Filming of "Al-Salam Wal-Tha'ban 2" began yesterday, Sunday, marking the highly anticipated return of the film after 24 years since the release of the first part. The initial filming photo features actor Amr Youssef alongside actress Asmaa Galal, who play the roles of "Ahmed" and "Malak," respectively, in a new love story set in the second part of the film.

Director Tarek El-Aryan had announced the start of filming, confirming that the movie would present a fresh story while maintaining the same atmosphere that contributed to the success of the first part, which was produced in 2001. The cast and crew gathered at the beginning of the shoot to lay the foundation for a new chapter in the film's history. This collaboration marks the fourth between El-Aryan and Amr Youssef following the success of the "Walad Rizq" film series, highlighting the strong relationship between the director and actor in producing unique works.

The film’s plot revolves around a new love story between "Malak" and "Ahmed," set against a backdrop of excitement and suspense that is expected to captivate audiences. This return comes after actor Hany Salama declined to participate in the second part, and actress Hala Shiha decided to step away from acting and return to wearing the hijab. Consequently, El-Aryan chose Amr Youssef to replace Salama in the role. As for Asmaa Galal, she was selected as a new and exciting addition to the film.

The film is written by Ahmed Hosni, who contributes to the screenplay with a blend of drama, romance, and suspense, ensuring that it appeals to a wide range of audiences. It seems that El-Aryan plans to offer a cinematic experience that combines creativity and thrill, especially since the first film remains fresh in the memory of viewers and its success was substantial. The second part is expected to generate strong reactions, both from fans of the original film and those interested in the new direction of the project.

On the other hand, the history of "Al-Salam Wal-Tha'ban" is noteworthy as it played a significant role in shaping Egyptian romantic films at the beginning of the new millennium. The first part was widely attended and achieved great success in terms of box office revenue and critical acclaim. It also marked the beginning of collaborations with prominent figures in Egyptian cinema at the time, such as Hany Salama, Hala Shiha, and Ahmed Helmy, who later became major figures in the industry.

The second part of "Al-Salam Wal-Tha'ban" is an important opportunity to revive this iconic film, and it is expected to generate significant engagement upon its release in theaters. The crew has indicated that there will be new improvements and technologies in the updated version, aiming to bring it in line with advancements in cinema technology.

The cast of "Al-Salam Wal-Tha'ban" reunited for the first time after more than 20 years since the release of the first part at the El Gouna Film Festival, where film critic Andrew Mohsen moderated a discussion session. The session was attended by director Tarek El-Aryan, screenwriter and producer Mohamed Hefzy, as well as actress Hala Shiha and composer Hesham Nazih, who provided the soundtrack for the film. The session also saw the participation of many cinema enthusiasts who expressed their passion for re-screening the film in theaters. The meeting helped create a connection between different generations, reflecting the special place the film holds in the memory of Egyptian cinema.

As for the second part, the focus was on the main themes that will be addressed in the film, including the challenges the characters will face in their romantic relationships amidst thrilling events. Love and conflict will be at the heart of the film's plot, which is eagerly awaited by a wide audience of romance and thriller film fans. El-Aryan is determined to deliver a cinematic experience that combines both tradition and innovation, relying on the collaboration of a cohesive team to achieve the same success as the first film.

"Al-Salam Wal-Tha'ban 2" is expected to be the talk of Egyptian cinema once it is released and is among the most eagerly awaited films by audiences who still remember the events of the first part.