The Pakistani film industry is getting bigger and better by the day with new film projects frequently announced. Earlier this year, at a press conference at Faletti's Hotel, Lahore, details of new project emerged and 'Driven' came to light. As announced, 'Driven' is a feature film by K&M Features and Aster Productions. The film is directed by award-winning British director Michael Hudson and produced by Kamran Faiq and Naveed Mehmood.
Much of Driven's storyline is based on the major life events of Kamran Faiq, who, as well being the producer, will be playing the lead role. The Mercedes W126 S-Class, as seen on the film's promotional material, is said to play a central role within the film. The film boosts a huge star cast and talented crew from countries including Pakistan, UK, Poland and Russia.
Kamran Faiq says Driven will excite and entertain the audience. But what is Driven? How is it different from other films? And why did Kamran decide to be part of it? Showbiz Pakistan recently spoke to Kamran to get answers to these questions...
What can you tell us about 'Driven'?
'Driven' is a film about three people who are trapped and enslaved in their own personal forms of hell where their desire to do the only thing they believe they can do, can have far reaching and devastating repercussions. As Ahsan seeks to find penance and forgiveness for the crime he has committed; as Ifran seeks revenge for the murder of the brother he never quite supported enough; as Sobia seeks to escape her abusive husband, and as the city of Lahore is torn apart as are their lives, they desperately try to escape their own personal failings.
Who stars in it?
Myself, Amna Ilyas, Javed Shiekh, Adnan Shah Tipu, Rehan Shiekh, Omair Rana, Najia Baig, Wahab Shah and an endless list of talented people.
How is Driven different to other films?
Currently in Pakistan the vast majority of the media look to highlight and focus on the issue of terrorism. Television channels, whether it be news or drama, look to focus on this issue as it is believed that this subject matter will attract the greatest number of viewers. This view can also be applied to the current state of the Pakistani film industry where films made in Pakistan that have been promoted on an international level also focus heavily on extremism and terrorism. This continual focus on the issue of terrorism helps not only to perpetuate the climate of fear that exists in Pakistan but also reinforces the view on a global level that Pakistan is an unstable country of extremists which is somewhat detached from the reality that is Pakistan.
Driven is an international film which doesn’t seek to portray or reinforce the perception that Pakistan is a country of extremists but rather to contradict it by highlighting the fact that Pakistani people are no different to the rest of the world and share the same core ideals. These core ideals are universal as they revolve around issues which are ever present in all societies on all continents. Ideals such as family being the most important factor in any individual's life and that any individual would fight or do whatever it takes to protect, or even avenge those that would harm their family.
What is your reaction to being part of Driven?
So my reaction to being part of it was very positive from the beginning. What appealed to me and convinced me to choose this project as an actor and producer was the script and the way in which action and events are conveyed in a way that highlights the human frailty in a powerful and entertaining way. The story also deals with some parts of my personal life so Michael [director] has taken bits and pieces from my life events and incorporated them in the story very well.
What can the audience expect from the film?
The audience should expect a strong action packed crime thriller which will affect them and make them feel more than just entertained. I believe that Driven will strike the audience with its narrative and the audience will relate, not necessarily to the events depicted, but the characters' struggle to recreate their lives and relive them and fight against their haunting memories.
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