Fawad Khan Ventures into Bold New Genres with ‘Behind the Scenes’ and ‘The Prisoner’

Pakistani star Fawad Khan, best known for his role in The Legend of Maula Jatt, is stepping into the realms of crime thrillers and dark comedies with two newly announced projects: Behind the Scenes and The Prisoner. The projects were unveiled at the Tasveer Film Market, the world’s only Oscar-qualifying South Asian film festival, held in Seattle.

In Behind the Scenes, Khan will star in a dark comedy set within a fiercely competitive newsroom environment. The project is the brainchild of creatives Bilal Sami, Raza Namazi, and Suri Gopalan from Film Lab++, with Khan collaborating closely on development. Mohammed Ali Naqvi’s Modoxy Media is on board as the executive producer. A powerhouse team behind the camera, including Mehreen Jabbar (Jackson Heights), Sarmad Khoosat (Kamli), and Naqvi (Insha’Allah Democracy), promises a compelling dive into the ethical complexities and corporate politics of the media world.

Khan’s second project, The Prisoner, is a crime series set in the gritty streets of 1990s Karachi. Based on Omar Shahid’s bestselling novel, the series follows two determined cops tasked with dismantling a political organization with mafia-like influence. Created by Parisa Siddiqi and Ahmer Khan, the series features Khan in a gritty, action-packed role as one of the lawmen navigating Karachi’s dangerous underworld. The Prisoner is produced by Awedacious Originals, led by Apoorva Bakshi and Monisha Thyagarajan.

Both projects reflect a shift in Khan’s career, as he explores darker themes and complex characters, expanding his presence in genres beyond traditional dramas. The announcement of these projects was among the highlights of the Tasveer Film Market, which kicked off on October 15 and included screenings of Pakistani film Wakhri and Indian film Loop Line.

Tasveer Film Market’s executive director, Rita Meher, noted the significance of the event in fostering collaboration among South Asian filmmakers and industry leaders. “This market has not only brought diverse creators together but has also created a platform for exchanging ideas and forging new paths for South Asian narratives on the global stage,” she stated.