Author: Ayesha Malik
Over the past five years, in the passion of making Qulfee, the best of the best, this cinematic odyssey evolved from a mere concept into a groundbreaking masterpiece, marking a historic milestone for Kalakar Entertainments, the production house that has dared to venture into uncharted territories. With an innovative narrative that seamlessly fuses art, fantasies and science together in the flavor of “Qulfee” tackles the intricate world of hacking with a combination that sets the film apartshow the glory of romance, unbreakable friendship and emotions of normal people, pushing the boundaries of conventional storytelling in Lollywood. This cinematic masterpiece stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication and creative prowess of its writer and producer, Dr. Mashood Qadri. “Qulfee” is not just a movie; it is a transformative journey, a symphony of emotions, and a celebration of the boundless possibilities.
The Genesis of “Qulfee” – A Unique Narrative Unveiled
The epic journey of “Qulfee” began with the visionary Dr. Mashood Qadri, who dedicated an entire year to pen down a story that would break new ground in the Lollywood industry. The uniqueness of this narrative lies in its exploration of hacking, a theme seldom touched upon in Pakistani cinema. “Qulfee” delves into the world of cybersecurity, introducing audiences to the concept of a trojan rather than a conventional virus. Inspired by the rising number of cybercrimes globally, including infamous cases like the Russian cyber heist, where hackers exploit vulnerabilities to loot banks and organizations, Qadri’s narrative unfolds with a pulsating rhythm. Statistics reveal that a significant percentage of cybercrimes involve the use of viruses, showcasing the relevance and urgency of the film’s theme in the contemporary digital landscape.
The beauty of storyline, lies in the fact, it keeps the adrenaline rush on throughout the length of the story, as Qulfee has so many beats and spikes, with the flavor of continuousentertainment avenue on. The action-comedy genre has always been on the most popular in cinemas across the globe. Qulfee is a has transformed in conventional standards of Lollywood/ Bollywood films surging its reign, but is still maintains its style with distinctive twist, on classic genre of action thriller and emotional turmoil with the equip of technology failure versus abuse.
In a noteworthy move, the film emphasizes the significant roles played by women, portraying them as integral parts of the storyline. From Sana Fakhar as a police officer to Lela Dastan as cybercrime detective from abroad and Rida Khan, who portray roles in a villainous gang, and from Saeeda Imtiaz with hercolorful flamboyant role to Maryam Ansari as a trusted friend and Zoya in an empowering item song, “Qulfee” becomes a beacon of empowerment, showcasing the diverse and influential roles women can play in the world of cybersecurity and crime. The film’s emphasis on strong female characters adds a layer of depth to the storyline, contributing to a narrative that transcends conventional gender roles.
The Production Marvel of “Qulfee” – Crafting a Visual Spectacle
With a vision for fresh faces, “Qulfee” embarked on a production journey that demanded brilliance and expertise. The cast, a perfect blend of seasoned actors and fresh talents, includes luminaries such as including Saeeda Imtiaz, Shehroz Sabzwari, Babar Ali, Ayub Khosa, Momi Rana, Sana Fakhar, Jawed Sheikh, Shamyl Khan, Tipu Adnan Shah, Maryam Ansari, Wali Hamid Ali Khan, Uzmi, Sultan Mehboob, Amir Yameen, Munawer Saeed, and Jahan Ara.. This diverse ensemble was carefully selected to bring the intricate characters of “Qulfee” to life.
The narrative evolution from an action thriller to an entertainment film necessitated a dynamic team of cinematographers. This, coupled with the largest ensemble cast in the history of Pakistani cinema, demanded a collaborative effort from multiple cinematographers. The decision to bring in a diverse pool of editors from around the globe, including Aseem Sinha , Asad Zaidi and Director-Editor Abdullah Badini, underscored the commitment to achieving a seamless and globally resonant final product. Mashood Qadri as the screenplay writer, producer and storyline director, had been passionate to hire DOP-Director because of his requirements for the film cinematography. Thence, the emphasis on cinematography was paramount, with five different directors pooling their expertise. Saleem Karim, renowned for his adeptness as a DOP, emerged as the perfect choice, bringing his skillful handling of visuals and a keen understanding of the film’s requirements to the forefront with Mashood Qadri had been instrumental in continuing his expertise on his domain.
Bridging singers was also a critical need in the film, and Walee was chosen as the music director. Hamid Ali Sahab’s heritage, a gift of thumri (family songs), provided a rich cultural backdrop. The soulful rendition of these melodies was masterfully brought to life by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, who is hailed as the sound of the nation. Sumanto Bacttarchaya, fondly known as Bappi, played a pivotal role as a music score board director, infusing his innovative compositions to elevate the emotional resonance of the film. This harmonious collaboration of musical talents added another layer of depth to “Qulfee,” transforming it into not just a visual spectacle but a symphony that resonates with the audience’s emotions.
Technological Marvels and Character Diversity in “Qulfee”
“Qulfee” represents a film genre that demanded cutting-edge visual effects to align with modern technological standards. A dedicated team was meticulously chosen to ensure the highest standards of quality production. The inclusion of VX effects became a crucial aspect of the film’s narrative, seamlessly integrating technology into the storytelling process. The commitment to excellence extended to the diverse range of characters, spanning from age 7 to veterans, creating a rich tapestry of personalities that reflects the complexity of the narrative.
Recognizing the evolving nature of filmmaking, “Qulfee” underwent reshoots to enhance its overall qualitya at best. Abdullah Badini, the director of post-production phase, played a pivotal role in refining and perfecting the final product. The film’s commitment to international standards is evident in the collaboration with professionals like Aseem Sinha, who served as a mentor for the project, overseeing the story edit from start to end. This international layering also found expression in the inclusion of a German actress, adding a unique and global perspective to the ensemble.
“Qulfee” emerges not only as a cinematic spectacle but as a testament to the fusion of modern technology and diverse storytelling. The intricate balance between technological marvels and character diversity is a testament to the film’s commitment to pushing boundaries and ensuring a cinematic experience that transcends conventional norms.
The Promotion Challenge and Seamless Integration of “Qulfee”
Being a heavy budget indi-film, film completion was requiring expertise at best in direction and editing the film. Thence inclusion of Abdullah Badini taken place in the completion of the film, surely his role has been unexemplified. He had picked the film, when, Qulfee was almost completed on cinematic phase, but, the film-maker was not satisfied. Something was missing, Abdullah with Qadri then had made bold and brave decisions, they had re-edited the film from beginning, changed VFX effects, even redone ADR – Audio digital recording of a cast.
Film’s journey doesn’t end till it is released on cinemas. During the ending part of Qulfee’s journey of “Qulfee” it had faced a formidable challenge during the promotion and launching phase. A dedicated group of young and dynamic individuals, led by Jibran Siddique and M. Muhammad Faraz, spearheaded the digital promotional efforts. This team of young enthusiasts rose to the occasion, ensuring that the film reached its audience in a compelling and engaging manner. The sense and essence of the film were truly brought to completion through these promotional and integration efforts.
One of the most challenging aspects of the film-making process arises during the integration of different segments. This intricate task demands expertise in visual arts, and Jibran Siddique, alongside Muhammad Faraz, under the mentorship of Mashood Qadri and Abdullah Badini have emerged as the experts who flawlessly executed this complex process. Their proficiency in seamlessly blending various elements of the film together in a timely manner played a crucial role in ensuring the film’s cohesiveness.
A Cinematic Triumph in Every Frame.
The film’s journey is a saga of triumph over challenges, from the selection of a diverse and talented cast to the integration of cutting-edge technology and the harmonious collaboration of musical talents. Each frame of “Qulfee” encapsulates the dedication of a team committed to crafting not just a visual spectacle but a symphony of emotions that resonates with audiences globally. As the narrative unfolds, the film’s commitment to empowering female characters, its technological marvels, and the seamless integration of diverse elements further elevate it to a status beyond conventional cinema to win hearts and brains of our audience.
In the dynamic realm of Pakistani filmmaking, “Qulfee” emerges not just as a film but as a transformative force, setting new standards and redefining the very essence of storytelling. As audiences embark on this cinematic journey, they are invited to witness not just a movie but an epic creation that transcends time, leaving an indelible mark on the vibrant tapestry of Pakistani cinema. “Qulfee” is more than a film; it’s a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the boundless possibilities that unfold when vision meets the silver screen on April 10, 2024!
