NEW DELHI — HT City sat down with the entire team behind the hit Pakistani song “Blockbuster” to discuss its massive success and how they filmed the entire music video in just one take.
Released in May this year, “Blockbuster” quickly became a sensation. With nearly 25 million views on YouTube and close to half a million Instagram reels, the song even featured in a FIFA video highlighting Mbappe’s best moments on the field. Despite being a Pakistani creation, the song has captured hearts across India as well.
Umair Butt, who worked on composing, writing, and providing vocals for the song, shared, “We put a lot of effort into making this song, so we hoped it would connect with people. It was actually a month after the release, around Eid, when I saw how the song was really taking off.”
The song features vocals from Faris Shafi, Umair Butt, and the all-female Gharwi Group: Abida, Rooha Rawal, Sajida Bibi, and 12-year-old internet star Saba Hassan. Abida reflects on the success saying, “It’s thanks to people’s kindness that the song became so popular. We worked hard to make it.” Rooha Rawal adds, “Blockbuster has become a hit worldwide!”
Xulfi, who handled everything from music arrangements to mixing, describes his excitement seeing fans of all ages enjoying the song on Instagram. “I was amazed to see people from three years old to seventy years old vibing to the song,” he says. Faris Shafi sees the song as a testament to shared heritage, saying, “Our work shows how music, language, and culture can bring us all together.”
What makes “Blockbuster” even more impressive is that the entire music video was shot in one continuous take, with 400 extras and 200 crew members. Director Zeeshan Parwez explains, “From the first time I heard the demo, I knew I wanted the video to be a single, unbroken shot to capture the real-time celebration of a community.” Umair Butt adds that they did about 10 takes in one day to get it right.
Saba Hassan, the 12-year-old girl in the video, was initially just visiting the studio. She was heard humming the song, and the team loved her voice so much they included her in the video for the line “O cutie tenu main samja riya.” She says, “I’m glad you like our song. I hope this brings our countries closer together. We see mostly Indian likes on Instagram!”
The Norwegian dance group The Quickstyle was behind the video’s choreography. They describe the experience as both thrilling and challenging. “We wanted the video to feel raw and authentic, which is why we chose a one-take shot. It took countless hours of rehearsal to make sure every move and beat was perfect,” they share.
“Blockbuster” has not only been a musical hit but also a shining example of how creativity and hard work can break through borders and connect people around the world.
