Pakistani actress Saboor Aly has reacted with disappointment to allegations of industry pressure surrounding an independent short film about legendary sprinter Abdul Khaliq. Filmmaker Muhammad Harry claims that some mainstream industry figures attempted to prevent his tribute from reaching audiences.
The controversy emerged shortly before the planned release of The Flying Bird of Asia, a short film celebrating the life of Pakistan’s celebrated athlete. Harry says he and his team spent nearly three to four months developing the project before facing unexpected resistance.
What Did Muhammad Harry Allege About the Short Film?
Muhammad Harry, also known online as oyyeharry, shared details of the alleged pressure through social media. He claimed that he received messages, phone calls and emails warning him against using Abdul Khaliq’s name and the film’s title.
According to Harry, some industry figures raised concerns about another feature film involving the same personality. He said they referred to a production with a reported budget of Rs1.5 billion to Rs2 billion.
Furthermore, Harry alleged that those individuals threatened legal action if he proceeded with his release. However, these claims remain his account of the dispute.
The filmmaker had already shared a teaser on Instagram around a month earlier, introducing audiences to his project. Nevertheless, he says the controversy intensified as the release approached.
Why Does Harry Say His Film Is Different?
Harry described his project as a six-to-seven-minute tribute designed specifically for digital platforms. Unlike a large-scale feature production, his short film had no commercial theatrical release plans or major production company backing.
He also maintained that his work did not copy another film’s script or screenplay. Instead, he said the project independently honours Abdul Khaliq’s sporting legacy.
Moreover, Harry argued that his short film would not compete with a full-length feature. He also claimed that he received warnings about releasing the project on YouTube.
According to the filmmaker, he was told that a digital release could cause significant damage because YouTube reaches international audiences. Despite the alleged warnings, Harry defended his decision to create and share the tribute.
Saboor Aly Reacts to the Controversy
The allegations also attracted a response from actress Saboor Aly, who expressed disappointment through an Instagram comment.
“Honestly, just sad and disappointing.”
Her brief reaction conveyed her dismay over the situation surrounding the independent filmmaker’s project. However, she did not provide further details in the comment.
The controversy has drawn attention to the challenges independent creators may encounter when developing projects about prominent public figures. In this case, the disagreement centres on a short tribute and a reportedly larger film involving the same sporting personality.
Who Is Muhammad Harry?
Muhammad Harry is an independent Pakistani filmmaker and digital storyteller known for cinematic short films. His projects include The Flying Bird of Asia, which focuses on Abdul Khaliq’s life and legacy.
His other work includes Landa Bazaar and Qalakar. Through these projects, Harry has developed a presence in digital storytelling and independent filmmaking.
Meanwhile, his latest controversy has placed his Abdul Khaliq tribute at the centre of an industry debate. Harry continues to defend the project as an independent creative effort rather than a competitor to a major feature film.
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