Ali Shah Hatami returns to TV

Acclaimed Iranian director Ali Shah Hatami, best known for his memorable works ‘Smooth Rider’ and ‘Loyal Hero’, has returned to television with a new series titled ‘Smile Behind the Trench’.

The series, which is currently in production, features a star-studded cast and promises to bring a fresh perspective to the stories of soldiers during the Iran-Iraq war. 

Produced as part of Simafilm's historical productions, the series is being spearheaded by producers Mojtaba Ehsani and Hashem Masoudi.

The 15-episode drama revolves around the lives of soldiers from a single battalion during the Sacred Defense era, presenting their experiences with a blend of realism and emotional depth. 

While the series is set during the war, insiders note that it will not be a comedy. Instead, it will maintain the realistic storytelling approach that Shah Hatami is known for, similar to his earlier hits.  

The cast includes several prominent Iranian actors, including Nasrollah Radesh, Reza Iranmanesh, Ali Osivand, Saman Safari, and Homeira Riazi, with a few other well-known names expected to be announced soon.

Notably, Reza Iranmanesh and Homeira Riazi will be returning to television screens after a long absence, adding further anticipation for the project. 

The new series ‘Smile Behind the Trench’ will air as part of a larger lineup of 14 television productions currently in development, according to reports from Simafilm. 

The 15-episode series is expected to be completed and aired in the coming months. Fans of Iranian television are eagerly awaiting more updates on its release date and storyline developments.