Get to know about the upcoming movie ‘Leech’ and its themes in this exclusive chat with Leech stars Naveed Raza and Mahsam Raza!
Naveed Raza and Mahsam Raza are dynamic forces in Pakistani cinema, known for their innovative approach and dedication to local filmmaking. With a shared passion for storytelling and a commitment to addressing critical social issues, they bring a fresh perspective to the industry. Leech is an upcoming Pakistani movie that diverges significantly from what we’ve been seeing on our silver screens for the past decade. It might just be the watch for thrill-seekers and psychological crime enthusiasts.
Today, we have Naveed Raza and Mahsam Raza with us from Leech, read on to find out why they chose a psychological crime thriller instead of a family drama!
Passion And Determination: Behind The Scenes Of Leech
Mahsam Raza’s drive stems from a profound passion for cinema and a desire to see more local films from Pakistan. He reflects on the global cinema scene and questions why similar quality content isn’t emerging from his own country. This passion motivates him to use his position as an actor and filmmaker to contribute to and revive Pakistan’s film industry, aiming to create impactful and engaging cinema.
He could have collaborated with Indians. He could have made a film in Hindi, Tamil, whatever he wanted. But he chose Pakistan.
Naveed Raza Said For Mahsam Raza
Naveed Raza emphasizes Mahsam’s dedication to Pakistani cinema by choosing to work within his own country rather than seeking opportunities abroad. Although he could have collaborated with Indian filmmakers or made films in different languages, Mahsam opted to start with drama and transition to film in Pakistan. His commitment is evident from their recent achievements, including premiering their film at the Writers Guild of America and receiving positive feedback in Hollywood. Naveed believes that strong dialogue and meaningful issues, such as illegal housing societies, are crucial to creating memorable and impactful films.
The Meaning Behind Leech And Commitment To Local Talent
Mahsam Raza told us that the title Leech carries significant metaphorical weight. While it refers to the bloodsucking insect, the film uses the concept of a leech to symbolize how the powerful and elite exploit the poor. The movie delves into the corrupt practices within housing societies, showing how these entities drain resources from individuals for their benefit. By choosing this name, the filmmakers aimed to encapsulate the core themes of corruption and exploitation, creating a bridge that connects the film’s various elements.
We wanted to make a Pakistani movie in Pakistan made by Pakistanis.
Mahsam Raza
Naveed Raza shared that they respected the writer’s vision for the film’s name and allowed them creative freedom while providing guidance. He emphasized their dedication to supporting local talent and infrastructure by keeping all aspects of the film—production, post-production, editing, and technical work—within Pakistan. Despite advice to source some elements from abroad, Naveed insisted on utilizing Pakistani resources to create employment and support the local industry. Their goal was to make a film that showcases Pakistani talent and is entirely produced by Pakistanis.
How The Topic Emerged?
Naveed Raza shared that the topic of Leech seemed to choose them rather than the other way around. The issue of illegal housing societies and environmental degradation struck a chord with them, resonating deeply with their values. They recognized that this topic needed to be addressed, and their film became a means to highlight these pressing issues.
We didn’t picked up the topic, the topic chose us.
Naveed Raza
Naveed explained their personal connection to nature, noting his own love for plants and trees. This passion made the theme of environmental destruction even more significant. They were moved by the reality of deforestation and its impact on global warming, and felt compelled to bring attention to this overlooked issue through their film. The film aims to spark awareness and encourage viewers to consider the consequences of their actions on the environment and communities.
Why Leech Matters And Why You Should Watch It
“Leech” tackles one of the most urgent issues of our time: the exploitation of both people and the environment through illegal housing societies. This film is crucial because it shines a spotlight on the devastating impact of unchecked urban development and corruption, which often goes unnoticed. By addressing the destruction of natural resources and the displacement of communities, Leech challenges viewers to confront these critical issues and consider their broader implications. It’s not just a movie; it’s a call to action, urging audiences to reflect on the ethical and environmental costs of such practices.
Leech is set to make its nationwide debut on August 9th. Go watch it and support Pakistani cinema, as it truly matters to us at this time!
Stay tuned for the full interview, airing soon on FUCHSIA Magazine’s YouTube Channel!
Glamora Films and Hum Films present “Leech,” a film by M Shahzad Malik, powered by The Dua brand. Directed by M Shahzad Malik, written by Tanveer Ahmad, and produced by Mahsam Raza and Naveed Raza, with Anam Raza as the executive producer. The film stars Naveed Raza and Mahsam Raza alongside Rashid Farooqi, Kinza Malik, Asfand Yar, Shahzad Ali Khan, Mehboob Sultan, Faisal Naqvi, Adeela Khan, Faheema Awan, and Zafar Khichi. Cinematography is by Naveed Malik and Fayyaz Malik, with music score by the Azal band’s Shahbaz Khan.
