U.K. Production Company Adapts Awais Khan’s Novel for Film

A U.K.-based production company, Kids Fight Productions, is set to adapt Awais Khan’s debut novel, In The Company of Strangers, into a feature film. This project marks the company’s first narrative endeavor following its successful documentary work, notably with the acclaimed film Kids Fight, which explored the lives of young people in Lahore using mixed martial arts for empowerment.

Led by filmmaker Sarah Tareen and producer Izmerai Durrani, Kids Fight Productions has gained recognition for its commitment to portraying Pakistani stories authentically. The upcoming adaptation of Khan’s novel delves into a forbidden romance within the upper echelons of Pakistani society. The narrative follows a woman ensnared in a loveless marriage who discovers passion with a younger man from a different social background. Their secretive relationship unfolds against the backdrop of Pakistan’s complex social dynamics, where violence adds layers of danger and tension.

Awais Khan expressed his excitement about the adaptation, stating, “Being published in the U.K., I had always harboured a dream of seeing my books reach more people in the U.K. via the popular medium of film.” He emphasized the importance of having seasoned filmmakers like Tareen and Durrani involved, believing that their collaboration will result in a genuine representation of the Global South within the U.K.

As British cinema increasingly embraces South Asian narratives, recent films such as Polite Society and What’s Love Got to Do With It? highlight an audience appetite for diverse perspectives. Keshini Naidoo, executive publisher at Hera Books, a Penguin Random House imprint, praised the novel for its contemporary relevance. She remarked, “In the Company of Strangers provides a necessary, urgent look at the world of modern Pakistan, one which the Western world rarely gets to see,” pointing out the book’s exploration of cross-class romance and its commentary on a society grappling with violence.

Literary agent Annette Crossland highlighted the dual appeal of Khan’s work, calling it “an extremely important work” that serves both as compelling entertainment and a significant social commentary. She noted that it has the potential to educate readers and transform their perceptions. After viewing Kids Fight, Crossland recognized a synergy between Khan’s literary vision and the filmmakers’ approach, praising the documentary as “brilliant and courageous” in its unflinching portrayal of challenging issues.

For Tareen and Durrani, adapting In The Company of Strangers represents an evolution of their mission to bring Pakistani stories to international audiences. “Through Kids Fight, we began a journey of bringing stories from Pakistan to the U.K.,” Tareen stated. “Partnering on In The Company of Strangers allows us to expand that vision to create films that are deeply rooted yet universally resonant.”

Durrani added, “Cinema is at its most powerful when it reflects the world in all its diversity.” He underscored the significance of fostering dialogue between Pakistani narratives and international audiences, asserting that this collaboration embodies the kind of filmmaking capable of advancing important conversations.

As the adaptation progresses, both filmmakers and the original author are optimistic about the broader impact it may have, shining a light on narratives that challenge societal norms and offer fresh perspectives on life in Pakistan.