KARACHI: Pakistan’s cinema industry reached a historic milestone with the premiere of The Next Salahuddin, the nation’s first feature-length film created entirely using artificial intelligence.
The premiere, held at Karachi’s Nueplex Cinema, attracted media representatives, cultural icons, and distinguished guests, showcasing a bold step toward the future of filmmaking.
Written and directed by Farhan Siddiqui, the film blends advanced technology with a socially conscious narrative. Veteran producer Ustad Asim Ismail highlighted that while the story draws inspiration from historical events, it remains relevant to contemporary social realities.
Notably, the production did not involve any live actors, physical locations, or traditional sets, yet audiences experience the story seamlessly, unaware of its AI-generated origins.
“AI-based filmmaking offers unprecedented efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness,” Farhan Siddiqui explained. “There are no location issues, no scheduling conflicts, and no risks associated with on-site shoots. The entire film was produced from a single room.”
The 55-minute feature is structured for younger viewers, adopting a fast-paced, reel-like format to maintain continuous engagement. Farhan Siddiqui emphasized that the film aims to make audiences laugh, cry, and reflect, while inspiring young people to believe in their ability to effect meaningful change.
Producer Asim Ismail described The Next Salahuddin as a voice for peace, human rights, and solidarity, with a particular focus on the plight of Palestinians. He hailed the project as a historic achievement that could establish Pakistan’s creative identity on the global stage.
Speaking at the event, writer and director Talal Farhat urged emerging filmmakers to move beyond stereotypical narratives centered on violence, feudal conflicts, or formulaic family dramas.
“In today’s digital age, technology and artificial intelligence shape human relationships faster than ever,” Talal Farhat remarked. “Avoiding AI is no longer an option. Filmmakers must embrace it to innovate and redefine storytelling.”
The film will be released in multiple languages, including Urdu, English, Bengali, and Arabic, catering to both domestic and international audiences.
Plans are also underway to submit The Next Salahuddin to an international film competition in France in March 2026, along with screenings in Malaysia.
The premiere of The Next Salahuddin represents a landmark achievement for Pakistan’s film industry, uniting history, social messaging, and artificial intelligence to usher in a new era of storytelling.
