The Humaima Malick and Mikaal Zulfiqar starrer ‘Half Cooked’ is all set to be released on SeePrime Original this Friday.
The short film has been written and directed by Shahrukh Naveed, a London International Film School post-graduate who has worked as a director and cinematographer in various projects for the past 12 years.
‘Half Cooked’ has been shot at a majestic architecture designed by Farooq Usman, and if the trailers are anything to go by, the short-film promises to be absolutely picturesque.
Both Humaima and Mikaal were kind enough to spare time for brief interviews ahead of Half Cooked’s premiere.
How did this film reach you?
HM: Through Shahrukh. We worked together in ‘Bol’ many many years back where he was the production head assistant. He told me during the shoot that ‘whenever I write an optimistic script, you will be the first person I will call’, to which I responded ‘whenever you call, I will be there’. And here I was for ‘Half Cooked’ when he told me that he wanted to cast me while he was writing the script.
MZ: Shahrukh contacted me. We had worked together before. And I guess he thought I suited the role.
What excited you about the film?
MZ: There were two factors. First, Shahrukh himself; when we worked on Fahad Hussain’s Banjara campaign last year, I really enjoyed working with him and saw huge potential. That was the main reason for saying Yes. And also Humaima. She's a fantastic actor and we had never worked together before.
HM: Shahrukh’s vision and passion for the film. When he narrated the film to me I could see that he already had the film made on paper and designed everything around it from treatment to colour palette and everything.
Tell us about the experience of working with your counter lead.
MZ: In one word, amazing. Humaima and I developed great chemistry on screen and that reflects in the film. It was a treat to work with her. She's the kind of person who goes the extra mile for her co-actor and that's a great support.
HM: It was the first time Mikaal and I worked together and he made me super comfortable on set and I tried to do the same. I think we had hit the note on the required chemistry for the script from the first scene and from there on we only became more comfortable. Besides being an amazing artist, he is very confortable to work with.
How do you see the importance of digital platforms during the pandemic?
HM: It has been great to have social media platforms as well as streaming platforms for artists to stay connected with their audiences. When in quarantine or isolation it’s been a fantastic escape to explore various genres of cinema which are out of my usual comfort zone. As an artist it has really opened my eyes and is one of the key reasons why I chose to do ‘Half Cooked’.
MZ: Pandemic or no pandemic, digital is the way forward!
How was the experience of filming on set?
MZ: Relaxed and enjoyable. Shahrukh and his team were very supportive throughout the shoot.
HM: This set was like second home for me. The whole crew was super fun and we had felt like a family on set. We were able to find balance between serious moments of work and fun moments in between.
What is your message to the young aspiring filmmakers who lack resources and PR?
HM: First and foremost, my biggest advice would be to know your audience that you’re making your film for. For example, are you making a film for commercial cinema or are you making an art-house/festival film. This will help you decide which funding body you should reach out to for help to get your project off the ground.
MZ: Keep chipping away, you'll get there one day.
SeePrime is an exclusive platform for short films in Pakistan. Any word for them?
MZ: It's encouraging to see a platform like SeePrime. It's good for the business overall. I wish them luck and I'm glad to be a part of their journey! Keep it up SeePrime.
HM: It is truly wonderful to see what SeePrime is doing for short films. It’s refreshing to see a platform like this is in Pakistan. For the future, I hope they can give more opportunities to young talent, who are recent graduates of filmmaking courses, to showcase their talent.
For an artist of your status, how exciting or challenging was it to work with a young filmmaker on his debut film?
HM: It was an absolute pleasure working with Shahrukh Naveed on ‘Half Cooked’. I was amazed at his dedication and hard work on the project. It was something that will stay with me as a positive filmmaking experience.
MZ: New or old, I love working with people who approach their work with seriousness and preparation. Shahrukh was truly a pleasure to work with. And the result shows it. The film is perfect. When I saw the first cut. I told him "don't change a thing"
What are your expectations from Half Cooked?
MZ: I think whoever watches it, will love it. It’s simple, relatable and moving.
HM: I have seen the reaction of film experts and I have seen the reaction of general audience. I can say that this film will go places inshaAllah.