Key points
- Film blends south Asian folklore with modern action effects
- Umro Ayyar is Pakistan’s first superhero in fantasy genre
- Festival praised film’s quality, story, and cultural significance
ISLAMABAD: A New Beginning drew international attention at the prestigious Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Film Festival in China.
Produced by VR Chili Production, the film is being praised as a bold advancement in Pakistan’s cinematic storytelling and genre exploration. Inspired by the legendary trickster-hero Umro Ayyar from classical Persian and Urdu literature, the film fuses South Asian folklore with high-energy action, modern visual effects, and a compelling narrative that bridges tradition with a contemporary cinematic approach.
Umro Ayyar represents one of the first occasions a Pakistani film has ventured into the global fantasy action genre with a fully developed superhero rooted in local mythology.
Pakistan’s creative talent
Its selection at the SCO Film Festival highlights not only Pakistan’s creative talent but also the increasing global appetite for culturally grounded stories that resonate internationally.
Festival organisers described the screening as more than just a film showcase—it served as a meaningful cultural exchange. Umro Ayyar introduces a fresh perspective to the fantasy genre, offering a distinct voice that reflects the region’s heritage, values, and imagination.
The film’s reception at the festival generated significant excitement among audiences and critics alike, with many commending its high production standards, narrative depth, and its ambition to establish a locally inspired cinematic universe.
