Nayab Film Director Umair Nasir Ali Raises Concern Over HUM TV Cuts
The filmmaker says key emotional and character-driven scenes were removed from the television broadcast without consultation, affecting the story’s narrative.
Umair Nasir Ali raises concerns after scene edits in the Nayab film television release
KARACHI: Filmmaker Umair Nasir Ali has criticized the recent television premiere of his award-winning Nayab film, stating that several essential scenes were removed without consulting the core creative team.
The movie aired on HUM TV on Sunday. Ali revealed that he later discovered significant portions of the completed theatrical cut had been edited out for the broadcast version.
More than 100 words into the article, the Nayab film remains at the center of an industry debate over how completed cinematic productions should be adapted for television networks. For the director, the unauthorized edits were particularly troubling because crucial character arcs and emotional moments were removed from the final presentation.
Key Emotional Scenes Cut From Broadcast
Speaking to media, Ali highlighted that a pivotal emotional sequence between the main protagonist, played by Yumna Zaidi, and her brother Akka, portrayed by M Fawad Khan, was completely missing from the broadcast.
The director explained that the deleted scene was fundamental to the emotional trajectory of the characters. Another major sequence involving Nayab’s father Shahid, played by veteran actor Jawed Sheikh, was also trimmed.
In that scene, Shahid reflects on his past and his experiences living in Karachi during the turbulent 1990s. Ali noted that removing this background context weakens the character’s motivations and dilutes one of the primary themes of the Nayab film.
Director Demands Consultation Before Edits
Ali clarified that he does not oppose adjusting feature films for television standards or time slots. However, his main contention is that modifications to any finished edit should occur with the director’s input.
He proposed collaborating with broadcast networks by reviewing special television cuts prior to airing. This approach would allow television channels to fulfill programming requirements while safeguarding the director’s narrative vision for the Nayab film.
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Unapproved Edits Spark Wider Industry Concern
According to Ali, this was not the first instance where television broadcasts included unapproved edits. However, it marked the first time he chose to address the issue publicly.
The filmmaker stated he had previously requested HUM Films to ensure the complete version would be broadcast this time. The incident has reopened broader discussions among Pakistani filmmakers regarding editorial control, copyright integrity, and director consultation when cinema releases transition to network television.
