Top Gun.
But Parwaz Hai Junoon, a joint presentation of Momina-Duraid (MD) Productions and Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), is said to be inspired from real-life tales of the gallantry of servicemen. It’s fair to expect a familiar premise and lots of thrilling aerial sequences, not to mention a heavy dose of patriotism. The film follows the story of five friends — played by Hamza Ali Abbasi, Shaz Khan, and debutants Arslan Asad Butt, Alamdar Khan, and Sa’ad Qazi.
The feature sees them evolve as individuals through tough training days at the PAF Academy in Risalpur, and how getting commissioned affects their love lives. The latter part shall see fast rising TV actress Hania Aamir romancing Abbasi, while Kubra Khan is paired opposite Shaz Khan.
An excited Butt told Gulf News tabloid! that he plays a PAF fighter pilot in the film. “It’s a role that required me to look lean and athletic. We also had to sport the undercut [hairstyle] throughout,” he said.
Butt began in showbiz as a model, appearing in some of the most popular ad campaigns, before he jumped to acting on TV. He is often called Pakistan’s answer to John Abraham due to his resemblance to the Bollywood star. Though, this is something he simply laughs off. Currently, he is starring in Naseebon Jali, a Hum TV serial, and Mor, an Aplus show. He is also shooting one for Bol TV.
Butt said that Parwaz Hai Junoon’s “shoot is 90 per cent complete. Two [shooting] spells remain — one in Risalpur, and the other in Karachi. Earlier, we shot at Sargodha Air Base, and in Lahore where a song was filmed. It’s choreographed by Ghani,” he said.
Directed by Haseeb Hassan, the film is due out in December this year.
