Egyptian star Mohamed Ramadan announces new film ‘Number One’

Actor and musician is set to play a martial artist in the action comedy, his first movie in four years

Mohamed Ramadan, considered the most famous and popular actor today in the Arab world, at the Palazzo Versace hotel in Dubai on July 8, 2021.

Mohamed Ramadan's new music video ‘Versace Baby’ is shot in Dubai.

The singer's music video ‘Versace Baby’ was shot in Dubai

Ramadan performs at a concert in Egypt on August 23, 2019.

Ramadan launches his single 'Ya Habibi' in Dubai.

The red carpet closing ceremony of the 7th Dubai International Film Festival, on December 19, 2010.

Ramadan poses for photographers after the Alexandria 25 Film Festival on August 10, 2009.

The third Gouna Film Festival, in Egypt, on September 19, 2019.

Ramadan poses for photographs with his honorary award during a New Year party held at El Shorta club in Cairo, on December 28, 2009.

Egyptian singer Mohamed Ramadan performs at the 2019 All Africa Music Awards in Lagos on November 24, 2019.

Egyptian director Saeed Hamid, actors Omar Sharif and Ramadan pose for photographs during a press conference in Cairo for the film 'Al Tareek Ela Darfour', on December 5, 2009.

The opening ceremony of the 40th Cairo International Film Festival on November 20, 2018.

A concert performed at a resort in the North Coast, Egypt, on August 23, 2019.

Ramadan became the first playable Arab character in Garena's 'Free Fire' mobile game.

A preview shot of Ramadan's character, Maro, in 'Free Fire'.

A scene from the series 'Moussa'.

Ramadan's image is projected on to a screen in Times Square, New York.

A scene from the 2020 drama 'El Prince'.

Mohamed Ramadan is set to return to the big screen.

The Egyptian actor and singer made the announcement on his social media channel by uploading footage of himself wearing a fur coat and sunglasses on a video shoot.

Ramadan revealed that production has begun on the film, named after his 2018 hit song.

"We have started working on my next movie, Number One, written by Ahmed Adel, directed by Yasser Samy, produced by Youssef Al-Taher," he said. "Cinemas in Egypt and the Arab world are preparing a reception worthy of my audience."

The film is reportedly an action comedy with Ramadan playing the role of a martial artist. The star will also contribute to the soundtrack. With no release date mentioned, the film could hit regional cinemas during the Eid Al Fitr holidays next April, when the Egyptian film industry traditionally releases blockbuster films.

It will be interesting to see if Ramadan can translate his growing popularity on television and music streaming platforms to movie theatres.

Since his last film, 2019’s El Kenz 2: Al-Hobb wa Al Maseer (The Treasure 2: Love and Destiny), which is available on Netflix, Ramadan doubled down on his television work and appeared in back-to-back hit dramas including 2019's Zelzal, 2020's Al Prince and this year's El Meshwar.

At the same time, he has rapidly expanded his fan base by releasing more songs complete with zany music videos, some of which went viral across the region. These include 2020's Corona Virus, a catchy public safety message in light of the spread of Covid-19.

In line with Ramadan's style, the rap and sung lyrics of the single — written by El Power El Aali and Bldozer — are full of vibrant Egyptian colloquialisms and scatting.

"I am the prince, I am the gentleman," the chorus goes. "A mask I wear and gloves as well. I say hello from afar and with no hugs. Coronavirus — that way I am safe."

The following year, Ramadan landed another hit with Versace Baby.

With a video shot primarily at the Palazzo Versace Dubai hotel, the track is an ode to extravagance as Ramadan declares: "Spend money, make it rain... Work out until we feel the pain. Then we party. We don't care. Every day, re-do the same.”

In a previous interview with The National, Ramadan said his diverse career is driven by a desire to be “number one.”

“I am not saying that I am number one, but that is what I work very hard to be," he said. "It's about encouraging you to be the best that you can be.”