Director clears the air around 'A Case of Exploding Mangoes' film

Pakistani director Hammad Khan, who is planning to helm a film adaptation of Mohammed Hanif's novel "A Case of Exploding Mangoes" -- for which he is in talks with Indian actor Irrfan Khan -- has refuted rumours of casting British actress Feryna Wazheir for the movie.

In fact, the director says the film itself is not a "reality as of now".

Media reports claimed that Wazheir had confirmed her presence in the film with Irrfan. However, Hammad has a different story to narrate. He says that he has discussed the film adaptation of the novel with internationally-acclaimed star Irrfan, but "there is no question of a female lead" getting confirmed yet.

"The truth behind rumours of a film adaptation of Mohammed Hanif's 'A Case of Exploding Mangoes' is that, whilst I was in talks with the author over the possibility of adapting his much-loved novel for the screen, there has been no agreement beyond that point.

"It is also true that Irrfan Khan and I discussed the novel, but as much as I admire his unique abilities as an actor and would love to work with him if the project was right, '...Mangoes' is not a reality at this moment. Hence, there is no question of a female lead confirmed for this project too. I hope this puts to rest any unfounded speculation circulating in the Indian press," Hammad said in a statement.

The novel, which was released in 2008, narrates a satirical story delving on various theories revolving around a plane crash that killed former Pakistani president General Ziaul Haq in 1988.