The promo for Mona Zaki’s film “El Set” sparked widespread controversy, as some viewers criticized her portrayal of the legendary singer Umm Kulthum, claiming she lacked physical resemblance to the icon.

Khaled Galal:
Director Khaled Galal expressed support for the film’s cast, highlighting Mona Zaki’s prominence in Egyptian and Arab cinema, and emphasizing that an actor’s ability to convey emotions outweighs physical differences. On Facebook, he wrote: "Who dares question the stardom of Egypt’s artists? Umm Kulthum is an icon that could inspire countless films, and the star-studded cast ensures a remarkable production." He added: "I will watch the film with my family, confident in enjoying it, and even if not, I will not criticize the artists who have long delivered exceptional work."

Reham Abdel Ghafour:
Actress Reham Abdel Ghafour also voiced her support, praising Mona Zaki’s courage, dedication, and continual artistic evolution. She commented: "I love and respect Mona Zaki’s journey, bravery, and efforts. Her talent is undeniable, and I look forward to seeing the film, confident it will impress and amaze us as always."

Yousra:
Veteran actress Yousra commended the film and urged audiences to give it a chance, acknowledging Mona Zaki as a key figure of her generation. She praised the work of director Marwan Hamed and noted that after watching the trailer, she was fully convinced of the resemblance between Mona Zaki and Umm Kulthum, anticipating it as one of Zaki’s most significant artistic achievements.

The consensus among stars was that criticism of Mona Zaki is exaggerated and that the film should be evaluated as a whole, while respecting Egypt’s rich artistic heritage and its timeless icons.

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