Rom-Com Tackles Manosphere with Goofy Romance

Director Zarrar Kahn, known for his Cannes-premiering feature "In Flames," is set to debut his romantic comedy "The Lion Does Not Concern Himself" at the festival's Short Cuts strand. The film centers on a gym coach who believes his toxic online podcast identity is key to cultural relevance, only to find love with a new gym client.

The concept originated from writer and lead actor Mohammad Ali Hashmi, who was prompted by encountering incel propaganda and the rise of Andrew Tate-like figures. Kahn chose to transform the themes of male anger and online isolation into a classic romantic comedy narrative. The title itself is a tongue-in-cheek reference to manosphere culture and its self-referential humor, stemming from a viral "Game of Thrones" line.

"The film is sort of about the manosphere, sort of about the gender divide, and sort of about the inherent goofiness of falling in love," Kahn stated. The movie was filmed at a gym on Queen West in Toronto. Producers include Lauren Saarimaki of POV Film, with Mina Husain of Suno Studios as executive producer. CityLights Media is handling worldwide sales and festivals.