‘Apnas’ hits UK screens – official trailer has four million+ views…
British film features Nitin Ganatra, Ash Tandon (‘Line of Duty’) and Rehan Sheikh, Mollie Winnard (‘Coronation Street’) and is out today…
CHRONICLING the misfortunes of a family caught between poverty, ill health and potential destitution – character Awais Khan (James Greaney) sees a way out – offered to him by his uncle (Rehan Sheikh) and his son, Majid (Asim Ashraf).
On the surface, this might be your stereotypical Asian crime drama but the story, the characters, the acting and the direction all give it depth and purpose.
Nitin Ganatra plays Aslam Khan – the dad – and portrays him with humour and wisdom. He spoke to www.asianculturevulture.com about his role in ‘Apnas’ -see the video below.
Directed by Ashley Chin (well known in some circles as Muslim Belal) and Darren RL Gordon – both of whom have been in the TV and film industry in different avatars or some years and written by Adrian Scott, this is very much a slice of British Asian (Pakistani Muslim) working class life, set in Manchester.
Asim Ashraf, who goes under the rapper’s name, Ceazaa, also stars and some of the supporting cast are fellow musicians from the Manchester rap scene. Their involvement and support of the film has helped to push its trailer views to nearly five million – which is on a par with some Hollywood releases. The film has also been helped by the creation of Apnas TV on YouTube and acquiring nearly 500K subscribers there in under a year.
Aside from the impressive figures – some will dismiss this as stereotyped and negative – as what happens in the film is that a seemingly, ‘normal hard-working (?) lad, training to be an accountant, Awais Khan, is lured into a family crime network.
The producers say it is based on true events and defend its ‘reality’ in the face of any such criticism. Ganatra and acv discuss this in the interview too.
Fiaz Ashraf, executive producer of ‘Apnas’ told acv that they were conscious of the flak they might get for making such a film especially when community relations in some parts are fragile.
“The film is not trying to present a polished or sanitised version of the community.
“It reflects real life, and real life for many people includes struggle, conflict, mistakes and difficult environments. Ignoring that would not be honest storytelling, it would be avoiding reality.
“What matters is the intent behind it. The film does not glorify negative behaviour, it explores it. There is a clear difference.
“We show the consequences, the internal battles and the impact these choices have on individuals and families. The main character’s journey is rooted in that tension between right and wrong, between culture, faith, pressure and personal responsibility, and ultimately finding a way forward.
“If anything, the film adds depth rather than reinforcing stereotypes. Stereotypes are one dimensional. These characters are not. They are layered, conflicted and evolving, which is a far more accurate reflection of real people.
At its core, ‘Apnas’ is about awareness, reflection and growth, not judgement.”
Distributed by Munro Films, the new release is on many screens across the UK and timed as an Eid release.
Frank Munro, managing director of Munro Film, said: “’Apnas‘ is an honest and culturally rich film with a strong connection to its audience.
“We’re pleased to be supporting its release and believe its Eid timing will make it a meaningful cinema experience for South Asian audiences across the UK and Ireland.”
‘Apnas‘ – Absorbing and layered…
DIRECTORS Ashley Chin and Darren RL Gordon bring a certain flair and pose to the action – of that there is, for sure – guns, fast cars, shouting and shooting.
All this is quite predictable and unoriginal taken superficially – but let’s be honest – how many times have we seen British brown figures at the centre of all this on the big screen? Not many – and what gives ‘Apnas’ its appeal is that the characterisation is layered and the story has a reality to it.
Awais Khan’s (James Greaney) family life is well depicted – two sisters – one of whom is mute and almost certainly autistic – Sanaya (Haiesha Mistry) and another sister who aspires to be a dancer but pretends to be training to be a pharmacist, and a Dad (Nitin Ganatra) with financial issues and a mother (Bitu Thomas), who is not in the best of health (diabetic) paints a difficult but realistic picture of the young man’s situation.
Many will also find the music and the general style of the film on point and relevant and relatable.
For all this and the fact that it has an independent distributor, puts it a cut above many similar projects that rarely get a wide release – attracting a strong cast has helped and its Eid drop should mean this is not the last we see of AFA Productions – in its debut – or some of the notorious characters in this film? ‘Apnas 2‘ anyone?
ACV rating: *** (out of five)
Nitin Ganatra interview
‘Apnas’ is out on UK screens now…
Listings
https://apnas.co.uk/
