Sharmila Farooqui’s wedding pictures are available everywhere on the internet but until now everyone has only seen pictures of only the bride and groom. We have some latest pictures for you in which you can see who attended this grand wedding and how much the guests enjoyed.
This might be exactly what we all were waiting for. As soon as Turkish plays came to Pakistan and Mera Sultan became a hit, drama buffs have been wondering as to when Pakistani dramas revolving around kings and queens will make it to their TV screens. Here are the promos of Sultanat-e-Dil, which will air on Geo TV and will be a high budget drama about a prince , his kingdom and (obviously) a love triangle.
Finally Fawad Khan spoke regarding the India- Pakistan controversy. Fawad Khan has finally released a statement and wishes for India-Pak unity.
In Fawad’s recent Facebook post he clearly stated that recently he was in Pakistan and was not in India when all the hype of sending the Pakistani artists back to India was created.
Fawad said “I’ve been in Lahore since July as my wife and I had been expecting our second child. I’ve received numerous requests from the media and from well wishers worldwide asking me for my thoughts on the sad incidents that took place in the past few weeks. As a father of two little children, I pray and wish like many others that together we can build and live in a more peaceful world. I believe we owe it to our children who will shape our tomorrow.”
He further added, “This is the first time I have spoken on the matter. Please disregard any other words attributed to me during this time because I have not said them. I thank all my fans and fellow artists from Pakistan, India and people in general all over the world who have shown continued support for their belief in love and understanding to unite a divisive world.”
Since Aamir Liaquat’s death, his family has been stuck in a legal battle regarding his body’s exhumation and then post mortem. Aamir’s children, Ahmed and Dua had announced earlier that they do not suspect any foul play and do not want autopsy. Aamir Liaquat was then laid to rest in Abdullah Shah Ghazi Mazar’s graveyard.
Later a citizen by the name Abdul Ahad went to court and got orders for the exhumation and autopsy of Aamir Liaquat. The citizen has been called out by Aamir Liaquat’s family lawyers to have had some kind of political rivalry with Aamir when he was alive. Aamir’s third ex-wife Dania Malik also became a part of this case while Aamir’s children and first ex-wife Bushra Iqbal opposed it.
Today, the court has finally annulled the order of Aamir Liaquat’s body’s exhumation. Bushra Iqbal took to Instagram and shared the news with joy as she and her children did not want to cause any more pain to Aamir Liaquat. Bushra said that they have gotten justice at last and she will share more details soon. This is what Bushra Iqbal said:
We hope this proves to be the end of Aamir’s family’s legal battles and may they find peace now.
Sahiba and Rambo are one star couple that everyone loves. They starred together in many films and worked at a time when the film industry was at a good position in the country. They have been married for 25 years now and their fairy tale inspires many young couples to seek the true meaning of marriage and love. They recently celebrated their wedding anniversary with their mother and children and it was a cute spectacle.
Now it was time for all the friends to get together and all the film stars were spotted celebrating the Sahiba-Rambo anniversary. Shaan Shahid was present to wish his buddies on their beautiful milestone while Reema Khan came with flowers and gifts for the couole. They cut the cake and celebrated the anniversary once again surrounded by love and laughter. Catch your favourite filmstars at the Sahiba-Rambo anniversary celebration in the pictures below:
Shahid is a big name of the Pakistani film industry. He worked with all the big names of Pakistan and he had unparalleled stardom. He has appeared in many films in both Urdu and Punjabi and he was considered a heartthrob at that time. He is also the father of famous news anchor Kamran Shahid and he is still active and seen on several shows.
Filmstar Shahid was a guest on Hina Niazi’s show and spoke about his scandals. He had so many linkups while he was working. He has been linked to everyone from Rani Bagam to Mumtaz and Babra Sharif. His marriage with Babra Sharif is a topic that is still discussed and people have not forgotten it.
Shahid said that scandals are also important in your life. An artist is alive and thriving as long as his scandals are coming. He was okay with all the scandals popping out all the time. With some of his senior co-stars who were married to his friends like Rani Begam was something that he did not want. Otherwise he was okay. He will still be okay if a scandal of his with Meera starts airing as Meera is single.
Here is what he had to say:
Shahid is one of the biggest names of the Pakistani film industry. He has worked in both Urdu and Punjab cinema and became a part of many hits. His career was also mared with scandals but he never looked back and enjoyed a long and illustrious run at the box office. He was a guest on Wasi Shah’s show and spoke about a tragic and unknown part of his life.
Shahid revealed that he lost his mother when he was just 9 years old. He was at school and his mother used to pick him up. When that did not happen one day, he felt really down. His principal asked him to go back as he lived near his school. The walk back felt really heavy that day. As a child, it was shocking for him when he saw many cars parked in front of his house. He went inside and unfortunately his mother had passed away. That is a shock he can never forget and he vividly remembers that moment. He once had to perform a scene similar to his own mother’s death and it broke him.
This is what he shared:
Shahid for the very first time showed his vulnerable side. He revealed that his emotions were so high and he was so broken after the loss of his mother that he tried to take his own life. At the age of 14, he felt that he should not live anymore due to his mother’s passing.
Here is what he revealed:
Shahid also revealed the biggest regret of his life. He shared that he neglected his family wife for a large part of his life. He was busy with his work and did not take care of her as he should have. He had expressed his regret and apologized to her as he still feels guilty. She is 80% okay with him now. Here is what he said:
Saud Qasmi has done a lot of hit films in is career. Muhafiz, Salakhein and Majajan are some of the big hits he has given in his career. He later moved towards production and has produced dramas like Ye Zindagi Hai and Khuda Aur Mohabbat which have been big hits.
Saud was a guest on Express Entertainment where he shared some unique facts about his family. He revealed that his father is the person who recited the Holy Quran at Radio Pakistan when the announcement of Pakistan’s Independence was made. This is a huge honour for his family. He also revealed that his uncle is a Naat Khawan and his family is very religious.
Check out Saud Qasmi sharing interesting facts about his family background:
The queen of lollywood from past two decades, has given a nod to appear once again in a television drama. This time its drama Kaneez which is directed by Faisal Bukhari.
Saima has been a top heroine mainly for Punjabi films for almost two decades. Saima has earlier worked in two television plays none of which was much successful. Her most famous drama is ‘Piya Naam ka diya’ written by Bano Qudsia and directed by Sarmad Sultan Khoosat
Rashid Nazir Ali
Nargis is a very famous star of Pakistani film Industry. She has done countless films . She was also part of blockbuster film “Choorian” . She used to be a stage actress and dancer as well .
Later on , she left the Industry and did hosting as well. An abusive relationship /scandal of the actress also made waves into the news . However, she after that, disappeared from limelight.
Now a days the actress is running her beauty salon and is happily married. She along with her husband make a perfect couple .
Here are her pictures with her husband .
Filmstar Khushboo Khan has been working in showbiz for years now. She has worked in dramas, films and theatre. She has been through many ups and downs in her life and she is still standing tall. She is married to actor Arbaaz Khan who is also a film star and the couple shares two children from their marriage.
She was a guest on Imran Ashraf’s show and she opened up about the pain and problems she has seen in her life. The actress revealed that she started working at the age of 7. She was a heroine by the age of 11 and she is still working to this day. Khushboo said that she does not trust anyone or anything. Whatever she has done for anyone was never paid off. She sacrificed so much in life but only received deception from friends, relatives and the one she loved. In the end she was left alone with a broken heart.
This is what she shared:
Khushboo Khan also revealed an unknown fact about her life. She never wanted to be an actress, she always wanted to be a teacher. She was forced into acting as a child artist and then it just turned into a routine. She kept working and she did not even get to complete her education, something she still regrets. She added that she brought up her whole family and extended family including cousins. She supported everyone financially and today they are all settled in their lives and she is the one who is left alone.
This is what she revealed:
Khushboo Khan shared that she has been through depression in the last few years. She will keep sitting in her room for months. She felt like crying loudly and that is what she did. She did not even know that it was depression. Khushboo went through it and came out of it on her own. She is alone and she feels the loneliness now.
Here is what she said:
Eidul Fitr is tomorrow, and many films will be released on this occasion like every year. Eid is festive occasion, and in past normally best films in the year were reserved for Eid release. This year around ten foreign and local films of different languages are releasing. So here is a compilation of films releasing on Eid.
Urdu Film – Sultanat
Claimed as the most expensive film in Pakistan history, it is the only Urdu film releasing this Eid. Syed Faisal Bukhari is director while cast consists of Indian and Pakistani artists Aslam Bhatti, Javaid Shaikh , Sila Hussan , Deepak Shirke,Akashdeep Saigal, Shweta Tiwari ,Zainab Qayyum ,Nayyar Ejaz ,Shabbir Jan ,Mustafa Qureshi and Sara Loren. Sara Loren has performed on an Item Song in this film. The film is shot in Pakistan, UAE, Thailand and Egypt. As per producer, nearly 250 million (25 crore) are spent on this film. It is first film of famous model/actress Zainab Qayyum.
Punjabi Film – Ayyash
A typical masala Punjabi film which perhaps no one ever want to watch. Babrik Shah, Moammar Rana, Ahmed Butt and Saima Khan are in the cast and the film will release only in Punjab. Surprisingly on this Eid no punjabi film of Shaan or Saima is releasing.
Pushto Films: Pushto films have a huge market in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwah. Four pushto films will be released on Eid. The most prominent among them is Zaari. Shahid Khan and Jahangir Khan are prominent artists of Pushto film appearing in Pushto films releasing on Eid.
Indian Film – Kick
The film expected to attract majority of cine goers is Indian film Kick starring Salman Khan. Indian films are quite popular among Pakistani public, and cinema owners are expecting huge business from this film.
Hollywood Films
There is sizable number of viewers who turn to watch Hollywood films. This Eid the Hollywood flicks to hit the screens are Dawn of the Planet of Apes and animated film Planes: Fire and Rescue. While Hercules and Step Up All In are also lined up for release.
Rashid Nazir Ali
Revival of cinema is a buzz word we hear too often in the press and media but on ground the situation is not the same. In past 2-4 years many projects were announced by various media houses, very few of which have been actualized so far.
The situation has not been much different in 2015. Nearly half year passed and only two major Urdu films have been released so far. Good Morning Karachi (released on 1st January 2015) proved dead flop while the second one Jalaibee (released on 11th March 2015) performed average at the box office.
However this summer many film projects announced in past years are finally seeing the light of the day and situation looks quite promising. Many production houses have announced and confirmed the release dates of their film projects. This article is a compilation of such films releasing till Eidul Azha or in our summer season
During this season films of different genre will be screened catering to different tastes and audiences. Majority of the films are produced in Karachi (Karawood), whereas few are from Lahore (aka Lollywood) the traditional film centre of our country. Interestingly few films are also produced in Islamabad and Quetta.
Teen Bahadur (تین بہادر)
Teen Bahadur (تین بہادر) is the first commercially released animated film in Pakistan produced and directed by Oscar winner Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy.It is already released on 22nd May 2015. As per distributor the film has so far earned 5 crore making it a successful experiment. Teen Bahadur (تین بہادر) is produced in Karachi
Film: Teen Bahadur (تین بہادر)
Director: Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy
Music: Sheraz Uppal
Produced by: Waadi Animations
Distributor: ARY Films
Maya (مایا)
Maya (مایا) is a horror film directed by Jawwad Bashir. Jawwad is famous name for sitcoms and music (Dr. Aur Billa fame). In recent times he was part of the Ufone commercials team. Maya (مایا) is his first film produced by his wife Hinna Jawwad. Maya is produced and filmed in Lahore.
Starring: Ahmed Abdul Rehman , Hina Jawad , Zain Afzal , Sheikh Mohammad Ahmed , Anam Malik , & Rasheed Ali Guest Appearance Jawad Bashir & Ali Aftab
Written By : Hinna Jawwad
Directed By: Jawwad Bashir
Produced By: Hinna Jawwad, Sana Sulman, Zara Hamid
Badal (بدّل) – Revenge of the Worthless
Badal (بدّل) – Revenge of the Worthless is an action and war based film based on real life events of Swaat operation sirate mustaqeem in 2009. It was due to release on 22nd May 2015, but now it will be released between Eidul Fitar and Eidul Azhaa. This film is produced in Islamabad and filmed in Islamabad and Swaat.
It is directed by Jamal Shah and produced by his wife Amna Shah
Starring : Jamal Shah, Ayub Khoso, Firdaus Jamal, Shamyl Khan, Maira Khan and Emel Karakose ,Asif Shah, Asaldin Khan, Imran Tareen, Iram, Shehrbano, Abdur Raheem, Najeebullah Anjum,Tariq Jamal Arshad, Sultan, Kaleemullah, Qazi Zubair,Wafa Khan, Rafique and Marjan
Directed By: Jamal Shah
Cinematographer : Aamir Tehseen Rao
Written By: Jamal Shah
Screenplay By: Jamal Shah
Produced By: Amna Shah for Hunerkada Films
Abdullah (عبدالّلہ) – The final Witness
Abdullah (عبدالّلہ) – The final Witness is directed, written and produced by Hashim Nadeem. The film is based on the Kharrotabad incident of 17 May 2011. Hameed Sheikh is playing the lead role, whereas Imran Abbas playing a minor role. It is filmed and produced in Quetta. The film carries the distinction of screening at Cannes Film Festival 2015. It was due to release on 5th June 2015, however now it will be released after Eidul Fitar.
Starring : Hameed Sheikh, Sajid Hassan, Imran Abbas, Saadia Khan and others
Directed, Written, Produced By: Hashim Nadeem
Wrong Number (رانگ نمبر)
Wrong Number is the first film directed by Yasir Nawaz and is scheduled to release on Eidul Fitar. It is a romantic comedy film. Danish Taimoor is playing double role in this film. It is produced and shot in Karachi.
YNH Films & ARY Films Present
Wrong Number
Cast: Javed Sheikh, Danish Taimoor, Sohai Ali Abro, Janita Asma . Danish Nawaz, Shafqat Cheema & Nadeem Jafri
Directed By: Yasir Nawaz
Produced by: YNH FILMS (Yasir Nawaz, Nida Yasir, Hassan Zia)
Distributed by: ARY FILMS
Bin Roye (بن روۓ)
Bin Roye (بن روۓ) is the first film produced by Hum Tv and Momina Duraid productions. Produced in Karachi it is filmed in Las Angeles, USA. It is a social, romantic, drama film.
Starring: Humayun Saeed , Mahira Khan , Armeena Rana Khan ,Javed Sheikh,Zeba Bakhtiyar, Azra Mansoor, Junaid Khan
Directed By: Shahzad Kashmiri & Momina Duraid,
Writer : Farhat Ishtiaq
Hum films and MD Productions
Fiker Not (قکر ناٹ)
Fiker Not (قکر ناٹ) is a low budget film produced in Islamabad, directed by debutant Aasima Butt. The film consists of new faces and is a commercial formula film like a typical low budget Punjabi film. It will be released after Eidul Fitar.
Cast: shehla, rubab, sadaf, kanwal, hammad, sheraz, mudassir, suleman sunny, durdana rehman, mubashir, iffat choudhry,ahsan qureshi, babar abbas,ayza mehar
Writer: ali raza khalid
Director: Aasima Butt
Producer: Ammad Butt
Distributor: DOLPHINS COMMUNICATIONS
Karachi Se Lahore (کراچی سے لاہور)
Karachi Se Lahore (کراچی سے لاہور) is an upcoming film to be released on 31st July 2015. It is the story of four friends (Ayesha Omar, Shahzad Sheikh, Ahmed Ali, Yasir Hussain) who travel by road to Lahore from Karachi to stop the marriage of one of their friend (Eshita Syed). On the way they face various challenges and became part of some interesting experiences. Produced in Karachi, it is shot in various cities of Sindh and Punjab. It is scheduled to release on 31st July 2015
Starring: Javed Sheikh, Shehzad sheikh, Aysha Omer, Yasir Hussain, Aashir Wajahat, Eshita Syed, Ahmed Ali, Rashid Naz, Mantaha
Directed Produced and Story by: Wajahat Rauf
Wirtten by : Yasir Hussain
Music by : Sur Darwaish
https://vimeo.com/126003048
Maalik (مالک)
Maalik (مالک) is the first film by Ashir Azeem (Dhuwaan fame). It is produced and shot in Karachi. Maalik is based on the story of a government officer fighting corruption. It is scheduled to release on 14th August.
Starring: Ashir Azeem,Farhan Ali Agha,Sajid Hassan,Hassan Niazi,Sabreen Baloch,Rashid Farooqi,Marriam Ansari,Adnan Shah,Tatmain ul Qalb,
Directed By:Ashir Azeem
Written By:Ashir Azeem
Screenplay By:Ashir Azeem
Produced By:Media Hub
Salute (سیلوٹ)
Salute (سیلوٹ) is directed by Shahzad Rafique and is based on the real life event of Aitzaz Ahsan of Hangu, KPK. Aitzaz Ahsan a teenager sacrificed his life to save fellow students from a suicide bomber. Produced in Lahore it is shot in KPK. It is scheduled to release on 14th August. Its trailer and other details are not made public yet.
Shahzad Rafique has directed many Urdu and Punjabi films like Rukhsati, Salakhain and Ishq Khuda. As a producer Shahzad produced super hits like Nikkah and Ghunghat in 1990’s.
Starring: Saima Noor and others
Directed and Produced By:Shahzad Rafique
Moor (مور)
Moor (مور) is scheduled to release on 14th August. Produced in Karachi, it is shot in Balochistan.
Genre: Family/Drama
Starring: Hameed Sheikh, Samiya Mumtaz, Shaz Khan, Abdul Qadir, Sonya Hussyn, Ayaz Samoo, Ali Sheikh, Shabbir Rana, Habib Panazayi, Azlan Shah
Directed By: Jami
Written By: Jami & Nazira Ali
Screenplay By: Jami
Produced By: Jami , Nadeem H. Mandviwalla
https://vimeo.com/71622464
Dekh Maggar Pyaar Se(دیکھ مگر پیار سے)
Dekh Maggar Pyaar Se(دیکھ مگر پیار سے) is directorial debut of Asad ul Haq. It is scheduled to release on 14th August, where no trailer is released yet. It is the second film of Humaima Malik after Bol in 2011. Sikandar Rizvi the grandson of Madam Noor Jehan is making his debut from DMPS. It is shot and produced in Karachi
Starring: Humaima Malick & introducing Sikander Rizvi
Directed By: Asad ul Haq
Written By:Saba Imtiaz
Produced By:Ali Murtaza and Asad ul Haq
Sawarangi (سوارنگی)
Sawarangi (سوارنگی) is based on drugs and its impacts on society. It is shot in Mianwali and produced in Lahore. It is scheduled to release on 29th August. Resham will be seen in a film after a gap of eight years.
https://vimeo.com/72141457
Halla Gulla (ہلا گلا)
Halla Gulla (ہلا گلا) is a romantic comedy film produced in Karachi and filmed in Karachi and Bangkok. It is expected to be released after Eidul Fitar. Its trailer is yet to be released, only a small teaser is released so far.
Starring: Javed Sheikh,Ismail Tara,Ghazala Javed,Asim Mehmood,Muneeb.Sidra Batool,Ashraf Khan,Zara Gul,Jasmeen,Adil Wadia,Maryam Ansari,Hina Rizvi,Hunain Maniar,Bilal Yousufzai
Directed by: Kamran Akbar Khan
Written By:Raheela Mushtaq Shah
Screenplay By:Kamran Akbar Khan
Produced By:Hamid Mohammad
Jawaani Phirr Nahin Aani (جوانی پھر نہیں آنی)
Jawaani Phirr Nahin Aani (جوانی پھر نہیں آنی) is produced and filmed in Karachi as well as Bangkok. It will release on Eidul Azha
Cast: Humayun Saeed, Hamza Ali Abbasi, Ahmed Ali Butt, Vasay Ch, Aisha Khan, Sarwat Gillani, Mehwish Hayat,Sohai Ali Abro, Javed Sheikh, Bushra Ansari, Saba Hameed,ZQ, Ismail Tara
Writer: Vasay Chaudhary
Directed by: Nadeem Baig
Music: Shani Arshad, Sahir Ali Bagga, Shuja Haider
Producers:Salman Iqbal, Humayun Saeed, Mohammad Jerjees Seja & Shahzad Nasib
ARY Films and Six Sigma Plus
Ho Mann Jahan (ہو من جہاں)
Ho Mann Jahan (ہو من جہاں) is produced and filmed in Karachi and scheduled to release on Eidul Azha.
Directed by: Asim Raza
Story by: Asim Raza
Screenplay by: Rashna Abidi, Imtisal Abbasi & Asim Raza
Dialogues by: Yasir Hussain & Asim Raza
Starring: Mahirah Hafeez Khan, Sonya Jehan, Sheheryar Munawar, Adeel Hussain, Bushra Ansari, Nimra Bucha, Arshad Mehmood and Munawar Siddiqui
So it sums up the movies lined up for the summer. It will be interesting to see how cine goers respond to these films. Success/failure of these films will determine the future course of our infant film industry. Like if Bin Roye proves successful, it will pave the way for more social/drama films. Success of Wrong No, Halla Gulla type films will definitely result in increase in comedy masaala films.
All in all it is encouraging to see so many film makers have taken a risk by investing in local film industry. Now its up to audience and cine goers to play their part to also support the local cinema in a same manner many among us show solidarity with Bollywood.
Rashid Nazir Ali
Eidul Fitr is a festive occasion in our country. Apart from religious significance it is an event of family gathering and other festivities as well. Traditionally our film makers reserve their premier productions for Eid for which cinema bookings are done months ago. From past two decades local cinema has declined considerably and since 2006 this space is filled by Bollywood movies.
This Eid, a mix of Bollywood (Hindi), Urdu (Karawood, Lollywood), Punjabi and Pashto films are releasing. These films will be released on multiplexes and single screen cinemas across the country.
Bollywood – Bajrangi Bhaijaan
Bollywood films are extremely popular among film viewers and has always been a preferred choice of Pakistani cine goers. Last year on Eidul Fitr, Bollywood movie Kick starring Salman Khan kicked off all the rival films on box office, earning huge revenues as well. Bollywood films do great business on multiplexes as well as traditional single screen cinemas, definitely the first choice of all the classes and sections of our society. The major market of Bollywood films is Punjab, Sindh and Federal Capital Islamabad.
This year another Salman Khan starer film Bajrangi Bhaijaan is releasing. Advertised as the “Biggest Film of The Eidul Fitr” it is expected to make new records of revenue collection during the Eid holidays like Bollywood films had made in previous years.
Pakistan’s leading English papers like Dawn, Express Tribune, The News as well as Urdu papers Jang, Express, Dunya have already published enough insights of Bajrangi Bhaijan, like the music, the cast, story, trailer, on-set events, controversies etc. which reflects the excitement that persists in our media and public regarding this film.
Karawood – Urdu
Karachi is emerging as a new hub of Urdu film making. Last year on Eidul Azha, Namaloom Afraad produced in Karachi became a mega hit. This Eid two Karawood films are being released.
Bin Roye (بن روۓ)
A romantic film, Bin Roye stars Mahira Khan, Humayun Saeed, Armeena Rana Khan in the lead roles. Produced by Hum Tv it is being released simultaneously in Pakistani, UAE, UK, USA and India (Except the state of Maharashtra)
Wrong Number (رانگ نمبر)
A comedy formula film Wrong Number stars Danish Taimoor, Sohai Ali Aabroo and Janita Asima in leading roles. It is the first film directed by the Yasir Nawaz. Danish Taimoor appearing in double role in this role.
Lollywood – Urdu/Punjabi
Lahore has been the traditional centre of film making in Pakistan. However in recent years film making is almost halted in Lahore. This year few low budget Urdu and Punjabi films produced in Lahore are releasing. All these films are only releasing in Punjab.
Bazaar (بازار)
A low budget Urdu film, Bazaar comprises relatively unknown names in the lead cast. Ahmed Butt is playing the male lead.
Razia Ghundon Mein Phans Gayee (رضیہ غنڈوں میں پھنس گئی)
A Punjabi film releasing in few cinemas of Lahore, and other cities in Punjab. The film features stage artists from different cities of Punjab.
Pollywood – Pashto Films
Pashto films are popular in areas having large concentration of Pashto speakers. Pashto films are released in the cities of Peshawar, Mardan, Bannu, Swat, Quetta and Karachi only in single screen cinemas. As compared to Urdu/Punjabi films Pashto films are regularly released outside Pakistan in Dubai (UAE) and Kabul (Afghanistan).
This Eid seven Pashto films are releasing in Pakistan, Afghanistan and UAE. The name of these Pashto films are Ma Cherra Ghareeb Sara, Daagh, I love you too, Pakhtun Pah Dubai Ke, Khanadaani Badmaah, Maien Kho Lewanai Vee and Sar Tair Badmaash. Pashto films have low budgets and even if flop, a Pashto film easily recovers its cost.
Rashid Nazir Ali
Eidul Fitr is a festive occasion in our country comprising of multiple (3 – 4) holidays every year. These holidays result in a long weekend which proves a lucrative window for cinema business. Friends, Families, Individuals pour in to watch their favorite stars and films during these holidays. Traditionally film producers present their premier productions on such occasion.
The long weekend of the Eid provide a strong opening to the films released and even after the Eid holidays if the film fails to sustain its business, it has already earned reasonable amount during the Eid holidays. During Eid holidays all the cine goers want to watch some film and even if they fail to get the ticket of their favorite film, they watch the other film and thus every film benefits from Eid holidays.
Here is the compilation of the Eid releases with a minor comparison with the films released on Eidul Fitr last year.
Bollywood – Sultan
Bollywood films are the life line of the cinema industry of the Pakistan. Their consistent success in Pakistan has helped reviving the dying cinema industry in our country. Seeing the favorable response these films receive in Pakistan, many investors are investing in this field by constructing new multiplexes. Construction of the new multiplexes is in full flow at large and small urban centers in Punjab, Sindh and Islamabad which are the major circuit of the Bollywood films.
Bollywood films in general perform very well in its opening week. But Bollywood films starring any Khan proves super successful in Pakistan. Last year on Eidul Fitr Salman Khan starer Bajrangi Bhaijan proved blockbuster and earned around 23 – 24 crores a massive figure on Pakistani box office.
Due to their popularity Bollywood films are allocated maximum number of shows at premier time slots in all cinema houses and multiplexes. This Eid another Salman Khan starer Sultan is releasing and like every year it is expected to earn huge. Sultan is the based on the life of an Indian wrestler.
Urdu film
In recent years locally made Urdu films are gradually gaining foot hold at the box office. Last year two Urdu films Wrong No and Bin Roye were released on Eidul Fitr which despite allocation of few shows performed very well. Wrong No earned 15 crore and Bin Roye earned 10 crore in Pakistan. Apart from local market, success of Bin Roye was overwhelming overseas especially in UK where it earned more than the local earnings. Both Wrong No and Bin Roye were produced in Karachi.
This year again two Urdu films are lined up for release named Swaal 700 Crore Dollar Ka and Khushi. Swaal 700 Crore Dollar Ka is the only major film to be released nationwide, while Khushi is a low budget film which will only release in Punjab.
Another major film of Eid was Blind Love which is now delayed to 29th July 2017. Screening of a giant Bollywood film like Sultan leaves limited screen space for Urdu films and thus Blind Love is delayed.
Swaal 700 Crore Dollar Ka (سوال سات سو کروڑ ڈالر کا)
Swaal 700 Crore Dollar Ka (SSCDA) is an action film shot in Thailand and Pakistan. Ali Mohiuddin and Quratulain are making their debuts from this film. Ali Mohiuddin is the son of the famous film artist Ghulam Mohiuddin. The veteran artist of our films Javed Sheikh and Ghulam Mohiuddin will also be seen together in a film after a gap of many years.
Cast: Ghulam Mohiuddin,Shamoon Abbasi,Javed Sheikh,Ismail Tara,Nayyar Ejaz,Iftikhar Thakur,Ali Mohiuddin,Qurat Ul Ain,
Music:M. Arshad & Faizi Ali
Writer: Nasir Adeeb, Jamshed Jaan Muhammad
Director: Jamshed Jaan Muhammad
Producer: Shahid Qureshi
Production Company: JJ Production’s International Venture
SSCDA is directed by Jamshed Jaan Muhammad the son of (Late) Jaan Muhammad Jamman. Jaan Muhammad Jumman has directed many successful films from 1970’s to 1990’s. SSCDA is also a formula commercial film with pinches of action, romance, dances, emotions and everything required to make a formula film.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEs2CTki-HE
Though this film has nothing to do with the politics but its name is quite relevant to the current political scenario of our country
where the scandal of the off shore companies is leading the news.
Khushi (خوشی)
Khushi is a low budget Urdu film produced in Lahore. It will only be released in Punjab on single screen cinemas. Zeeshan Sikandar and Saima Khan are the leading artists of this film and it is directed by Shahzad Haider.
Punjabi Films
Punjabi is the largest spoken language in Pakistan. Punjabi cinema was once the life line of our film industry. However the popularity of the Punjabi cinema has almost completely faded in the last decade. Two low budget Punjabi films are releasing on this Eid. Both these films are typical gundasa/gujjar films with action, dances and loud acting.
Film:Chan Chaudhary (چن چودھری)
Cast:Shaan, Saud, Aafreen, Shafqat Cheema
Director: Shahid Rana
Producer: Qaisar Piya
Film: Haidar Gujjar (حیدر گجر)
Cast:Haider Ali, Saima Khan, Sehar Malik, Shafqat Cheema
Director: Rasheed Malik
Producer: Haider Ali
Seraiki Films
Seraiki is spoken in all four provinces of Pakistan. But its major population is concentrated in South Punjab. Seraiki films are a rarity and due to its similarity with Punjabi very few Seraiki films are produced in our country. This year however a Seraiki film Shammo Tangay Waali is releasing only in South Punjab. It will be released in major and minor cities/towns of South Punjab like Multan, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Sadiqabad, Uch Sharif, Melsi, Muzaffar Garh, Bhakkar
Pashto Films
Pashto is the second largest spoken language in Pakistan and has a thriving cinema too though the quality of Pashto films is considered very low. The circuit of Pashto cinema is limited but has a dedicated audience and most of the Pashto films easily recover their expenditure.
Pashto films are released in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Peshawar, Mardan, Noshehra, Swat), Balochistan (Quetta only) and Sindh (Karachi Only). Pashto films are also released in Afghanistan and UAE which have a large Pahsto speaking population. This Eid five Pashto films are expected to release named ganda geeri na munam, mina na minam, raja obaz, parang, bazo shehbaz.
So it sums all the films lined up for the upcoming Eid.
Thanks for your time.
Rashid Nazir Ali
Eidul Azha is a festive occasion in our country. Apart from religious significance it is an event of family gathering and other festivities as well. Traditionally our film makers reserve their premier productions for Eid for which cinema bookings are done months ago. From past two decades local cinema has declined considerably and since 2006 this space is filled by Bollywood movies.
This Eid, a mix of Bollywood (Hindi), Urdu (Karawood, Lollywood), Punjabi and Pashto films are releasing. These films will be released on multiplexes and single screen cinemas across the country.
Bollywood
Any festive occasion without a Bollywood film, is something that seldom happens in Pakistan (like Blue Moon). Due to huge demand of Bollywood films, at-least one Bollywood film is a must release. Only one Bollywood film is releasing this Eidul Azha, like Eidul Fitr. On Eidul Fitr only one Bollywood film Bajrangi Bhaijan was screened, which was allotted the lion’s share in the number of screens to release. The film exceeded all the expectations and has done splendid business and is the most successful film for the year 2015 in Pakistan by earning nearly 22.5 crore (unconfirmed statistics).
This year, a Bollywood film named “kis kis se pyar karoon” is releasing. It stars famous Indian comedian Kapil Sharma. Kapil Sharma’s television show is quite popular in Pakistan and the film is expected to do well like any other Bollywood film released in Pakistan.
Urdu Films
A total of three Urdu films are releasing on this Eid produced in Karachi and Lahore
Karawood
Both films produced in Karachi are commercial films of comedy genre. On Eidul Fitr, another comedy film Wrong No, also produced in Karachi proved quite successful. Wrong No. is the most successful Urdu film of the year and so as per unconfirmed reports has earned more than 14 crores.
Both Urdu films produced in Karachi are releasing in multiplexes as well as single screen cinemas.
Jawani Phir Nahin Aani
A comedy film with a star cast.
Cast: Humayun Saeed, Hamza Ali Abbasi, Ahmed Ali Butt, Vasay Ch, Aisha Khan, Sarwat Gillani, Mehwish Hayat,Sohai Ali Abro, Javed Sheikh, Bushra Ansari, ZQ, Ismail Tara
Directed by: Nadeem Baig
Producers: Salman Iqbal, Humayun Saeed, Mohammad Jerjees Seja & Shahzad Nasib
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x37dln4_jawani-phir-nahi-ani-hd-official-trailer-2-pakistani-movie-2015-hamza-ali-abbasi-sohai-ali-abro-huma_shortfilms
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2lacxk
Halla Gulla
A comedy film with veteran comedians like Ismail Tara, Ashraf Khan and a relatively young cast.
Starring: Javed Sheikh, Ismail Tara, Ghazala Javed, Asim Mehmood, Muneeb, Sidra Batool, Ashraf Khan ,Zara Gul Jasmeen Adil Wadia, Maryam Ansari, Hina Rizvi, Hunain Maniar, Bilal Yousufzai
Director & Screenplay: Kamran Akbar Khan
Writer: Raheela Mushtaq Shah
Producer: Hamid Mohammad
Designer: EDGE (Men)
Studio: MFN (VFX Director-1stop Studio)
& Social Media
DOP: Asif Khan
Editor: Nasir Inayat
Lollywood
The traditional hub of film making in Pakistan is the Lahore based film industry. Only one Urdu film produced in Lahore is releasing on this Eid.
Sanam
Directed by Syed Noor, it is a film completed twelve years ago but was not released then. Starring Babar Ali, Saima and Reema the film is shot on old cameras of 35 mm and can only be released in a traditional single screen cinema. Sanam is only releasing in Punjab.
Punjabi films
Two low budget formula Punjabi films are lined up for this Eidul Azha. Formula Punjabi films have their own dedicated circuit, and normally they recover their cost easily. Like a routine Punjabi formula film both these films are full of similar stuff like violence, steamy dances, loud dialog. Punjabi films are only released in traditional single screen cinemas. The name of the films are Sohna Gujjar (starring Moammar Rana) and Ishq De Qaidi.
Pashto films
Pashto film industry is the most successful and vibrant film circuit of Pakistan. In recent years the number of Pashto films have out numbered the Punjabi and Urdu films. Pashto films have a dedicatd circut in the three provinces i.e. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Peshawar, Mardan, Swat, Charsadda, Noshehra), Balochistan (Quetta only) and Sindh (Karachi only). Apart from Pakistan the Pashto films are also regularly screened in foreign countries Afghanistan (Kabul) and UAE (Dubai).
On Eidul Fitr, five pashto films were released and on Eidul Azha six pashto films will be screened. The famous artists appearing in these films are Arbaz Khan, Shahid Khan, Ajab Gul and Jahangir Jaani.
The name of the pashto films are Malang Pe Dua Rang, Zoe Da sharabi, Badnaam, Tezaab, iqraar, Janaan
Hollywood films
Like Punjabi and pashto films, Hollywood films also have their dedicated market in Pakistan. Hollywood films are screened in big urban centres of Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad normally in multiplexes. Every multiplex has a dedicated screen equipped with the latest technology like IMAX for such Hollywood films. This Eid two Hollywood films are releasing namely Everest and Dinosaur Island.
Rashid Nazir Ali
Eidul Azha is a festive occassion in our country. Though Eidul Fitr is more known for its festivities than Eidul Azha, still both Eids also have economic significance apart from their religious importance.
Eid holidays provide ample time to general public to enjoy this time and thus increase in spending generates lots of economic opportunities. Cinemas and theaters also benefit from this and usually film makers release their best productions on Eid.
The films releasing on this Eid are listed below
Urdu Films
Na Maloom Afraad
In recent times mostly Pakistani film are based on serious subjects like terrrorism, social issue, however contrary to this Na Maloom Afraad is a complete entertainment package. Filmed in Karachi, the film stars Fahad Mustafa, Urwa Hocane, Javed Sheikh, Mohsin Abbas Haider, Kubra Khan, Salman Shahid, Umber Khan, Nayyar Ejaz and Mehwish Hayat. It is directed by Nabeel Qureshi and produced by Fizza Ali Meerza. The film has nine songs, including an item song ‘Billi’ featuring Mehwish Hayat. It is a debut film for Fahad Mustafa, Mohsin Abbas Haider, Mehwish Hayat, Kubra Khan, Urwa Hocane, Umber Khan as well as director Nabeel Qureshi. The film is produced in Karachi.
http://vimeo.com/99334749
O 21
O 21 starring Shaan, Amnah Sheikh, Ayub Khoso is a action thriller focusing on a joint operation of Pakistan and its neighboring country Afghanistan. It is directed by Summer Nicks and Jami and produced by Azaan Sami Khan and Zeba Bakhtyar. From promos O 21 is at par with hollywood action flicks. Shaan is a big name of contemporary Pakistani cinema, and last year his flick Waar was also a superhit.O 21 is also produced in Karachi
Do Bheege Hont
A low budget film produced in Lahore with ages old formula story, songs and situations. It also stars Shaan and a bunch of female artists unknown to all of us. It is written by Wajid Zubairi and will only be released in Lahore.
Indian films
Indian films are widely popular across all sections of our society and are always in the forerun when it comes to box office race. Indian film makers perhaps knew the demand and taske of Pakistani cine goers more than Pakistani film makers that their films are becoming more and more successful at Pakistani box office. Indian films are considered necessary for the survival of cinema industry as they attract masses to the cinema houses.
This Eid an indian film named Bang Bang is screened though it is already released on 2nd October. Bang Bang stars Hrithik Roshan, Katrina Kaif in lead roles. As per press reports, the film already has a huge opening at Pakistani cinemas on 2nd October and is expected to carry own with this success over the Eid holidays.
Punjabi Films
Punajbi is the most spoken language in Pakistan and once Punjabi cinema was very vibrant, though it is no more the case. This Eid a low budget Punjabi film ‘Aihu kurri leni hai’ is releasing only in Punjab
Pushto Films
Pushto is a leading language spoken in Pakistan and its speakers are now live in all areas of the country. Pushto cinema is considered a safe investment and Pushto films easily recover their costs. This year two Pushto films are expected to be released in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa only.
Rashid Nazir Ali
Independence Day (14th August) is approaching and any prolonged holidays/weekend normally proves a lucrative opportunity for the cinema industry to attract audience towards the cinema halls. Such prolonged holidays in our countries are the Eid Holidays, Independence Day (14 August) and Quaid Day (Christmas 25th December).
This year four films are releasing on the 14th of August, providing enough choice to cine-goers to pick and choose the one they like. So here is the list of films to be screened on upcoming 14th August.
Bollywood films – Brothers
On any occasion, any event and any race Bollywood films have always been a clear winner when it comes to film business and popularity in Pakistan. The major film of 14th August is the Bollywood film Brothers. Starring Akshay Kumar, Sidharth Malhotra and Jacqueline Fernandes, the film is about boxing. Apart from the boxing, the film also features the regular glamorous stuff of a regular Bollywood film like an item number. Brothers is coming on 13th August, and is expected to release on maximum number of screens across the country as compared to the other films in the race.
Urdu films
On Eidul Fitr (just a month ago), two Urdu films Wrong Number and Bin Roye were screened which received positive response from the audience and are still successfully running in cinema houses. This 14th August, three Urdu films are releasing a mark achieved after a gap of nearly 40 years. All the films are of different genre and subjects.
Shah (شاہ)
A biopic about the Hussain Shah, an Olympian boxer who won a bronze medal in boxing for Pakistan in the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Shah mainly covers the professional life of Hussain Shah, his initial struggles, the final achievement and after come of his achievement.
From a homeless child who slept on a footpath in Karachi to Olympic glory – Hussain Shah became the only Pakistani in history and the first South Asian to win a Bronze Medal in Olympics Boxing at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games. Traditionally Hockey has been the main sports for Pakistan in the Olympics, however in 1988 Pakistani Hockey team presented below average performance and failed to qualify for the semi final securing fifth position overall. In 1988, Syed Hussain Shah emerged as a surprise winner when Hockey team failed to meet the expectations.
Shah is releasing on 13th August 2015.
Starring: Adnan Sarwar, Kiran Chaudhry, Sardar Baloch, Adeel Raees and Gulab Chandio.
Directed by: Adnan Sarwar
Wirtten by : Adnan Sarwar
Music by : Adnan Sarwar and Farhan Albert
Distributor: Geo Films
Moor (مور)
Moor means mother in the Pashto Language. Moor is about corruption which badly impacted the railway system in the Pashtun Belt of the Balochistan province. It is produced in Karachi, and shot in Karachi and Pashtun Areas of the Balochistan province like Muslim Baagh and Zhob.
A much anticipated film , it is the first film of Sonya Hussain. Strings composed the music of this film which has eight tracks in the voices of Meesha Shafi, Javed Bashir, Strings, Rahim Shah and others.
“MOOR” (Mother), follows the tragic story a family pulled apart through corruption and circumstances out of their control.It is based on decline of the railways system in Pakistan. Moor is Pushto word which means mother in Pashto Language.
The film is shot in Qila Abdullah district, Balochistan and is about the decline of Railway system due to corruption and its impact on the families living there. The area of Qilla Abdullah is home to Khojak tunnel, the longest rail tunnel in Pakistan. The 3.91 kilometer long Khojak tunnel was constructed by British in 1891. It is also known as Sheelabagh tunnel. The tunnel was built with the motive to provide railway access to the city of Qandhaar in Afghanistan.
It will be the second film directed by Jami, the first film O21 released last year received mixed response from critics and viewers.
Moor is releasing on the 14th August 2015
Genre: Family/Drama
Starring: Hameed Sheikh, Samiya Mumtaz, Shaz Khan, Abdul Qadir, Sonya Hussyn, Ayaz Samoo, Ali Sheikh, Shabbir Rana, Habib Panazayi, Azlan Shah
Directed By: Jami
Written By: Jami & Nazira Ali
Screenplay By: Jami
Produced By: Jami , Nadeem H. Mandviwalla
Distributor: ARY Films
Dekh Magar Pyaar Se (دیکھ مگر پیار سے)
Dekh Magar Pyaar Se (DMPS) is the second Urdu film of Humaima Malick after a gap of four years, where her first film Bol in 2011 was a super hit winning her many awards and appreciation. The film is produced in Karachi, and shot in Lahore and London (UK). It is directed by famous commercials director Asad Ul Haq and style icon Hassan Sheharyar Yasin has worked as creative and fashion design director as well. Sikandar Rizvi, who runs Xanders a famous restaurant in Karachi is appearing as hero in this film.
DPMS is releasing on 14th August 2015.
Starring: Humaima Malick, Sikander Rizvi, Irfan Khosat, Aqdas Waseem
Genre: Romance/Comedy
Music by: Soch Band
Background Score : Abbas Ali Khan
Directed by: Asad-ul-Haq
Produced by: Ali Murtaza and Asad-ul-Haq
Written by: Saba Imtiaz
ScreenPlay by: Ijlal Khan and Asad-ul-Haq
Cinematography Nic Knowland
Edited by: Yong At Vhq
Creative and Fashion Design Director: Hassan Shehryar Yasin
Styling by: Saima Rashid Bargfrede
Distributor: Geo Films
Rashid Nazir Ali
The second half of 2015 has proved a promising period for Pakistani Urdu cinema. Six major films are released in July and August, and three of these have been successful still running in the cinemas.
The films released in July and August are
1- Bin Roye (Released on 18th July)
2- Wrong No. (Released on 18th July)
3- Karachi Se Lahore (Released on 31st July)
4- Moor (Released on 14th August)
5- Dekh Magar Pyar Se (Released on 14th August)
6- Shah (Released on 14th August)
Bin Roye, Wrong No. and Karachi Se Lahore are the successful films. Both Bin Roye and Wrong No. have revenue collections surpassing 10 crores PKR (100 million Pakistani Rupees), where Wrong No. is leading the race with a business of more than 14 crores. Bin Roye has collected about 11 crore. Karachi Se Lahore has so far collected more than 8 crores and is on its way to cross 10 crore benchmark.
The other three films Moor, Shah, Dekh Magar Pyar Se, though not as much successful have still managed to collect more than 1 crore, which shows the films received a satisfactory reception as majority of this amount is collected during the opening week. Especially DMPS despite being a huge disappointment collected more than 2 crores within two weeks.
The month of September has just started and a total of five major Urdu films are expected to release in this month too.
Swaarangi
Planned to be released on 28th August 2015, now the new release date is 11th September 2015. However the film is facing an uncertain future for its release as it has been denied a censor certificate by Central film censor board. The Punjab censor board has issued a censor certificate, while the position of Sindh censor board is not clear yet.
Cast: Resham, Ayub Khosa, Naveed Akbar, Waseem Manzoor, Hamza Mushtaq, Shahzaib Johar
Writer: Phida Hussain
Screenplay: Phida Hussain, Mazhar Abbas
Director: Phida Hussain
Producer: Mazhar Abbass
Studio: Flipping Images Productions, Phidahussain Productions
Manto
A much awaited film on the life of acclaimed Urdu writer Saadat Hassan Manto releasing on 11th September 2015. The film is in production for past three years. After its release a drama with the same story will also be tele-casted on Geo Tv.
Film: Manto
Cast: Sarmad Sultan, Sania Saeed, Saba Qamar, Mahira Khan, Nimra Bucha, Arjumand Raheem, Faisal Qureshi, Humayun Saeed, Hina Khawaja Bayat, Shamoon Abbasi, Nadia Afgan, Sawera Nadeem and others
Writer: Shahid Nadeem
Director: Sarmad Sultan Khoosat
Producer: Baber Javed
Distributor: Geo Films
Halla Gulla
Planned to be released on 28th August 2015, now the new release date is Eidul Azha (24th or 25th September 2015).
Starring: Javed Sheikh, Ismail Tara, Ghazala Javed, Asim Mehmood, Muneeb, Sidra Batool, Ashraf Khan ,Zara Gul Jasmeen Adil Wadia, Maryam Ansari, Hina Rizvi, Hunain Maniar, Bilal Yousufzai
Director & Screenplay: Kamran Akbar Khan
Writer: Raheela Mushtaq Shah
Producer: Hamid Mohammad
Designer: EDGE (Men)
Studio: MFN (VFX Director-1stop Studio)
& Social Media
DOP: Asif Khan
Editor: Nasir Inayat
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2wlrvy
Jawani Phirr Nahin Aani
Jawani Phirr Nahin Aani is releasing on Eidul Azha (24th or 25th September 2015)
Cast: Humayun Saeed, Hamza Ali Abbasi, Ahmed Ali Butt, Vasay Ch, Aisha Khan, Sarwat Gillani, Mehwish Hayat,Sohai Ali Abro, Javed Sheikh, Bushra Ansari, Saba Hameed, ZQ, Ismail Tara
Directed by: Nadeem Baig
Producers: Salman Iqbal, Humayun Saeed, Mohammad Jerjees Seja & Shahzad Nasib
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2lacxk
Badal/Revenge of the Fallen
Scheduled to release in May, the film is now releasing on Eidul Azha (24th or 25th September 2015). The film is based on the real life events of 2009 insurgency in Swat.
Starring : Jamal Shah, Ayub Khoso, Firdaus Jamal, Shamyl Khan, Maira Khan and Emel Karakose ,Asif Shah, Asaldin Khan, Imran Tareen, Iram, Shehrbano, Abdur Raheem, Najeebullah Anjum,Tariq Jamal Arshad, Sultan, Kaleemullah, Qazi Zubair,Wafa Khan, Rafique and Marjan
Directed By: Jamal Shah
Cinematographer : Aamir Tehseen Rao
Written By: Jamal Shah
Screenplay By: Jamal Shah
Produced By: Amna Shah for Hunerkada Films
So these are the five films releasing in September 2015. No major film is scheduled to release in October 2015 as the holy month of Muharram falls in the same month and traditionally no new film is released in the first ten days of Muharram. In November 2015, few major Urdu films are also scheduled for release.
Maahe Meer
Scheduled to release on 6th November 2015. It is the first film of Iman Ali after Bol in 2011. Famous artist Sanam Saeed, Huma Nawab and few others will also make their debut.
Starring: Fahad Mustafa, Iman ali, Aly Khan, Sanam Saeed & Manzar Sehbai among others.
Directed by: Anjum Shahzad
Produced By: Khuram Rana, Sahir Rasheed, Badar Ikram
Ho Mann Jahan
Scheduled to release on Eidul Azha, now it is postponed to 27th November 2015 or 4th December 2015. The film is delayed to provide space to other films releasing on Eidul Azha.
Directed by: Asim Raza
Story by: Asim Raza
Screenplay by: Rashna Abidi, Imtisal Abbasi & Asim Raza
Dialogues by: Yasir Hussain & Asim Raza
Starring: Mahirah Hafeez Khan, Sonya Jehan, Sheheryar Munawar, Adeel Hussain, Bushra Ansari, Nimra Bucha, Arshad Mehmood and Munawar Siddiqui
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2kqqos
Yalghaar
A mega budgeted action film.No final release date is announced yet, but the trailer released clearly says that it is releasing in 2015. However in a recent statement Shan its main protagonist has told the film will now release in February 2016.
Starring: Shaan Shahid, Humayun Saeed, Adnan Siddiqui, Asher Azeem Gill, Umair Jaswal, Naeem Haque, Gohar Rasheed, Bilal Ashraf, Owais Shiekh, Ahmad Taha Ghani, Wali Yousuf, Atiya Khan, Sana Bucha, Ayesha Omar, Aleeze Nasser, Armeena Rana Khan, Uzma Khan
Genre: War/Action/Thriller
Writer, Screenplay: Hassan Rana
Music by: Xulfi
Background Score : Xulfi
Directed by: Hassan Rana
Produced by: Asim Saleem Bajwa, Javeria Hassan Rana, Hassan Rana
Presented by: Mindworks Media Productions
Distributor: ARY Films
Rashid Nazir Ali
The first half of the year 2016 has passed and the second half has started. The progress of Pakistani cinema in the first half was a mixed one, there were very few films nearly 10 released while only two proved successful i.e. Ho Mann Jahan and Bachaana. One reason for such low number of film was the Holy month of Ramadan due to which no film was released in June. Also February and March saw two big cricketing events i.e. Pakistan Super League and ICC T20 World Cup which resulted in the less number of movies.
Coming to the ongoing month of July 2016, four films are announced to be released in this month. One film is already released on Eidul Fitr while three others will be released in coming weeks.
Swaal 700 Crore Dollar Ka (سوال سات سو کروڑ ڈالر کا)
Swaal 700 Crore Dollar Ka (SSCDA) is an action film shot in Thailand and Pakistan. Ali Mohiuddin and Quratulain are making their debuts from this film. Ali Mohiuddin is the son of the famous film artist Ghulam Mohiuddin. The veteran artist of our films Javed Sheikh and Ghulam Mohiuddin will also be seen together in a film after a gap of many years. The film is released on Eidul Fitr, and competed with a giant Bollywood film Sultan which was allotted lion shares of shows at the cinema houses thus leaving little margin for earning. So far its box office report has not been encouraging.
Film: Swaal 700 Crore Dollar Ka (سوال سات سو کروڑ ڈالر کا)
Cast: Ghulam Mohiuddin,Shamoon Abbasi,Javed Sheikh,Ismail Tara,Nayyar Ejaz,Iftikhar Thakur,Ali Mohiuddin,Qurat Ul Ain,
Music:M. Arshad & Faizi Ali
Writer: Nasir Adeeb, Jamshed Jaan Muhammad
Director: Jamshed Jaan Muhammad
Producer: Shahid Qureshi
Production Company: JJ Production’s International Venture
Release Date: 6 July 2016
Genre: Action Thriller Suspense Comedy Heist
SSCDA is directed by Jamshed Jaan Muhammad the son of (Late) Jaan Muhammad Jamman. Jaan Muhammad Jumman has directed many successful films from 1970’s to 1990’s. SSCDA is also a formula commercial film with pinches of action, romance, dances, emotions and everything required to make a formula film.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMQs1vTdtgI
Ishq Positive (عشق پازیٹیو)
Ishq Positive (عشق پازیٹیو) is an Urdu film produced in Lahore. It was under production for past two years.Wali Hamid Ali Khan and Noor Bukhari are playing the lead roles. It is a comeback film of Noor Bukhari after a gap of many years, while Wali Hamid Ali Khan the singer of music band Raga Boys is playing the male lead. Noor’s younger sister Faria Bukhari is appearing as second heroine.
The music of this film is its main feature while it is also shot on historical places like Rohtas Fort in Jhelum, Noor Mehal in Bahawalpur and scenic locations of Mansehra.
Film: Ishq Positive (عشق پازیٹیو)
Release Date:July 22, 2016
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Cast: Noor Bukhari, Wali Hamid Ali khan,Saud Qasmi,Faria Bukhari,Ahmed A. Rehman,Durdana Butt,Saim Ali,Sheeba Butt,Kamran Mujahid,Hina Rizwi,Iftikhar Thakur,Marium Chaudary,Maria Iliyas
Singers: Ustad Hamid Ali Khan, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Akriti Kakar, Farah Anwar, Daima Farooq, and Sana Zulfiqar
Lyrics By: Turaaz Sooraj and Wali Hamid Ali Khan
Music By: Wali Hamid Ali ,Kamran Akhtar and Saaji Ali
Written By: Sooraj Baba
Studio: KSL Production
Directed By: Noor Bukhari
Produced By: Shazia Hussain & Kashif Latif
Distributor: Everready Pictures and Hum Films
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxx0WK9X2iI
Revenge of the Worthless (بدل)
Revenge of the Worthless/Badal (بدل) is an Urdu film due to release on 15th January 2016 and before that scheduled to release in May 2015, the film is based on the real life events of 2009 insurgency in Swat. Firdose Jamal is playing the role of Sufi Muhammad a local political figure of Swat. The new date of release for this film is 22nd July 2016.
Film: Revenge of the Worthless (بدل)
Starring : Jamal Shah, Ayub Khoso, Firdaus Jamal, Shamyl Khan, Maira Khan, Emel Karakose ,Asif Shah, Asaldin Khan, Imran Tareen, Iram, Shehrbano, Abdur Raheem, Najeebullah Anjum,Tariq Jamal Arshad, Sultan, Kaleemullah, Qazi Zubair,Wafa Khan, Rafique and Marjan
Release Date: July 22, 2016
Directed By: Jamal Shah
Cinematographer : Aamir Tehseen Rao
Written By: Jamal Shah
Screenplay By: Jamal Shah
Produced By: Amna Shah for Hunerkada Films
Genre: Action Drama
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFYhpEYXh3I
Blind Love (بلائنڈ لو)
Blind Love is a commercial Urdu film but with an English name (confusing isnt it!). A love action thriller film, Blind Love is shot in Lahore and scenic locations of Mansehra (Naraan, Kaghan). Blind Love was due to release on Eidul Fitr (6th July 2016), however it was delayed due to non availability of cinema houses as all major cinema houses preferred to screen the Indian Bollywood film Sultan. Now it is releasing on 29th July 2016.
The music of this film is a major highlight especially the song Janiya, shot at the scenic locations of Mansehra.
Film:Blind Love (بلائنڈ لو)
Release Date: 29th July 2016
Cast: Nimra Khan, Yasir Shah, Imran Bukhari, Mathira, Aamir Qureshi, Fawad Jalal
Music: Naveed Nashad
Writer: M Parvez Kalim
Director: Faisal Bukhari
Producer: Mian Amjad Farzand, Ch.Zulfiqar Ahmed, Ch.Ijaz Kamran
Production Company: Producers Alliance
Distributed by: IMGC Global
Genre: Love Action Thriller
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2ZczRRjCM4
Muhabbat Andhi Hoti Hai (Love is Blind) is a popular phrase and perhaps Blind Love is the visual form of this phrase. The leading heroine (Nimra Khan) of the film is blind and thus her romance is named as Blind Love (how creative!), though the film is not limited to romance it has all the masala required for the commercial film.
Blind Love is directed by Faisal Bukhari who is known for pure formula films.Faisal Bukhari’s last two films were also pure commercial flicks i.e. Bhai Log (2011) and Sultanat (2014). Following the same pattern Blind Love has romance, emotions, songs, dances, a bit of action, scenic locations and on top of it a steamy item number Butter Jawani (seems to be conceived in a bakery) which off course is shot on Mathira.
Blind Love will be the debut film for Yasir Shah, Imran Bukhari, Nimra Khan, Fawad Jalal and Aamir Qureshi. Aamir Qureshi is playing the role of the villain in this film like his father Mustafa Qureshi who is the most well known villain of the Pakistani films.
Mathira is making a comeback to films after a gap of three years. She last appeared in the film Main Hoon Shahid Afridi (MHSA) in 2013 for a 2-3 minute appearance in the item song Masti Mein Doobi. After a wait of three long years she is starting the journey again from where it was left and is again performing an item number Butter Jawani in Blind Love. However unlike MHSA she also has a negative vamp like role in this film. Means finally apart from her dance at last one can see the acting talent of Mathira on big screen too.
So these are all the four Urdu films scheduled to release in July 2016.
Trailer courtesy of PakistaniCinema Fan page
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAgBFzV3J4hrbRMcBcsehvg
https://www.facebook.com/PakistaniCinema
Rashid Nazir Ali
Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha are two occasions that filmmakers are waiting the whole year to release their films and families go and watch movies together as entertainment every Eid. This year the list of Eid releases is out and at least the filmmakers showed sense and did not schedule 6 big releases at the same time. The audience will have a perfect balance to choose from on Eid and they will have everything from romance to comedy and action. Here is a list of films that will be releasing its Eid ul Fitr.
Money Back Guarantee
Starring Fawad Khan, Mikaal Zulfiqar, Gohar Rasheed, Mani, Ayesha Omar, Wasim Akram, Shaneira Akram and others, this is a much-anticipated film and people were looking forward to this Faisal Qureshi directorial. The film has a huge cast and as told by the cast and evident by the trailer, it is a political satire that is relevant more today than ever before.
Here is the trailer:
Daadal
Starring Sonya Hussyn and Mohsin Abbas Haider, Daadal looks like n action-packed drama where Sonya will be seen in a totally different role.
Watch the trailer below:
Huey Tum Ajnabi
The film stars Mikaal Zulfiqar, Sadia Khan, Sohail Ahmed, Samina Peerzada and Ayesha Omar and it will mark the debut of news anchor Kamran Shahid who is also the son of film actor Shahid.
Check out the trailer:
Dorr
The action-packed Dorr stars Asad Mehmood, Shafqat Cheema and Saleem Mairaj among others. This film will also be released on Eid and this is another option for the cine-goers to choose from.
Here is how Dorr looks:
Lahore Qalander:
The Saima Khan starter Lahore Qalander is also releasing this Eid ul Fitr and it looks like a typical masala Punjabi movie.
Watch trailer:
John Wick: Chapter 4
Pakistanis love John Wick and the previous films of the franchise have done well in the country. Thus having John Wick: Chapter 4 as an option will be great for people who are looking for some entertainment this Eid.
Here is the action-packed trailer:
So, Pakistanis will have quite a few options this Eid. With a big rise in inflation, let’s see which fill emerge victorious on the box office!
Cinema in Pakistan is in shambles for the past 3 years after the pandemic destroyed the revival that was happening. Add to it the crushing economy and political instability that raised the ticket prices but left the public unable to buy such a luxury, this all led to cinemas suffering. Films are not being made and not being released either. Eid ul Adha is however bringing some big movies to the screens. Here is a list of movies releasing on Eid ul Adha 2024:
Umro Ayyar is the first Pakistani film that is bringing our very own superhero-esque genre to the screens. The film has some huge talent and top notch VFX that will be featured for the first time in a Pakistani movie. Umro Ayyar has Faran Tahir, Usman Mukhtar, Sana, Sanam Saeed and Ali Kazmi in pivotal characters while Hamza Ali Abbasi plays a cameo.
Here is the trailer:
The long stalled romantic film Abhi will mark singer Goher Mumtaz’s silver screen debut. The film has Kubra Khan as the leading lady. It was meant to be released a bit ago but with cinemas in shambles it was pushed. It is finally coming out this Eid ul Adha.
Check out the trailer:
Na Baligh Afraad is directd by Nabeel Qureshi and it will feature youngsters Aashir Wajahat and Samar Jafri in the leads. The film will be released in cinemas though it speculated before that the film will come directly on OTT.
The highly loved franchise Bad Boys is coming up with another film this year. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are coming back with their signature action and comedy. The film is screening this Eid ul Adha.
Check out the trailer:
Inside Out was a big animated film and won awards when it came out. The sequel was in making and it is coming out in 2024. Many fans are looking forward to it and children will also have something to watch on Eid ul Adha.
This is the trailer:
Bhediya The Hunter is another film option that the netizens will be getting on this Eid ul Adha.
This is the trailer:
The first quarter (Jan – Mar) of the year 2016 has passed which proved rather dismal when comes to the number of Urdu films released. At the start of the year 2016, six Urdu films were announced to be released till March.
January – Ho Mann Jahan (1st January), Badal Revenge of the Worthless (15th January), Hijrat (22 January)
February – Fiker Not (11 February), Bachaana (26 February 2016)
March – Salute (23rd March 2016)
However only three Urdu films are released in the first quarter of 2016 i.e Ho Mann Jahan (1st January 2016), Bachaana (26th February 2016) and Fiker Not (11th March 2016). Out of these Ho Mann Jahan and Bachaana proved successful, while Fiker Not a low budget film proved dead flop.
Ho Mann Jahan earned nearly 21 crore (16 crore in Pakistan and 5 crore in the rest of the world), while Bachaana earned around 8.50 crore.
One major reason for such low numbers of releases was two back to back cricket tournaments. In February 2016, the first edition of Pakistan Super League was organized which was followed by the Cricket T20 World Cup in March 2016. Due to these cricketing events, release of few films was postponed.
Now the second quarter for 2016 has started in which four Urdu films are announced to be released in April and May. Due to the Holy month of Ramazan no film is releasing in June.
So here is the summary of the four films due to release in April and May 2016.
Maalik (مالک)
Maalik (مالک) is an Urdu film releasing on the 8th April 2016. The highlight of the film is the comeback of Aashir Azeem to almost after two decades. Aashir Azeem earned fame from the PTV Quetta center drama Dhuwaan (دھوّاں) in 1994.
The film has five songs composed by Sahir Ali Bagga, also featuring Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.
Film: Maalik (مالک)
Starring: Ashir Azeem, Farhan Ally Agha, Sajid Hassan, Hassan Niazi, Adnan Shah Tipu, Bushra Ashir Azeem, Ehteshamuddin, Rashid Farooqi, Mariam Ansari, Tatmain ul Qalb, Lubna Aslam, Erum Azam, Pakiza Khan
Genre: Action Thriller, Drama
Written by: Ashir Azeem
Screenplay by: Ashir Azeem
Directed by: Ashir Azeem
Produced by: Media Hub
Shot in: Karachi & Balochistan
Release Date: 8th April 2016
Hijrat (ہجرت)
Hijrat (ہجرت) is an upcoming film which was under production for past three years or so. Farooq Mengal directorial debut who before this film has directed several television dramas. The trailer of Hijrat is released today while the film will release on 21st January 2015.
Hijrat is an action love story that plays out in the foreground of an exodus that rendered millions homeless during the Afghan war. It touches upon the lives of those whose spirits were broken by the homes they lost and whose hearts were broken by the shelter they found.
The film is an action romantic story in the backdrop of Afghan refugees. Asad Zaman the hero of this film is an Afghan national who has worked in several Urdu dramas before Hijrat. Asad Zaman is fluent in Dari, Pashto and Urdu. Models Rabia Butt and Rubab Ali are playing the female leads where Rabia Butt is playing the role of an Indian doctor working in Afghan refugees camps. The film also features an item song shot on Sana Nawaz.
Hijrat was due to relesae on 21st January 2016, but eventually postponed and is now releasing on 22nd April 2016.
Film: Hijrat (ہجرت)
Release Date: 22 April 2016
Cast: Rabia Butt, Asad Zaman, Rubab Ali, Nadeem Baig, Jamal Shah, Ayub Khouso, Durdana Butt, Azra Aftab, Zeb Rehman, Mahjabeen, Saima Balouch
Genre: Romance, Drama, Action
Shot in: Karachi, Baluchistan (Pakistan), Istanbul (Turkey)
Directed & Produced by: Farouq Mengal for FM studios
Distributor: Everready Productions & Hum Films
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXFaTmIv58c&nohtml5=False
Mahe Meer (ماہ میر)
Mah-e-Meer is a film based on the life and the ‘Ka’laam’ of poet Meer Taqi Meer. The film is under production for past two years.
The highlight of Mahe Meer is the script of Sarmad Sehbai. Iman Ali is appearing in a film after a gap of five years, where Bol in 2011 was her last film.
Starring: Iman Ali, Fahad Mustafa, Sanam Saeed, Ally Khan, Huma Nawab & Manzar Sehbai
Directed By: Anjum Shahzad, Sarmad Sehbai
Written By: Sarmad Sehbai
Produced By: Khurram Rasheed, Sahir Rasheed, Badar Ikram
Hotal (ہوٹل)
Hotal (ہوٹل) is a Hindi/Urdu film which is under production from past two years. Last year it was screened in New Delhi film festival in New Delhi, India where it also bagged an award.
Hotal was due to release on 1st April 2016 but it was postponed after the tragic Gulshane Iqbal Park terrorist attacks in Lahore. It can be considered as a comeback film for filmstar Meera. Her last major appearance was in film Ishq Khuda in 2013, though she also appeared in a cameo in the film Dekh Magar Pyar Se in 2015.
Hotal also features an item song Maum Bati shot on Morrocan artist Wiam Dahmani. Now it is releasing on 8th April 2016 or 13 May 2016.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVeE_Tx3jdM
Rashid Nazir Ali
2018 has so far proved a mixed year for the Pakistani cinema with few hit and miss films. The last major Urdu film of 2018 was Motorcycle Girl released almost two months ago on 20th April 2018. No Urdu film was released in May 2018 due to the holy Islamic Month of Ramazan. The two month long dry season will be over on upcoming Eidul Fitr 2017 where a handsome number of films are releasing. Eidul Fitr is the major festive occasion in our country followed by Eidul Azha. It is the time of joy, family reunion, outing, recreation and vacation. The long holidays of Eidul Fitr benefit the entertainment industry as well majorly cinemas and theaters. To utilize these holidays the big banner films are scheduled to release on Eid. Eidul Fitr has historically been the most successful time for the Pakistani cinema in an year. However from past one decade, Eidul Azha has overtaken the Eidul Fitr with respect to the business of local films. The major films which were once specific to Eidul Fitr are now shifted to Eidul Azha. The most significant reason is the direct competition with the Bollywood Eid film. Every Eidul Fitr some Khan starer Bollywood film gallops the bulk of the cinema shows and business. On 2015’s Eidul Fitr, Bollywood’s Bajrangi Bhaijan (BB) emerged blockbuster. Due to the enormous success of BB, many shows of the two Urdu films Bin Roye and Wrong No. also released on Eidul Fitr were shifted to BB. Though eventually Wrong No. and Bin Roye also proved successful but their business was impacted by BB. On 2016’s Eidul Fitr, Bollywood’s Sultan made many new records of collections like most earning in a single day, most earning on a weekend. The film earned around 34 crore and became the highest earning Bollywood film in the Pakistan. Two Urdu films Swaal 700 Crore Dollar Ka (SSCDA) and Blind Love were also due to release on Eidul Fitr in 2016. But due to unavailability of shows Blind Love was not released and the only film SSCDA struggled against Bollywood’s Sultan. The situation changed in 2017 as the government has not allowed the release of Bollywood Eid film Tubelight and hence no Bollywood film was released on Eidul Fitr 2017. This year Eidul Fitr will fall on 15th or 16th June 2018 Here is the summary of the films coming on Eidul Fitr. Hollywood Hollywood films are only released in the multiplexes having 3D screens. Hollywood films have their own dedicated audience. This Eidul Fitr only one Hollywood film Jurrasic World – Fallen Kingdom is releasing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vn9mMeWcgoM Bollywood: No release Like 2017, no Bollywood film is releasing on Eidul Fitr. In 2017, the government did not allow the release of Bollywoods’ Tubelight on the Eidul Fitr. There was no official statement on its release and it was expected to hit theaters after two weeks of Eid. However Tubelight‘s business was not as per expectations in India and the rest of world and consequently the film was not released in Pakistan even after Eidul Fitr. This year the Federal Government has defined the regulations of films releasing on Eid. As per the official notification released three weeks ago, no Bollywood film will be screened till after two weeks on both Eidul Fitr and Eidul Azha. However last week upon the pressure of Bollywood’s film distributors the government has reduced the ban to one week. The 2018 Bollywood’s Eid release is Race 3 which now will release in Pakistan on 22nd/23rd June 2018 one week after Eidul Fitr. Bollywood films have an all-seasons and all-weathered loyal audience in Pakistan across all sections of the society. Despite hostile aggression from India on borders Bollywood films earn huge in Pakistan from the posh areas multiplexes to crowded areas old single screen cinemas. The prime example of the bonding of the Bollywood fans in Pakistan is the business of 2016 Eidul Fitr’s release Sultan which earned a mammoth 34 crore in three weeks and became the highest earning Bollywood film in Pakistan to-date. Before its release filmi circles were predicting a possible low turn out for the film as Indian army butchered around 120 Kashmiris in the Indian held Kashmir within a week around Eidul Fitr while thousands of Kashmiris lost eye sight due to the use of the pallet guns by the Indian forces. Despite continued state terrorism and blood bath in Kashmir on Eidul Fitr 2016 by the Indian forces, Sultan received a massive response on Eidul Fitr in Pakistan. The film registered the largest ever opening weekend for any film by earning 7.5 crore in just four days again proving the massive appeal of Bollywood films in Pakistan. So even though Race3 will release one week after the Eidul Fitr, the film distributors are hopeful about its massive business. 
Urdu films Urdu is the national language spoken in all the regions of Pakistan and Urdu cinema is gradually recovering after its extinction in the last decade. In 2017 two Urdu films Yalghaar and Mehrunnisa V Lub U (MVLU) were released. In the absence of the Bollywood film both proved successful where Yalghaar earned 17-19 crore and MVLU earned 13 crore. The main business circuit of Urdu films is Sindh, Punjab and Islamabad Capital Territory. Urdu films have a limited release in the cantonment areas of Balochistan and KPK In the absence of any Bollywood film, four Urdu films were announced to be released on the Eidul Fitr 2018. All four films are of diverse genres providing ample choice to cine goers to choose one as per their choice. 7 Din Mohabbat In (سات دن محبت ان) Starring superstar Mahira Khan alongside her Ho Mann Jahan co-star Sheheryar Munawar, 7 Din Mohabbat In (7DMI) is all set to release on Eid ul Fitr. It has been directed by duo of Meenu Gaur and Farjad Nabi, whose debut directorial venture Zinda Bhaag (2013) became the first Pakistani film to be submitted for an Oscar consideration. Written by Fasih Bari Khan, the romantic comedy shows the life of Tipu (essayed by Munawar) on a quest to find his true love and the troubles he encounters during his journey. The film also marks Mira Sethi’s big screen debut and has an all-star cast that includes names such as Amna Ilyas, Jawed Sheikh, Hina Dilpazeer, Aamir Qureshi, Rimal Ali, Adnan Shah Tipu, Mira Sethi and Beo Zafar. 7 Din Mohabbat In will be Mahira and Sheheryar’s second film together after Asim Raza’s Ho Mann Jahaan (2016), where Sheheryar Munawar is appearing in a film after a gap of 2.5 years. 7DMI is the debut film for Hina Dilpazeer, Rimal Ali and Mira Sethi. Transgender artist Rimal Ali will perform on a dance number in this film too. It is also the first film by Herald Entertainment Company and Dawn Films, a film house of Dawn Media and Publications. Outside Pakistan, 7DMI will be distributed by B4U movies. 7DMI will also release in North America, Europe, Middle East, Australia/NZ, Africa and South East Asia. Film: 7 Din Mohabbat In (سات دن محبت ان) Release Date: 15th or 16th June 2017 Genre: Romcom Cast: Mahira Khan, Sheheryar Munawar Siddiqui, Mira Sethi, Amna Ilyas, Jawed Sheikh, Hina Dilpazeer, Aamir Qureshi, Adnan Shah Tipu, Beo Zafar Music by: Arshad Mehmood,Shuja Haider,Shani Arshad, Waqar Ali, Sheraz Uppal Written by: Fasih Bari Khan Directed by: Meenu Gaur, Farjad Nabi Producers: Nazafreen Saigol, Lakhani Shakeel, Masud Hussain, Sheikh Amjad Rasheed Production House: Dawn Films Distributor: Dawn Films & IMGC Global Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/7DinMohabbatIn/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Qa_DNWlYlA Azaadi (آزادی ) Moammar Rana and Sonya Hussyn starer Azaadi is also releasing on Eidul Fitr. The film is about finding freedom and is a love story set against the backdrop of the freedom struggle in Jammu and Kashmir. The titular character Azaad is being essayed by Moammar Rana. He is shown to be a freedom fighter who chooses Kashmir over love, career, and family, whereas Sonya Hussyn is essaying a British journalist of Pakistani roots who loves Azaad. Besides Rana and Hussyn, veteran actor Nadeem will be essaying Moammar’s father in the film. By the looks of the trailer, Azaadi seems to be packed with a lot of action and impressive visual effects. Azaadi is directed by Imran Malik the son of late great director Parvez Malik. Imran’s first film as director was Tere Bin Jiya Na Jaye in 2005 and Azaadi is his second film. Azaadi is Sonya Hussyn second film after Moor (2015). Film: Azaadi (آزادی ) Release Date: 15th or 16th June 2017 Genre: Action Cast: Moammar Rana, Sonya Hussyn, Nadeem, Maryam Ansari, Erum Azam, Ali Fateh, Maryam Khalif Music by: Sahir Ali Bagga Written by: Wajid Zuberi Directed by: Imran Malik Producers: Irfan Malik, Imran Malik Production House: Parvez Malik Films Distributor: ARY Films Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Azaadi-803318393140295/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U71A8kn_h64 Wajood (وجود) Wajood is directed by Javed Sheikh where his last film as director Khullay Aasman Ke Neeche was released in 2008. Starring Danish Tamoor, Saeeda Imtiaz and Aditi Singh in the key roles, Wajood has veteran artists Shahid, Nadeem and Javed Sheikh in the supporting cast. A romantic thriller it is shot in Turkey. Danish Taimoor, will be seen essaying the character of a pilot, while Jawed Sheikh is possibly essaying the villain’s role. It is the first film of Saeeda Imtiaz in a lead role, as she had earlier appeared in a dance number in Raasta (2017). Indian artist Aditi Singh is also part of this film. Frieha Altaf is making her big screen debut from this film, while Ali Saleem is also appearing in a key role. Like the past films of Javed Sheikh, Wajood has melodious music well shot on the scenic locations of Turkey. Film: Wajood (وجود) Release Date: 15th or 16th June 2017 Genre: Romantic/Thriller Cast: Danish Tamoor, Saeeda Imtiaz, Aditi Singh, Nadeem, Shahid, Javed Sheikh, Frieha Altaf, Shaheen Khan, Asad Mehmood, Ali Saleem Music by: Sahir Ali Bagga Written by: Babar Kashmiri Directed by: Javed Sheikh Producers: Moomal Sheikh and Shahzad Sheikh Production House: Distributor: Distribution Club Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wajoodthefilm/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gL9gShbxYR0 Na Band Na Baraati (نا بینڈ نا باراتی) Na Band Na Baraati is a romantic comedy feature film. The film trails lives of a few Pakistani families in Canada. It has a mix of culture, compassion, love, mischief’s, and entertainment. Starring Mikaal Zulfiqar, Nayab Khan and Shayan Khan in key roles, it has established names like Qavi Khan, Atiqa Odho and Mehmood Akhter in the supporting cast. The film is shot entirely in Canada. It is the Mikaal Zulfiqar’s first Pakistani film in a leading role. Earlier he has appeared in supporting roles in God Father The Legend Continues (2007) and Cake (2018). The film was due to release on 6th July 2018, however its release date is pushed back as another film Parwaaz Hai Junoon by the same distributor is delayed. Film: Na Band Na Baraati (نا بینڈ نا باراتی) Release Date: 15th or 16th June 2017 Genre: Romcom Cast: Mikaal Zulfiqar, Ali Kazmi, Shayan Khan, Qavi Khan, Atiqa Odho, Komal Farooqi, Azra Mohyeddin, Nayab Khan, Saram Jaffery, Anzelikha Tahir, Kashif Ahmed and Zuhair Jaffery Music by: Ayaz Sonu Written by: Harish Kumar Patel Directed by: Mahmood Akhtar Producers: Khawar Farooqi, Nighat Farooqi & Zain Farooqi Production House: Zashko Films Distributor: Hum Films & Everready Films Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nbnbmovie/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdJFbA0Jtx8 Punjabi Films Punjabi is the largest spoken language in Pakistan. For almost five decades Punjabi cinema has proved to be the backbone of our cinema and film industry. The success of Punjabi films also provided a space for Urdu cinema to flourish. However after Urdu cinema, Punjabi film making has also been extinct till the end of last decade. Unlike Urdu cinema there has been no considerable effort to revive the Punjabi cinema. Every year very few Punjabi films of inferior quality are produced which hardly add any value towards the dysfunct Punjabi cinema. Three Punjabi films are expected to release on this Eid which are traditional gandasa films. The punjabi films will only release in the Punjab province. The name of the Punjabi films are Faisla Gujjar Da (فیصلہ گجر دا), Malik Bahadur (ملک بہادر) and Market (مارکیٹ). The trailers of the Punjabi films are not available online. 
Pashto Films Pashto is the second largest spoken language in Pakistan after Punjabi. Pashto cinema was the third most successful film circuit after Punjabi and Urdu films. Unlike Urdu and Punjabi cinema which faded a decade ago, Pashto cinema has survived well despite dismal situation of law and order in its circuit. Pashto cinema seldom gets the attention of the mainstream media, still Pashto films have successfully retained their viewership . Pashto cinema has its own dedicated circuit in the province of KPK, Balochistan (Quetta) and Sindh (Karachi only) where native Pashto speaker live in large numbers. Apart from Pakistan, Pashto films sometimes are also released in UAE (Dubai/Sharjah) and Afghanistan (Kabul). The leading artists of the Pashto cinema are Shahid Khan, Jahangir Jani, Arbaaz Khan and Ajab Gull. Four Pashto films are expected to release on this film namely Paidageer (پیدا گیر) , Ziddi O Badmash (ضدی او بدمعاش), Zandaan (زندان) and Kashar Khan Loafar Da (کشر خان لوفر دے). The trailer of all these Pashto films are available online, but here only one poster is added. 
So it sums up this compilation of the films coming on Eidul Fitr. All the four Urdu films of Eid are of diverse genre so hopefully we can find one of our choice. Wish all the readers a happy and prosperous Eidul Fitr. Keep supporting Pakistani cinema. Thanks for your time. Rashid Nazir Ali
2017 has so far proved a dismal year with respect to local cinema. A total of five main stream Urdu films are released in this year all of which failed to do any considerable business. Thora Jee Le (January), Whistle (February), Balu Mahi (February), Raasta (March) and Chalay Thay Saath (April) are the five movies released this year where no Urdu film was released in the month of May. Due to the Holy Muslim month of Ramazan no film is scheduled throughout the major part of June as well.
Chalay Thay Saath the last released Urdu film of 2017 was released on 21st April 2017. So from 21st April 2017 to 26th June 2017 it has been a two month dry season for Urdu cinema.
The two major festive occasion in our country are the Eidul Fitr and Eidul Azha which spread over atleast three holidays. These long holidays provide ample time for family reunion and outing plans, which in result benefit the entertainment industry including cinema and theaters.
To cash on these holidays the major films of the year are scheduled for Eid. Eidul Fitr has traditionally been the occasion when the most successful film of the year was released. However from past one decade, Eidul Azha has won the priority of the Urdu film makers.
The major Urdu films which once were specific to Eidul Fitr are now released on Eidul Azha. The most significant reason is the direct competition with the Bollywood film. Every Eidul Fitr a major Khan (Salman or Shahrukh) starring Bollywood film is also released which eats up the majority of the shows and revenue of Eidul Fitr holidays.
On 2015’s Eidul Fitr, Bollywood’s Bajrangi Bhaijan (BB) emerged blockbuster. Due the enormous success of BB, many shows of the two Urdu films Bin Roye and Wrong No. also released on Eidul Fitr were shifted to BB. Though eventually Wrong No. and Bin Roye also proved successful but their business was impacted by BB.
On 2016’s Eidul Fitr, Bollywood’s Sultan made many new records of collections like most earning in a single day, most earning on a weekend. The film earned around 34 crore and became the highest earning Bollywood film in the Pakistan. Two Urdu films Swaal 700 Crore Dollar Ka (SSCDA) and Blind Love were also due to release on Eidul Fitr in 2016. But due to unavailability of shows Blind Love was not released and the only film SSCDA struggled against Bollywood’s Sultan.
Thus to avoid direct competition with the Eid release of Bollywood, major Urdu film makers are opting for Eidul Azha over Eidul Fitr. However this year few big budgeted Urdu films are releasing on Eidul Fitr. The performance of these Urdu films might determine the future of scheduling of Urdu films on Eidul Fitr. If successful the noted film makers might opt Eidul Fitr again over Eidul Azha.
Here is a summary of the films coming on Eidul Fitr 2017
Bollywood: Tubelight
Bollywood films have a proven solid market in Pakistan. The loyalty of Bollywood fans in Pakistan is unmatched that even the tense relationship of India and Pakistan hardly impact the business of Bollywood films in Pakistan. The only Bollywood Eid release of 2017 is Tubelight starring Salman Khan. Due to a history of the overwhelming response towards Khan starer Bollywood films, the premier show times at cinemas are allotted to these films. Like the Bollywood films released on Eid in previous years Tubelight is expected to outshine all the other films on this Eidul Fitr too.
Due to the pressure of local film makers Tubelight might will see a delayed release after few days of Eid to provide space for local films.
As per press reports Tubelight is based on the 1962 war fought between Indian and China. This war resulted in a humiliating defeat for India and as a result relationship among India and China are still not friendly.
Bollywood films enjoy widespread success at major and small urban centers, modern multiplexes and traditional single screen cinemas alike. The main business hub of Bollywood films is the provinces of Punjab, Sindh and the Islamabad Capital Territory.
Urdu Films
Urdu is the national language of Pakistan and Urdu cinema is gradually recovering after its extinction in the last decade. In 2016 only one Urdu films SSCDA was released on Eidul Fitr which failed to leave any impact. However situation looks promising as two big budgeted Urdu films are releasing on this Eidul Fitr. A third film Shor Sharaba was also announced on Eid but later pulled back.
The main business circuit of Urdu films is Sindh, Punjab and Islamabad Capital Territory. Urdu films have a limited appeal in the provinces of Balochistan and KPK
Yalghaar (یلغار)
The most prominent Urdu film of this Eidul Fitr is Yalghaar. This film was announced on December 2013 after the historical success of Urdu (multilingual) film Waar released in October 2013. Hassan Waqas Rana the producer of Waar, directed the Yalghaar apart from being the producer and writer.
Some big names of Urdu cinema Shaan, Humayun Saeed are appearing together for the very first time in a film. Further to this the film has a huge cast of new and experienced artists like Adnan Siddiqi, Sana Bucha, Aisha Umar, Bilal Ashraf, Armeena Rana Khan, Aleeze Nasr, Ayub Khoso.
Yalghaar is the debut film for Adnan Siddiqi, Sana Bucha, Aleeze Nasr, Naeem Haque and few other artists. Like Waar, Yalghaar is also an action film based on security operations. This film covers the Peochar operation of 2009 in the Swat Valley.
The film took almost three years to complete and thus have huge expectations associated with it. The film started by ARY Films a film distribution company but in 2015, Hum Films acquired its rights for distribution. Apart from Pakistan, Yalghaar is also releasing in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa (East & South) and Asia-Pacific region.
It will be interesting to see the head to head performance of Yalghaar vs Bollywood’s Tubelight. Yalghaar is produced in Islamabad.
Film: Yalghaar (یلغار)
Release Date: 26th or 27th June 2017
Genre: Action
Cast: Shaan Shahid, Humayun Saeed, Adnan Siddiqui, Asher Azeem Gill, Naeem Haque, Gohar Rasheed, Bilal Ashraf, Owais Shiekh, Ahmad Taha Ghani, Wali Yousuf, Irfan Gilani, Atiya Khan, Sana Bucha, Ayesha Omar, Aleeze Nasser, Armeena Rana Khan, Uzma Khan and many more
Music Arrangement: Akash Pervaiz
Written by: Dr. Hassan Waqas Rana
Directed by: Dr. Hassan Waqas Rana
Executive Producer: Javeria Hassan Rana
Produced by: Dr. Hassan Waqas Rana
Production House: Mindworks Media
Distributor: Hum Films
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YALGHAAR/
Mehrunnissa V Lub You (مہرالنسا وی لب یو)
Mehrunnissa V Lub You (MVLY) is the second film directed by Yasir Nawaz and produced by YNH (Yasir Nawaz, Nida Yasir, Hassan Zia Films) Films. The first film of this team Wrong No (WN) proved successful when released on Eidul Fitr in 2015. Though Wrong No was an ARY Films, MVLY is distributed by Urdu1 Films.
Like WN, Danish Taimoor and Javed Sheikh are also a part of MVLY. MVLY is also a Romcom like Wrong No. Another common highlight of Wrong No. and MVLY is the inclusion of item song performed by famous model Amna Ilyas. Sana Javed a well known name of TV dramas will be making big screen debut from MVLY
MVLY is shot on an expensive set costing around 20 million rupees (2 crore). The set shows the busy inner city area of Karachi. WN in 2015 the last film from the same team earned around 15 crore and MVLY is expected to also earn big. Traditionally films of light romantic comedies genre have been the most successful genre in our local cinema and MVLY is targeting the same audience. MVLY is produced in Karachi
Famous Indian filmmaker and lyricist Gulzar has penned the lyrics for this film, while Indian singers like Sukhwinder Singh has also provided vocals.
Film: Mehrunnissa V Lub You (مہرالنسا وی لب یو)
Release Date: 26th or 27th June 2017
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Cast: Qavi Khan, Jawed Sheikh, Danish Taimoor, Sana Javed, Saqib Sumeer, Nida Mumtaz, Nayyer Ejaz, Sarah Omair Siddiqi, Adnan Saeed
Guest Apperance: Arshad Mehmood, Leyla Zubairi, Dr. Faraz Manan
Special Apperance: Hinna Khawaja Bayat, Amna Ilyas
Music: Simab Sen
Screenplay: Yasir Nawaz & Saqib Sumeer
Dialogues: Saqib Sumeer
Story: Yasir Nawaz
Directed by: Yasir Nawaz
Produced by: Yasir Nawaz, Nida Yasir, Dr. Hassan Zia
Production House: YNH Films
Distributor: Urdu1 Films & Everready Productions
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YNHFILMS
Punjabi Films
Punjabi is the largest spoken language in Pakistan. For almost five decades Punjabi cinema has proved to be the backbone of our cinema and film industry. The success of Punjabi films also provided a space for Urdu cinema to flourish.
However after Urdu cinema, Punjabi film making has also been extinct till the end of last decade. Unlike Urdu cinema there has been no considerable effort to revive the Punjabi cinema. Every year very few Punjabi films of inferior quality are produced which hardly add any value towards the disfunct Punjabi cinema.
Two Punjabi films are expected to release on this Eid which are traditional gandasa films. The punjabi films will only release in the Punjab province.
Dushman (دشمن)
Cast: Moammar Rana, Khusbho, Babrik Shah, Afreen Pari, Dua Qureshi, Haider Sultan, Shahid, Nawaz Khan, Jahangir Jani, Achi Khani, Shafqat Cheema
Director: Masood Butt
Producer: Chaudhary Yaqoob
Malik Bahadur (ملک بہادر)
Cast:Moammar Rana, Sobia Khan, Arbaz Khan, Sahar Malik, Jahangir Jani, Wali Bukhari, Rahila Agha, Anila Agha, Nisha Bhatti, Nasir Chinioti
Director:Maqsood Ahmed
Producer: Qaiser Piya
Pashto Films
Pashto is the second largest spoken language in Pakistan after Punjabi. Pashto cinema was the third most successful film circuit after Punjabi and Urdu films. Unlike Urdu and Punjabi cinema which faded a decade ago, Pashto cinema has survived well despite dismal situation of law and order in its circuit. Pashto cinema seldom gets the attention of the mainstream media, still Pashto films have successfully retained their viewership.
Pashto cinema has its own dedicated circuit in the province of KPK, Balochistan (Quetta) and Sindh (Karachi only) where native Pashto speaker live in large numbers. Apart from Pakistan, Pashto films are also released in UAE (Dubai/Sharjah) and Afghanistan (Kabul).
The leading artists of the Pashto cinema are Shahid Khan, Jahangir Jani, Arbaaz Khan and Ajab Gull. Total five Pashto films are expected to release on this Eidul Fitr.
Zakhmona (زخمونہ)
Cast: Arbaz Khan, Ajab Gull, Afreen Pari
Directed By : Shahid Usman
Produced By : Zahoor Abbas & Afreen Pari
Das Khush Bamani (دس خوشی بامنی)
Cast: Shahid Khan & Dua Qureshi
Directed By : Arshad khan
Sata Mohabbat Mi Zindagi Da (ستا محبت می زندگی دا)
Cast: Arbaz Khan, Jahangir Jani, Sobia Khan
Directed By : A K Khan
Produced By : Muzafar Khan
Co Producer : Arshad Khattak
Writer: Sajjad Ali
Giriftar (گرفتار)
Cast: Shahid khan, Jahangir Jani,Sobia khan ,Sumbal khan,Sidra Noor
Directed By: Nadar Khan
Produced By: Shahzeb Khan
Gul Jana (گل جاناں)
Staring Aryan Khan & Afreen Pari
Directed By : Liaqat Ali Khan
So it sums up the films coming on the Eidul Fitr 2017.
Thanks for reading. Wishing everyone a happy Eidul Fitr.
Rashid Nazir Ali
The festive occasion of Eidul Azha is coming on the Saturday 2nd September 2016 where four holidays from 1st September 2017 – 4th September 2017 are announced by the federal government. Such long holiday season provides a favorable window for film business.
Any such long holidays like Eidul Fitr, Eidul Azha, Christmas, Independence Day come with the screening of some big banner movies. Among all such long holidays; in recent times Eidul Azha has emerged as the most successful time of the year for the Pakistani cinema.
Since the so-called revival of Urdu cinema from 2013, the most successful Urdu film of the year has been released on Eidul Azha. The main factor for this can be the absence of a big banner Bollywood movie. On Eidul Fitr normally a Khan starer big banner Bollywood film is released which takes the lion share of screen shows and business thus reducing the chances of any local film. So it makes Eidul Azha more lucrative for local film makers and viewers.
From 2013, Eidul Azha holidays have seen massive business by local releases.
2013 > Waar earned a mammoth 23 crore in Pakistan and became the most successful Urdu film ever
2014 > Namaloom Afraad earned 12 – 13 crore to become the highest earning Pakistani film of 2014
2015> Jawani Phir Nahin Aani earned around 35 crore and became the most successful Pakistani film ever.
2016> Actor In Law earned around 24 crore to become the highest earning film of 2016. The second highest earning Urdu film of 2016 Janaan (which earned 17 crore in Pakistan) was also released on Eidul Azha. So collectively the Eidul Azha films earned between 40 – 45 crore in total in the local market. These films also earned well abroad in Europe and North America.
With such favorable response, the leading film makers target Eidul Azha holidays for their high budgeted films. This Eidul Azha two big budgeted Urdu films are releasing while one Urdu film is re-releasing.
Apart from Urdu, regional films in Pashto and Punjabi are also releasing on this Eid. Two Bollywood films are also releasing on this Eidul Azha. Though Eidul Azha is coming on Saturday 2nd September 2017, but all these films are releasing on Friday 1st September 2017 which starts the Eidul Azha holiday weekend.
So lets go through the films coming on this Eidul Azha.
Bollywood Films
Bollywood films are the life line of the Pakistani cinema industry. The consistent performance of Bollywood films in Pakistani cinemas has provided stability to this industry and has also attracted new investment. Bollywood films are very popular among local cine goers and attract viewers from all sections of society.
Two Bollywood Hindi films are releasing on this Eid which are Badshaho (بادشاہو) and Beimaan Love (بے ایمان لو). Normally the Bollywood film released on Eidul Fitr leads the business race against the local Urdu films. However the Bollywood films released on Eidul Azha have not been able to earn more than the local Urdu films. So if Bollwood film is the winner on Eidul Fitr, the winner on Eidul Azha is the local Urdu films.
Lets see the performance of Bollywood Eidul Azha releases since 2013.
In 2013, Waar earned 23 crore while Bollywood film Boss earned less than 10 crore
In 2014, Namaloom afraad earned 13 crore while Bollywood film Bang Bang earned less than 10 crore
In 2015, Jawani Phir Nahin Aani earned between 35 crore – 40 crore while Bollwood film Kis Kis ko Pyar karoon only earned around 6 – 7 crore
In 2016, all three Urdu films Actor In Law (24 crore), Janaan (17 crore) and Zindagi Kitni Haseen Hai (7 crore) earned more than the Bollywood film Baar Baar Dekho (3 – 4 crore)
As per the press reports out of the two Bollywood releases i.e. Baadshaho and Beimaan Love, Baadshaho is expected to earn more.
Urdu films
Urdu is the national language of Pakistan which is spoken and understood in all the provinces and regions of Pakistan.
The main business circuit of Urdu films is the Provinces of Sindh, Punjab and the Islamabad Capital Territory. Urdu films see a limited release in the provinces of KPK and Balochistan. In KPK and Balochistan, Urdu films are only screened in few cinemas of Cantonment area.
This Eidul Fitr two new Urdu films are releasing. Both these films are high budgeted big banner movies. One Urdu film is re-releasing on this Eid as well.
Punjab Nahin Jaongi (پنجاب نہیں جاؤں گی)
Punjab Nahin Jaongi (PNJ) is produced by almost the same team of Jawani Phir Nahin Aani (JPNA) released on Eidul Azha 2015. JPNA proved blockbuster and to date is the highest earning film of Pakistan in any language.
Like JNPA, PNJ also stars Humayun Saeed and Mehwish Hayat in the lead while Nadeem Baig is the director. The major highlight of PNJ is the writer Khalilur Rehman Qamar (KRQ). KRQ last wrote the film Koi Tujh Sa Kahan in 2005, so PNJ marks his comeback on the big screen after a long gap of 12 years.KRQ is known for his powerful and insightful dialogs and his fans surely expect a quality script here.
Sohail Ahmed a famous name of Punjabi commercial stage is also making a comeback on the big screen after a long time. Seasoned artist Naveed Shahzad who seldom works in dramas is also making her big screen debut. Saba Hameed is also returning to the big screen after a decade where her debut film Mein Ek Din Laut Ke Aaonga was released in 2007.
Azfar Rehman a well known name of television is also appearing as secondary hero in this film. It is his first prominent appearance on big screen, earlier he done a cameo in the film Manto (2015). Urwa Hocane who last appeared in Namaloom Afraad in 2014 is appearing in a film after a gap of three years from PNJ. Ahmad Butt is also playing a prominent role in PNJ.
PNJ is a film of family drama genre. The film is shot in the cities of Bahawalpur and Karachi and is expected to attract the viewers in the circuit of Punjab as well as Karachi.
In the recent years few films of Family Drama genre have proved successful like Bin Roye (2015), Ho Mann Jahan (2016) and Janaan (2016).
Namaloom Afraad 2 (نامعلوم افراد 2)
Namaloom Afraad 2 (NMA2) is the sequel of superhit Namaloom Afraad released on Eidul Azha 2014. NMA2 features almost the same cast which were in NMA namely Javed Sheikh, Fahad Mustafa, Mohsin Abbas Haider and Urwa Hocane. Nayyer Ejaz is appearing in a prominent role in NMA2, he had a cameo appearance in NMA.
The character of Amber Khan (wife of Javed Sheikh) in NMA has been shown dead and Marina Khan will be paired opposite Javed Sheikh in NMA2. Marina Khan is a well known face of the television dramas and NMA2 is her debut film.
The character of Kubra Khan is also not part of NMA2, instead Hania Aamir will appear in NMA2 paired opposite Mohsin Abbas Haider. Marina Khan and Hania Aamir are playing mother and daughter in NMA2.
NMA also featured Mehwish Hayat in the item song Billi. In NMA2, the super model Sadaf Kanwal is doing the dance number Kaifo Suroor.
Like NMA, NMA2 is also a comedy film. In the recent years films of comedy genre have proved the most popular genre in local Urdu films followed by films of action and family drama genre. So NMA2 is expected to give a tough competition to PNJ on Eidul Azha.
NMA2 is the third film from the producer Fizza Ali Meerza and director Nabeel Qureshi. Their previous two films NMA(2014) and Actor In Law (2016) were also released on Eidul Azha and proved the highest earning films of the respective year.
Bhai Log (بھائی لوگ)
Bhai Log is an Urdu film released in 2011. The film proved average at the box office. After a gap of five years the film is re-releasing on this Eidul Azha.
Bhai Log is directed by Syed Faisal Bukhari and has a long cast featuring Shamoon Abbasi, Moammar Rana, Shafqat Cheema, Babrik Shah, Nadeem, Javed Sheikh, Saima, Noor, Babar Ali, Meera, Sila Hussain and Nayyer Ejaz.
Syed Faisal Bukhari is known for masala commercial films and Bhai Log is also a loud action film.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNa86RKvIv4
Punjabi Films
Punjabi is the largest spoken language in the Pakistan and for almost six decades Punjabi cinema proved the backbone of the Lahore based Pakistan film industry. However the popularity of Punjabi cinema has completely eroded till mid 2000’s. Very few Punjabi action films are now produced based on gandasa theme. Punjabi films are only released in the province of Punjab.
Two Punjabi films are releasing on this Eidul Azha
Sholay (شعلے)
Cast:Nadeem, Moammar Rana, Masood Akhter, Sobia Khan, Nisha Bhatti, Shafqat Cheema
Writer: Muhammad Kamal Pasha
Director: Shahid Rana
Producer: Muhammad Waqas, Muhammad Irfan
Suhaag Diyan Choorian (سہاگ دیاں چوڑیاں)
Cast: Haider Sultan, Suhaina Khan, Sonia Ali, Alia Khan, Raheela Agha, Qadeer Khan, Shafqat Cheema, Shahbaz Akmal
Writer: Nauman Ahmad Figar
Director: Shahzad Haider
Producer: Ishfaq Mughal
Pashto Films
Pashto is the second largest spoken language in Pakistan. Pashto speakers reside in all the provinces of Pakistan in considerable numbers. The circuit of Pashto films is the province of KPK (Peshawar, Mardan, Swat), Balochistan (Quetta) and Sindh (Karachi). Normally Pashto films are not released in Punjab but sometimes there is a limited release in the city of Rawalpindi. The famous artist of Pashto cinema are Shahid Khan, Jahangir Jani, Ajab Gul, Arbaaz Khan and Babrik Shah. Pashto films are mostly male oriented of action genre. The famous female artists of Pashto films are Sobia Khan, Afreen Pari and Dua Qureshi.
Pashto cinema has its own dedicated circuit and usually all the Pashto films recover their budget easily even if they are not successful.
Three Pashto films are coming on Eidul Azha which are Lambe (لمبے) , Shaddal Zalmay (شڈل زلمے) and Jurmo Saza (جرم و سزا)
Lambe (لمبے)
Cast:Arbaaz Khan, Sidra Noor, Ajab Gul, Afreen Pari
Directed by : Shahid Usman
Written by : Saleem Murad
Jurm Ao Saza (جرم و سزا)
Cast: Arbaz Khan, Jahangir Jani, Sidra Noor
Directed By : Arbaaz Khan
Shaddal Zalmay (شڈل زلمے)
Cast: Shahid Khan, Dua Qureshi, Jahangir Jani
Directed By: Arshad Khan
So it sums up the films releasing on this Eidul Azha.
Thanks for your time.
Rashid Nazir Ali
The festive occassion of Eidul Azha is coming on Tuesday 13th September 2016 where three holidays are announced by the federal government. Such long holiday season provides a favorable window for film business.
Any such long holidays like Eidul Fitr, Eidul Azha, Christmas, Independence Day come with the screening of some big banner movies. Among all such long holidays; in recent times Eidul Azha has emerged as the most successful time of the year for Pakistani cinema.
From 2013, the most successful Urdu film of the year was released on Eidul Azha. The main factor can be the absence of a big banner Bollywood movie. On Eidul Fitr normally a Khan starrer big banner Bollywood film is released which takes the lion share of screen shows and business thus reducing the chances of any local film. So it makes Eidul Azha more special for local film makers and viewers.
From 2013, Eidul Azha holidays have seen massive business by local releases. In 2013 Waar earned almost 23 crore and became the most successful Urdu film of all times. In 2014 Namaloom Afraad released on Eidul Azha earned 12 – 13 crore and became the most successful film of the year. In 2015, Jawani Phirr Nahin Aani smashed all previous records of business by any Urdu or Punjabi film. JPNA earned more than 35 crore and became the most successful film ever produced in Pakistan.
This year a total of three Urdu films are releasing produced and distributed by big media houses. On regional cinema four Pashto and two Punjabi film is expected to be released.
Though no Bollywood film is releasing on Eid day on 13th September 2016, still a Bollywood film Baar Baar Dekho releasing on 9th September 2016 is expected to compete local Urdu films releasing on Eid in terms of screens and business at multiplexes.
So lets go through the films releasing on Eidul Azha
Urdu Films
Urdu is the national language of our country and is a mode of communication among all ethnicity and regions. It is the fifth largest spoken language in Pakistan after Punjabi, Pashto, Sindhi and Seraiki. In recent times Urdu cinema is gradually claiming its lost glory. This Eidul Azha three Urdu films are releasing. All these three films are of different genre and type providing ample choice to viewers to pick a film of their taste.
Janaan (جانان)
Janaan (جانان) is considered as the biggest film coming on Eid as it is distributed by ARY Films which to date is the most successful distributor of Urdu films. ARY films has distributed some most successful films of the recent times like Waar (2013), Teen Bahadur (2015), Jawani Phirr Nahin Aani (2015), Ho Mann Jahan (2016).
Lots of factors have contributed towards ever raising expectations from this film. Famous anchor person Reham Khan and artist Hareem Farooq are the co-producer for this film. It is also one of the very few main stream Urdu films which is based on a Pakhtoon family and is not a terrorism based film. The film is produced in Islamabad and shot on scenic locations of Swat valley.
All the three lead artists of the films are appearing first time in a leading role in a Pakistani film. The three main characters of this film are Meena (Armeena Rana Khan), Asfandyar (Bilal Ashraf) and Daniyal (Ali Rehman Khan).
Bilal Ashraf has played a small role in the film O21 (2014), Ali Rehman Khan has done a secondary role in film Slackistan earlier. Armeena Rana Khan appeared as second heroine in the film Bin Roye (2015). So it will be first time for all three artists to appear in the lead roles.
The title track of this film is in the voice of famous Indian singer Armaan Malik. It also features a Pashto song.
Cast: Armeena Rana Khan, Ali Rehman, Bilal Ashraf, Mishi Khan, Ajab Gul, Nayyar Ejaz, Hania Aamir, Usman Muktar, DJ Panni & Jalal Haider.
Release Date: 13th September 2016
Genre: Romantic comedy
Directed By: Azfar Jafri
Written By: Usman Khalid Butt
Produced by: Reham Khan, Hareem Farooq, Munir Hussain & Imran Raza Kazmi
DOP: Rana Kamran
Production Company: IRK Films in association with Munir Hussain Films, PEPE’S PIRI PIRI Group
Distributor: ARY Films
Music By: Salim Suleman, Ahmad Ali & Taha Malik
Post Production: Kantana Post Production (Thailand)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JanaanOfficial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBAZkttoMsE
Actor In Law (ایکٹر ان لاء)
Actor In Law is the second film from the team behind Namaloom Afraad which was the most successful film of 2014. Namaloom Afraad was also released on Eidul Azha in 2014.
The team of Nabeel Qureshi (director), Fizza Ali Meerza (producer), Mehwish Hayat (cameo) and Fahad Mustafa (lead artist) who were in Namaloom Afraad will be seen again in this film. Like Namaloom Afraad it is also produced and shot in Karachi.
Actor In Law has Fahad Mustafa in the lead role and is paired with Mehwish Hayat. Mehwish Hayat also played a cameo appearance in Namaloom Afraad in the item song of Billi. Another highlight of Actor In Law is the presence of acclaimed Indian artist Om Puri in a major supporting role.
The film features songs in the voices of some most popular voices like Asrar, Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.
Actor In Law is backed by the media house Urdu 1. It is the first film distributed by Urdu1 films. The film is produced and shot in Karachi.
Film: Actor In Law
Cast:Fahad Mustafa,Mehwish Hayat,Alyy Khan,Om Puri,Saboor Ali,Irfan Motiwala,Rehan Sheikh,Lubna Aslam,Saleem Mairaj,Saife Hassan,Rashid Khawaja
Release Date:13th September 2016
Genre: Socio-comedy
Written by:Fizza Ali Meerza
Directed by:Nabeel Qureshi
Produced by:Fizza Ali Meerza, Mehdi Ali
Music by:Shani Arshad
Cinematography:Rana Kamran
Production company: Filmwala Pictures
Distributed by: Urdu 1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/actorinlawthefilm/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a673oahgJLU
Zindagi Kitni Haseen Hai (زندگی کتنی حسین ہے)
Zindagi Kitni Haseen Hai (زندگی کتنی حسین ہے) is the third major film of Eidul Azha.Backed by Geo Films perhaps the largest media house of our country. In past Geo Films has distributed some acclaimed as well as successful films like Manto (2015), Moor (2015), Bol (2011), Ramchand Pakistani (2008).
Produced and shot in Karachi it stars Sajal Ali and Feroze Khan in the lead roles. It is the debut film for both of these. Both Sajal and Feroze have been paired earlier in famous dramas like Chupp Raho and Gule Raana.
It is an intense love story of a young married couple facing troubles in their relationship.
The soundtrack of the film is composed by Soch band.
Film: Zindagi Kitni Haseen Hai (زندگی کتنی حسین ہے)
Cast: Sajal Aly, Feroze Khan, Alyy Khan, Rashid Farooqi, Nayyar Ejaz, Shafqat Cheema and Jibrayl Ahmed Rajput
Genre: Family Drama – Romance
Release Date: 13th September 2016
Music: Soch
Director: Anjum Shahzad
Written by: Abdul Khaaliq Khan
Executive Producer: Jahanzaib Quadir
Producer: Rafiq Ahmed Chaudhry, Fahmeeda Abdul Khaliq
Production House: RC Films, King fisher films
Distributor: Geo Films
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZKHHthefilm/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5UhHhwhehc
Pashto Films
Pashto is the second largest spoken language of our country after Punjabi. Unlike Urdu and Punjabi cinema which were completely faded by the end of 2000, Pashto cinema has maintained its viewership and business. Pashto films have their own dedicated circuit where these perform relatively well. Peshawar city is the main hub of Pashto cinema, however majority of Pashto films are mostly produced in Lahore as the studios and laboratories for film processing are located in Lahore. Apart from Peshawar, Quetta, Karachi, Mardan, Swat, Noshehra also have connsiderable viewership of Pashto films. Shahid Khan, Jahangir Jani, Arbaz Khan are the famous heroes of Pashto cinema of current era.
This Eidul Azha a total of four Pashto films are releasing. Though the trailers of these films are available online here mostly their posters are added
Ghulam (غلام)
Cast: Arbaz Khan, Jahangir Jani & others
Directed by: Shahid Usman
Produced by: Zahoor Abbass & Afreen Paree.
Badmashi Ba Maney (بدمعاشی نہ منے)
Cast: Shahid Khan & Sheeba Rani & others
Director: Arshad KhaN
Badmashi Na Manam (بدمعاشی نہ منم)
Cast: Arbaz Khan, Jahangir Jani,Babrik Shah & others
Directed by: Saeed Tehkle
Produced by: Nadir Khan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ri0UCddrjQQ
Za Pagal Yam (زہ پاگل یم)
Cast: Shahid Khan & others
Directed by: Syed Muntazir Shah
Produced by: Habib Khan
Punjabi Films
Punjabi is the largest spoken language of our country and once Punjabi cinema was the backbone of Pakistani film industry. The popularity of Punjabi cinema has been over now. Very few Punjabi films are produced now and those few even struggle at the box office. This Eidul Azha two Punjabi films are releasing
Best of Luck (بیسٹ آف لک)
Best of Luck (بیسٹ آف لک) is a small budgeted Punjabi film produced in Lahore. This film is only releasing in the Punjab circuit . It is the first film of Nisha Malik who committed suicide few days ago in Lahore.
Film: Best of Luck (بیسٹ آف لک)
Cast: Zara malik , Mian Asif, Nisha Malik, Raheela Agha, Zahid Qureshi & others
Genre: Action – Romance
Release Date: 13th September 2016
Music: Zulfiqar Ali Atray
Director: A.Hafeez
Written by: A. Hafeez
Producer: Zain Hafeez
Lal Badshah (لال بادشاہ)
Film: Lal Badshah (لال بادشاہ)
Cast: Shaan, Khushboo, Shafqat Cheema& others
Director: Shahid Rana
So these are the films coming on Eidul Azha 2016. The good thing is all the three main Urdu films are of total different genre and subject so hopefully everyone can choose the movie of their taste.
Keep supporting Pakistani cinema.
Trailer of Urdu films courtesy of PakistaniCinema Fan page channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAgBFzV3J4hrbRMcBcsehvg
https://www.facebook.com/PakistaniCinema
Rashid Nazir Ali
September the ninth month of the year 2017 has started. In the past two public holidays of Defence Day (6th September 2017) and Quaid-e-Azam Death Aniversary (11th September 2017) fall, however after 1998 both these public holidays were cancelled.
From 2015, the festive muslim event of Eidul Azha also falls in this month. This year Eidul Azha is on 2nd September 2017. In recent years Eidul Azha has emerged as the most successful weekend for the Pakistani cinema. From 2013 onwards the one of the Eidul Azha release has proved the most successful Pakistani film of the year.
The new year of Islamic Hijri calendar starting with the month of Moharram is also falling in September 2017 (starting from 20th September). No new film is released in the first ten days of Moharram while cinemas are also closed from 8th – 10th Moharram. So it effectively leaves twenty days of cinema business in this month.
Last year a total of four Urdu films were released in the month of September, where three were released on Eidul Azha 2016. This year three films are releasing in the month of September, where two are releasing on Eidul Azha. All the three films are of different genre and provide plenty of variety to cine goers with respect to their choice and preference.
Punjab Nahin Jaongi (پنجاب نہیں جاؤں گی)
Punjab Nahin Jaongi (PNJ) is produced by almost the same team of Jawani Phir Nahin Aani (JPNA) released on Eidul Azha 2015. JPNA proved blockbuster and to date is the highest earning film of Pakistan in any language. PNJ is releasing on Eidul Azha.
Like JNPA, PNJ also stars Humayun Saeed and Mehwish Hayat in the lead while Nadeem Baig is the director. The major highlight of PNJ is the writer Khalilur Rehman Qamar (KRQ). KRQ last wrote the film Koi Tujh Sa Kahan in 2005, so PNJ marks his comeback on the big screen after a long gap of 12 years.KRQ is known for his powerful and insightful dialogs and his fans surely expect a quality script here.
Sohail Ahmed a famous name of Punjabi commercial stage is also making a comeback on the big screen after a long time. Seasoned artist Naveed Shahzad who seldom works in dramas is also making her big screen debut. Saba Hameed is also returning to the big screen after a decade where her debut film Mein Ek Din Laut Ke Aaonga was released in 2007.
Azfar Rehman a well known name of television is also appearing as secondary hero in this film. It is his first prominent apperance on big screen, earlier he done a cameo in the film Manto (2015). Urwa Hocane who last appeared in Namaloom Afraad in 2014 is appearing in a film after a gap of three years from PNJ. Ahmad Butt is also playing a prominent role in PNJ.
PNJ is a film of family drama genre. The film is shot in the cities of Bahawalpur and Karachi and is expected to attract the viewers in the circuit of Punjab as well as Karachi.
In the recent years few films of Family Drama genre have proved successful like Bin Roye (2015), Ho Mann Jahan (2016) and Janaan (2016). Though few circles criticize such films as “tv drama on big screen”, still this genre has grown its own audience in Pakistan as well outside Pakistan. Especially in UK the Urdu films of Family Drama genre have proved successful.
Film: Punjab Nahin Jaongi (پنجاب نہیں جاؤں گی)
Release Date: 1st September 2017 (Eidul Azha)
Genre: Family Drama
Cast: Humayun Saeed, Saba Hameed, Mehwish Hayat, Waseem Abbas, Urwa Hocane, Ahmed Ali Butt, Azfar Rehman, Sohail Ahmed, Naveed Shahzad, Waseem Abbas, Behroz Sabzwar, Safina Behroz
Written by: Khalilur Rehman Qamar
Directed by: Nadeem Baig
Produced by: Humayun Saeed, Salman Iqbal, Jarjees Seja, Shahzad Nasib
Production House: Six Sigma, Salman Iqbal Films
Distributor: ARY Digital
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/pnjthemovie
Namaloom Afraad 2 (نامعلوم افراد 2)
Namaloom Afraad 2 (NMA2) is the sequel of super hit Namaloom Afraad released on Eidul Azha 2014. NMA2 features almost the same cast which were in NMA namely Javed Sheikh, Fahad Mustafa, Mohsin Abbas Haider and Urwa Hocane. Nayyer Ejaz is appearing in a prominent role in NMA2, he had a cameo appearance in NMA.
The character of Amber Khan (wife of Javed Sheikh) in NMA has been shown dead. Marina Khan is a well known face of the television dramas and NMA2 is her debut film.
The character of Kubra Khan is also not part of NMA2, instead Hania Aamir will appear in NMA2 paired opposite Mohsin Abbas Haider. Marina Khan and Hania Aamir are playing mother and daughter in NMA2.
NMA also featured Mehwish Hayat in the item song Billi. In NMA2, the super model Sadaf Kanwal is doing the dance number Kaifo Suroor.
Like NMA, NMA2 is also a comedy film. In the recent years films of comedy genre have proved the most popular genre in local Urdu films followed by films of action and family drama genre. So NMA2 is expected to give a tough competition to PNJ on Eidul Azha.
NMA2 is the third film from the producer Fizza Ali Meerza and director Nabeel Qureshi. Their previous two films NMA(2014) and Actor In Law (2016) were also released on Eidul Azha and proved the highest earning films of the respective year.
Film: Namaloom Afraad 2 (نامعلوم افراد 2)
Release Date: 1st September 2017
Genre: Comedy
Cast: Fahad Mustafa, Mohsin Abbas Haider, Urwa Huccain, Hania Amir and Jawed Sheikh
Music: Shani Arshad
Directed by: Nabeel Qureshi
Associate Producer: Ghouse Qadri
Produced by: Fizza Ali Meerza & Muhammad Mehdi
Production House: Filmwala Productions
Distributor: Urdu1 Films
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/nma2official
Saawan (ساون)
Saawan (ساون) is the third film releasing in September 2017. Saawan is shot in Quetta and its adjoining areas in the Balochistan province. The biggest highlight of Saawan is, it is the Pakistan’s 2017 nomination to the Oscars award for the “Foreign Language Film Category”.
The film has also won Best Foreign Language Feature Film award at Madrid International Film Festival few months ago. The film covers multiple social issues.
Saawan is inspired by a true events:Struggle of a 9 year old Polio Victim Child. Public Awareness:1- Polio awareness, 2- Child trafficking 3- Woman bravery 4- WATER Crisis.
The official Facebook page describes the Plot Outline of Saawan as
Inspired by a true story of a disabled child, who is innocent, generous and most of all courageous.
This is a story of a people where poverty predominates, and the habitants live on a basic theory of “survival of the fittest”.
In the middle of this quintessential beauty, serenity and wilderness is a town that has been hit by a severe natural calamity. Sawan now has to face the callous nature and ignorance by all the characters of society all alone.
The tragedy of Sawan has brought together different characters on screen: an inspiring mother, a TV reporter, a common criminal, a child abductor, the cruel landlord and an ambivalent father.
These towering mountains, and intermittent gust of terrible winds across the mountains, haunt Saawan, but he has decided to fight to live for his family.
Saawan is a glimpse into the hope of tomorrow and is a lesson for many today that ignore such children during their daily walk of life.
Film: Saawan (ساون)
Release Date: 15th September 2017
Genre: Social
Cast: Karam Hussein, Mohammad Abbass, Danial Younus, Mehak Zulfiqar, Mohammad Ali, Najiba Faiz, Saleem Mairaj, Imran Aslam, Sohail Malik, Sehrish Qadri, Shahid Nizami, Arif Bahalim, Hafeez Ali,Tipu Yorguc Sharif, Nadeem Baig, Retd. Lt. Gen. S.A.A.Najmi
Writer: Mashood Qadri
Directed by: Farhan Alam
Produced by: Mashood Qadri
Production House: Kalakar Films
Distributor: Geo Films
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAAWAN.THE.MOVIE/
Website: http://saawanthemovie.com/index.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heyVzwJeOzY
So these are the three Urdu films releasing in the month of September 2017. All the three films are of different genre and subjects and provide an option to cine goers to choose one as per their personal preference. The first two films are commercial movies while the third one is a parallel cinema film covering multiple social issues.
Before concluding lets briefly discuss a scenario which we might have noticed again and again. On social media and other forums there are many reader/visitors (count me at the top of the list) who repetitively rant and complain about the Urdu commercial movies. Such commenters have multiple concerns with respect to Urdu cinema like
The commercial cinema is not a true reflection of Pakistani society and culture
The commercial cinema shows fictional characters and stories
The treatment of commercial films is inspired from Indian Bollywood films
Why no films on real issues with social theme are made in Pakistan
It is a long debate and the brief answer to the above questions is that Commercial and Parallel cinema live side by side in any country. The success of commercial cinema provides the space to the parallel cinema. Commercial cinema has never been considered a true depiction of a society or country. So expecting reality and true depiction of society from commercial cinema is a plain false expectation. Commercial cinema always has fictional characters and situations, there may be few real life inspired events but on the whole the commercial cinema is for entertainment only. Mostly the commercial film makers do ensure to also give a message through their commercial films but it is not necessary that every commercial film is message oriented. Commercial cinema runs on the demand and taste of the public who spend their hard earned money to watch the film. So whatever we see in our commercial films is the demand of our cine goers whether we like it or not. Be it songs, dances, over emotional dialogs and situations, loud and gaudy treatment, it all works for the masses who come to cinema for entertainment. Cinema is a restricted medium where visitors opt to come after buying the ticket, no one forces anyone to come to cinema. It is not like television or radio which is free to air or have nominal fees and have access to our houses.
Still to ensure that the limits are enforced, there are censor boards functioning in our country which ensures to remove any scene from the film which is inappropriate and not in line with the defined censor code. The members of our censor board comprises of vast honorable backgrounds. Apart from members from the artist fraternity the member of censor board are senior bureaucrats, retired army officers and even retired judges. So a commercial films comes to us after passing through multiple filters, who decide what is appropriate or inappropriate for a general cinema viewer. So these honorable members of the censor board also carry a major responsibility towards the content of our commercial films.
With respect to “Why no films on real issues with social theme are made in Pakistan”, the answer is there are plenty of such films on average four to five released every year. But sadly such films seldom prove successful and even struggle to cover their expenses. So for a person like me, who loves to rant and complain on social media and showbiz forums about why social theme or reality based films not made in Pakistan, the justified act should be to come out of my cozy drawing room (living room or bed room), go to the cinema, buy the ticket and watch such film. Like Saawan is releasing on 15th September 2017, so I should follow the saying “Actions Speak Louder Than Words“. The success of social themed films will attract further investment and when film makers knew that their is a considerable dedicated viewership of social themed films, they will definitely invest further in it. Consequently the number of such films will also increase. So if I am concerned about the content of Pakistani films, I also owe a certain level of responsibility towards it.
Thanks for your time and reading.
Do provide your valuable feedback
Rashid Nazir Ali.
The month of September has started which also includes the festive occassion of Eidul Azha. Atleast three holidays are expected on Eidul Azha which will provide a favorable window for film makers to screen their work and attract the cine goers. From 2013 Eidul Azha has proved the most successful weekend for Urdu cinema where the most successful Urdu film of the year was released on Eidul Azha.
Unlike Eidul Fitr, no major Bollywood film is scheduled to release on Eidul Azha and absence of a major Bollywood film results in better business of local Urdu films.
On the whole four major Urdu films are lined up for September where three will release on Eidul Azha.
Teri Meri Love Story (تیری میری لو اسٹوری)
This film is directed by Jawwad Bashir and is produced in Lahore. It is the second film directed by Jawwad Bashir, where the horror film Maya released last year in June 2015 was his first film. It is releasing on 2nd September 2016
Jawwad Bashir a multi-talented person is mainly known for directing sitcoms, music videos and Ufone commercials. He was also part of a music band Dr. Aur Billa active in 1990s and also acted in various sitcoms. Ushnah Shah, Omer Shahzad, Leyla Zuberi are making their debut on big screen from this film.
Cast: Salman Shahid,Leyla Zuberi,Mohib Mirza,Uzma Khan,Ushna Shah,Mohsin Abbas Haider,Ahmed Abdul Rehman,Omer Shahzad,,Hassan Khan & Jawad Bashir
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Release Date: 2nd September 2016
Director of Photography:Farhan Golden
Production Designer:Sami Ullah
First Assistant Director:Ahmed Waqas
Choreographer:Nigah Hussain
Music By:Afzal Hussain & Ahsan Pervez
Hair Make up & Styling :Madiha Qaiser
Wardrobe:Hira Zeeshan
Wardrobe Consultant :Roshanay Ghumman
Co Producer:Muhammad Ehtisham
Produced by :Summit Entertainment
Written by:Jawad Bashir & Ahmed Abdul Rehman
Directed by :Jawad Bashir
Distributed by: Summit Entertainment
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeriMeriLoveStory2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yx6j-gq9wFs
Janaan (جانان)
Janaan (جانان)is scheduled to release on Eidul Azha on 12th or 13th September. Considered as the major film coming on Eid as it is distributed by ARY Films which to date is the most successful distributor of Urdu films. Famous anchor person Reham Khan is the co-producer for this film. It is also one of the very few main stream Urdu films which is based on a Pakhtoon family and is not a terrorism based film. The film is produced in Islamabad.
The three main characters of this film are Meena (Armeena Rana Khan), Asfandyar (Bilal Ashraf) and Daniyal (Ali Rehman Khan). The title track of this film is in the voice of famous Indian singer Armaan Malik. It also features a Pashto song.
Cast: Armeena Rana Khan, Ali Rehman, Bilal Ashraf, Mishi Khan, Ajab Gul, Nayyar Ejaz, Hania Aamir, Usman Muktar, DJ Panni & Jalal Haider.
Release Date: Eid Ul Azha 2016 on 12th or 13th September
Genre: Romantic comedy
Directed By: Azfar Jafri
Written By: Usman Khalid Butt
Produced by: Reham Khan, Hareem Farooq, Munir Hussain & Imran Raza Kazmi
DOP: Rana Kamran
Production Company: IRK Films in association with Munir Hussain Films, PEPE’S PIRI PIRI Group
Distributor: ARY Films
Music By: Salim Suleman, Ahmad Ali & Taha Malik
Post Production: Kantana Post Production (Thailand)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JanaanOfficial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBAZkttoMsE
Actor In Law (ایکٹر ان لاء)
Actor In Law is coming on Eidul Azha on 12th or 13th September. The team behind Namaloom Afraad which was the most successful film of 2014 are back with Actor in Law. Namaloom Afraad was also released on Eidul Azha in 2014.
The team of Nabeel Qureshi (director), Fizza Ali Meerza (producer), Mehwish Hayat (cameo) and Fahad Mustafa (lead artist) who were in Namaloom Afraad will be seen again in this film. Like Namaloom Afraad it is also produced and shot in Karachi.
Actor In Law has Fahad Mustafa in the lead role like Namaloom Afraad paired with Mehwish Hayat. Mehwish Hayat also played a cameo appearance in Namaloom Afraad in the item song of Billi. Another highlight of Actor In Law is the presence of acclaimed Indian artist Om Puri.
The film features songs in the voices of Asrar, Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. It is distributed by the Urdu 1.
Film: Actor In Law
Cast:Fahad Mustafa,Mehwish Hayat,Alyy Khan,Om Puri,Saboor Ali,Irfan Motiwala,Rehan Sheikh,Lubna Aslam,Saleem Mairaj,Saife Hassan,Rashid Khawaja
Release Date: Eid Ul Azha 2016 on 12th or 13th September
Genre: Socio-comedy
Written by:Fizza Ali Meerza
Directed by:Nabeel Qureshi
Produced by:Fizza Ali Meerza, Mehdi Ali
Music by:Shani Arshad
Cinematography:Rana Kamran
Production company: Filmwala Pictures
Distributed by: Urdu 1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/actorinlawthefilm/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a673oahgJLU
Zindagi Kitni Haseen Hai (زندگی کتنی حسین ہے)
Zindagi Kitni Haseen Hai (زندگی کتنی حسین ہے) is the third film releasing on Eidul Azha on 12th or 13th September.Produced and shot in Karachi it stars Sajal Ali and Feroze Khan in the lead roles. It is the debut film for both these.
This film is distributed by Geo Films a major distributor of Urdu films.
Film: Zindagi Kitni Haseen Hai (زندگی کتنی حسین ہے)
Cast: Sajal Aly, Feroze Khan, Alyy Khan, Rashid Farooqi, Nayyar Ejaz, Shafqat Cheema and Jibrayl Ahmed Rajput
Genre: Family Drama – Romance
Release Date: Eid Ul Azha 2016 on 12th or 13th September
Music: Soch
Director: Anjum Shahzad
Written by: Abdul Khaaliq Khan
Executive Producer: Jahanzaib Quadir
Producer: Rafiq Ahmed Chaudhry, Fahmeeda Abdul Khaliq
Production House: RC Films, King fisher films
Distributor: Geo Films
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZKHHthefilm/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5UhHhwhehc
So it sums up this compilation of Urdu films coming in September 2016. Keep supporting Pakistani cinema.
Trailer courtesy of PakistaniCinema Fan page channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAgBFzV3J4hrbRMcBcsehvg
https://www.facebook.com/PakistaniCinema
Rashid Nazir Ali
November the eleventh and the second last month of the year 2017 has started. With respect to the Urdu cinema, the last films were released on the 1st September 2017 on the Eidul Azha holidays. Both films Punjab Nahin Janungi (PNJ) and Namaloom Afraad 2 (NMA2) proved successful. Despite this grand success there has been only one Urdu film Saawan (a non-commercial film), released in the rest of September and the month of October. The absence of a new Urdu film provided a longer run to PNJ and NMA2 and both earned above 20 crore, where PNJ earned above 30 crore on the local box office
Coming to November, there were announcements of release of atleast four Urdu films Pari, Tum Hee Ho, Verna and Shor Sharaba. With November starting, only one film (Verna) is releasing while the rest are postponed. It leaves a lot of question marks on the planning of our film makers. It is highly unprofessional to announce the release dates and then cancel it when the end product is not ready. Films like Tum Hee Ho and Shor Sharaba have three announced release dates, which were cancelled later.
So only one Urdu film is releasing in the month of November.
Verna (ورنہ)
Verna, a film by Shoaib Mansoor is perhaps the most awaited film for a while. It is the third film by Shoaib Mansoor, after Khuda Ke Liye (2007) and Bol (2011). Shoaib is known for selective but quality work. His films are not mainstream commercial films but still prove successful and thus Verna has huge expectations associated with it.
After Shoaib Mansoor, Mahira Khan is the other big aspect of Verna. Mahira is appearing in an Urdu film after a gap of almost two years where her last film was Ho Man Jahan (1st January 2016), though she did a cameo in Actor in Law (September 2017). Like the previous films of Shoaib Mansoor, Verna also covers a serious social subject. But Shoaib Mansoor is known for delivering a complicated subject in a subtle manner without being too preachy.
The two male leads of Verna are Haroon Shahid and Zarrar Khan, both making big screen debuts. Haroon Shahid is a singer and Verna is also his first acting assignment. Zarrar Khan has worked in few television dramas like Meri Bahan Maya, Tere Jane Ke Baad before taking a break from showbiz. With Verna, Zarrar Khan is returning to showbiz after a gap of few years. Veteran artist Rasheed Naz is also a part of this film.
Film: Verna
Release Date: 17th November 2017
Genre: Drama
Cast: Mahira Khan,Haroon Shahid,Zarrar Khan,Naimal Khawar,Rasheed Naz
Singers:
Music Director:
Written By: Shoaib Mansoor
Directed by: Shoaib Mansoor
Produced by: Hum Films and Shoman (Shoaib Mansoor) Productions
Production House: Shoman Productions
Distributor: Hum Films
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VernaTheMovie/
Thanks for your time and reading.
Rashid Nazir Ali
November the second last month of the year looks a promising month as five Urdu films are expected to release in this month.
Four out of these Urdu films have confirmed their release dates while release date for one film is not announced yet. The total number of these films is more than any other month of the year 2016. On the whole on all the four fridays of this month a new Urdu film is releasing.
So lets go through the releases of this month
Jeevan Hathi (جیون ہاتھی)
Jeevan Hathi (جیون ہاتھی)(The Elephant in the Room) is directed by Menu Gaur and Farjad Nabi the same team which directed a Pakistani Urdu/Punjabi film Zinda Bhaag in 2013.
Jeewan Hathi (The Elephant in the Room) is written by Faseeh Bari Khan a famous writer of Pakistani drama industry. His most famous drama is Qudusi Sahib Ki Bewah. Jeewan Hathi also stars seasoned artists Hina Dilpazeer with acclaimed Indian artist Naseerudin Shah.
The film is produced by the Indian television channel Zee Zindagi under the initiative of Zeal for Unity. In 2015 Zee Zindagi announced an initiative of Zeal for Unity, producing around 12 films for its short films festival where 6 to be directed/produced in Pakistan by Pakistani directors and team and six to be produced in India with Indian director and team. Jeevan Hathi is one of these short films.
Film: Jeevan Hathi (جیون ہاتھی)
Release Date: 4 November 2016
Genre: Dark Comdey
Language: Urdu
Starring: Naseerudin Shah, Hina Dilpazeer, Samiya Mumtaz, Adnan Jafar, Saifee Hassan, Nazarul Hassan, Fawad Khan, Kiran Tabeer
Directed by: Meenu Gaur & Farjad Nabi
Co-Produced by: Vikas Sharma
Produced by: Shailja Kejriwala, Mazhar Zaidi
Matteela Produced by: Mazhar Zaidi
DOP: Rana Kamran
Music by: Sahir Ali Bagga
Edited by: Armaghan Hasan
Written by: Faseeh Bari Khan
Zeal For Unity Presents A Matteela Films Production
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeewanhathi/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEV935_Z86Q
Lahore Se Aagey (لاہور سے آگے)
Lahore Se Aagey (LSA) is the sequel of the film Karachi Se Lahore (کراچی سے لاہور) (KSL) released on 31st July 2015. KSL proved hit by earning nearly 10 crore.
KSL was a road trip romantic comedy story from Karachi to Lahore. LSA will take the journey further from Lahore to the scenic valley of Swat in the north west of our country. It is the story of the character of Moti (Yasir Hussain) from KSL. Apart from Yasir Hussain, no other artist from KSL is in LSA.
Paired with Yasir Hussain, Saba Qamar known for her powerful performances in many television plays is appearing in a lead role for the very first time. She earlier appeared in a supporting role in the film Manto (2015).
Veteran artist Rubina Ashraf is also making a big screen debut from this film in a supporting role.
Like Karachi Se Lahore, Lahore Se Aagay is also penned down by Yasir Hussain، directed by Wajahat Rauf. The other similarity among both films is presence of two dance numbers. Karachi Se Lahore has Rabbi Rali and Tuti Frooti, Lahore Se Aagay has Qalabaaz and Marcharapa.
Film: Lahore Se Aagay (لاہور سے آگے)
Release Date: 11 November 2016
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Language: Urdu
Starring:Yasir Hussain,Saba Qamar,Mubashir Malik,Rubina Ashraf,Behroze Sabzwari,Abdullah Farhatullah,Noor ul Hassan,Atiqa Odho
Directed by:Wajahat Rauf
Produced by:Wajahat Rauf,Salman Iqbal,Asfand Farouk
Written by:Yasir Hussain
Music by:Shiraz Uppal
Cinematography:Asrad Khan
Edited by:Hasan Ali Khan
Production company:Showcase Productions
Distributed by:ARY Films
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LahoreSeAagey/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vc7JbvZD0PM
Rahm (رحم)
Rahm (رحم) is based on the drama ‘Measure for Measure’ written by Shakespere. Seasoned artists like Sanam Saeed and Sajid Hassan are playing the leading roles in this film. The film is shot entirely in Lahore and its crew comprises of Pakistani and British technicians.
The website of the film describes it as
A Sufi Adaptation of Shakespeare – a plea for tolerance from the heart of the Muslim world.
Lahore at an imagined time ….
A kindly Governor goes into hiding after appointing a younger, puritanical Deputy in his place who is convinced that Lahore needs harsh punishments and strict implementation of laws.
Fear grips the city as a young man is condemned to death for getting his fiancee pregnant on the accusations of her parents. When his sister Sameena goes to meet the Deputy Governor to beg for mercy, he finds her physically irresistible and asks to sleep with her in exchange for commuting the death sentence on her brother. Sameena has to outwit him, and helped by the ex- Governor she tries to turn the tables in a gripping climax.
Starring: Sanam Saeed as Sameena,Sajid Hasan as Governor/Fakir,Sunil Shanker as Qazi Ahad,Nayyar Ejaz as Councillor Kamal,Seerat Jafri as Marium, Khalid Butt as Nawab Sahib, Rohail Pirzada as Qasim Mian
Release Date: 18 November 2016
Director: Ahmed A. Jamal
Written by: Mahmood Jamal
Produced by: Mahmood Jamal
Co-Producers: David Shanks and Ahmed A. Jamal
Director of Photography: Jono Smith.
Edited by : Kant Pan.
Executive Producers: Yasin Alireza and Mahmood Jamal
Co- Executive Producer: Saqib Qureshi
Associate Producer : Omar Shah Ahmed
Line Producer : Matteela Films / Mazhar Zaidi
Art Director: Shehzad Shuja
Sound by : Faiz Zaidi
Unit Production Manager: Furqan Ahmad
Music Composed by : David C. Heath
Music features : The English Chamber Orchestra / John Anderson (Oboe), Gary Kettel (Percussion).Songs by Sami Brothers,Noor Jehan and Reshma
Rahm Website: http://www.rahmthemovie.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDo6l3ijlss
Dobara Phir Se (دوبارہ پھر سے)
Dobara Phir Se (DPS) is directed by Mehreen Jabbar the famous director of dramas known for her signature distinct style. It is her second film after Ramchand Pakistani (2008). While Ramchand Pakistani was more of a parallel cinema film, DPS is a mainstream commercial film.
DPS is shot in Karachi, Pakistan and Newyork state, USA. The trailer of the film was released in July 2016 where the film was expected to release around August 2016. Now it is releasing on 25th November 2016.
Atiqa Odho is appearing on big screen after a long gap where her last film was Mujhe Chaand Chahiye (2000). DPS is also the first mainstream film for Hareem Farooq, Ali Kazmi and Tooba Siddiqi. Hareem Farooq has earlier appeared in horror film Siyah (2013) and Tooba Siddiqi also appeared in a song in the film Wrong No (2015)
Film: Dobara Phir Se (دوبارہ پھر سے)
Release Date: 25 November 2016
Genre: Family Drama
Language: Urdu
Starring: Adeel Husain, Hareem Farooq, Tooba Siddiqui, Atiqa Odho, Sanam Saeed,Shaz Khan,Ali Kazmi and Musa Khan
Director: Mehreen Jabbar
Story by Bilal Sami & Mehreen Jabbar
Music: Haniya Aslam
Screenplay: Bilal Sami
Producer: Salman Iqbal, Mohammad Jerjees Seja, Mehreen Jabbar.
Co produced by: Ilana Rossein, Asif Jamal
Associate Producer: Bilal Sami.
Distributed by ARY Films
Studio:ARY Films in association with Namak Films
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/dobaraphirse/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1UiodQoKeA
Raasta (راستہ)
The exact date of this film is not yet announced however Sahir Lodhi the leading name associated with this film announced it is releasing in November in his morning show on Tv One.
Raasta (راستہ) is produced in Karachi. The film was due to release in May 2016 but then delayed. Saahir Lodhi is playing the lead role apart from writing and co-directing the film.
Aijaz Aslam, is also playing an important role of a Police Officer in the film. The lead pair of the film is Saahir Lodhi and models Abeer Rizvi and Saima Azhar.
Cast: Sahir Lodhi, Abeer Rizvi, Ejaz Aslam, Sana Fakhir, Shamoon Abbasi, Mathira, Naved Raza, Saima Azhar, Saleem Miraj, Irfan motiwala, Esha Noor, Kisa zehra and child star Saniya Mansoor
Written by: Shahid Naqvi and Sahir Lodhi
Story Screenplay and Dailogue by: Sahir Loadhi
Directed by Saqib Siddiqui and Sahir Lodhi
Produced by: Moidul Hassan, Sahir Lodhi, Dr. Faisal Zia
A SAMS Company and HOM Production film with Sahir Lodhi Films
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaastaTheMovie
So it sums up films of November.
Thanks for your time
Rashid Nazir Ali
The first four months (Jan – Apr) of the year 2016 have passed which proved rather dismal when it comes to the number of Urdu films released. There has been only five major Urdu films released till April 2016
January – Ho Mann Jahan (1st January)
February – Bachaana (26 February 2016)
March – Fiker Not (11 March 2016)
April – Maalik (8 April 2016), Hijrat (22 April 2016)
Ho Mann Jahan earned nearly 21 crore (16 crore in Pakistan and 5 crore in the rest of the world), while Bachaana earned around 9 – 10 crore. Maalik (8 April 2016) earned around 4 crore before being banned after running for three weeks. Hijrat (22 April 2016) has proved dead flop and earned less than 1 crore in its opening week.
One major reason for such low numbers of releases was two back to back cricket tournaments. In February 2016, the first edition of Pakistan Super League was organized which was followed by the Cricket T20 World Cup in March 2016. Due to these cricketing events, release of few films was postponed.
This article lists the Urdu films announced to be released in May 2016. Due to the Holy month of Ramazan no film is releasing in June-2016 and thus after May, new Urdu films will be released in July on the festive occasion of Eidul Fitr.
Mahe Mir(ماہ میر)
Release Date: 6 May 2016
Mah-e-Mir is a film based which draws the contrast in life and the ‘Ka’laam’ of poet Meer Taqi Meer with another young and struggling poet.
The highlight of Mahe Mir is the script of Sarmad Sehbai. Iman Ali is appearing in a film after a gap of five years, where Bol in 2011 was her last film.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwMN_EV_fJM
Release Date: 6 May 2016
Starring: Iman Ali, Fahad Mustafa, Sanam Saeed, Ally Khan, Huma Nawab & Manzar Sehbai
Directed By: Anjum Shahzad, Sarmad Sehbai
Written By: Sarmad Sehbai
Production House: Mirqasam films
Produced By: Khurram Rasheed, Sahir Rasheed, Badar Ikram
Distributor: Hum Films
Hotal (ہوٹل)
Release Date: 13 May 2016
Hotal (ہوٹل) is a Hindi/Urdu film which is under production from past two years. Last year it was screened in New Delhi film festival in New Delhi, India where it also bagged an award.
Hotal was due to release on 1st April 2016 but it was postponed after the tragic Gulshane Iqbal Park terrorist attacks in Lahore. It can be considered as a comeback film for filmstar Meera. Her last major appearance was in film Ishq Khuda in 2013, though she also appeared in a cameo in the film Dekh Magar Pyar Se in 2015. Hotal is now releasing on the 13th May 2015.
Hotal also features an item song Maum Bati shot on Morrocan artist Wiam Dahmani. Now it is releasing on 13 May 2016.
Starring: Meera, Khalid Hassan Khan
Written and Directed by: Khalid Hassan Khan
Produced by: Firdose Anjum Aabroo
Aksbandh (عکس بندھ)
Release Date: 20 May 2016
Aksbandh (عکس بندھ) is a horror film and is claimed to be the first ‘Found Footage‘ film of Pakistan. Traditionally horror films are not a popular genre in Pakistan and even Bollywood horror films struggle at Pakistani box office.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p08B0KMWwnM
Starring: Ayaz Samoo, Saud Imtiaz, Danial Afzal,Bilal Yousufzai, Shehzeen Rahat, Mahrukh Rizvi and Arshad Ali
Written By: Ayaz Samoo and Emraan Hussain
Directed by: Emraan Hussain
Produced by: Naveed Arshad, Seemeen Naveed, Ayaz Samoo and Emran Hussain
Production House: Cinematic Media, Big Idea Entertainment
Distributor: Hum Films
Release Date: 20 May 2016
Rashid Nazir Ali
March the third month of the year 2018 has started. This month has one official holiday of Pakistan Day on 23th March which is falling on Friday thus making it a long weekend.
Apart from the Pakistan Day, the other notable event in this month is the Hindu colorful festival Holi, on which there is a provincial holiday in the province of Sindh.
The major sporting event of our country Pakistan Super League (PSL) which started in the end of February (22nd February 2018) will end with the final in Karachi on 25th March 2018. Usually film makers avoid a direct clash with any popular sporting event like this and perhaps for the very same reason no mainstream Urdu film is releasing this month till the end of the PSL. Even the long Pakistan Day weekend has not attracted any notable film maker.
March is the month in which Spring season is in full bloom in most parts of Pakistan. Such pleasant weather results in lots of cultural and other events. But surprisingly since 2013 with the resurgence of the Urdu cinema, the number of released films in this month are on lower side. The main reason for which is perhaps the PSL. Since 2013 no Urdu film released in March has proven successful. Last year only one Urdu film Raasta was released in the last week of March (31st March 2018) which proved dumb at the box office.
This year two Urdu films are releasing that too on the last two weekends of March where one is an animated film.
Tick Tock (ٹک ٹوک)
Tick Tock an animated film is the first Urdu film releasing in March 2018 on the Pakistan Day weekend on 23rd March 2018.
Animated film genre is relatively new concept for Urdu cinema. The first commercial animated film was 3 Bahadur in 2015 which proved successful. In 2016 its sequel 3 Bahadur The Revenge of Baba Balaam also proved successful.
Another animated film Allahyar and The Legend of Markhor relesaed in February 2018 also proved successful and is still running in the cinemas. To date all the three animated Urdu films have proved successful which provides a healthy indication towards the future of animated films. Though all these three films proved successful, these are also criticized for their weak scripts.
Tick Tock has voice over from the leading artists of our country Ghulam Mohiuddin, Ally Khan, Ahsan Khan and news anchor Maria Memon.
The script and the screenplay of the film is penned by Omair Alavi the seasoned film critic of our country. With such big name writing the script it certainly raises the expectation of a film with well crafted characters and impactful dialogs.
With a long Pakistan Day weekend and the sequence of successful run of the previously released animated films Tick Tock have many favorable factors coming its way. The only major challenge the film might face is the clash with the final matches of PSL which also fall on the Pakistan day weekend.
Film: Tick Tock (ٹک ٹوک)
Release Date: 23 March 2018
Genre: Animated
Cast (Voice over): Ghulam Mohiuddin, Ally Khan, Ahsan Khan, Maria Memon
Concept By: Sana Tauseef & Omair Alavi
Writer & Screenplay: Omair Alavi & Omar Hassan
Directed by: Omar Hassan
Produced by:Zahir Ali
Music: EMU
Production House: S 4 Solutions
Distributor: Hum Films
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TickTockPakistan
Website:
Cake (کیک)
Cake is the only mainstream Urdu film releasing in March. “Cake” a story about love, loss and passage of time. Cake is releasing on 30th March 2018 worldwide in Pakistan, Europe, North America, Middle East. The World Premiere of the film is scheduled in London in the mid of March
Cake is the story of a troubled family from interior Sindh having rifts in the siblings. It is one of the very few Urdu films shot in the interior Sindh as well based on a Sindhi family.
Sanam Saeed and Amna Sheikh appearing as sisters in this film, while Faris Khalid is their brother. Amna Sheikh is making a comeback on the big screen after a gap of four years where her last film was O21 in October 2014. Both Amna Sheikh and Sanam Saeed are well reputed performers of our country and together their presence in a film raises the expectations level.
Adnan Malik on his big screen debut is the main male protagonist in Cake. Meekal Zulfiqar is also appearing in a cameo/side role in his first Urdu film after a gap of almost 11 years where his last Urdu film was God Father back in 2007.
Muhammad Ahmad and Beo Zafar Rana are playing the supporting roles in the film. Beo Zafar Rana last appeared in Good Morning Karachi in 2013, so Cake is her comeback film too.
Cake is a family drama film a genre which does not have mass audience in Pakistan. Films of this genre normally only proves successful at posh area multiplexes of Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad/Rawalpindi. However such films do attract the overseas audience of the Urdu films.
Film: Cake (کیک)
Release Date: 30th March 2018
Genre: Family Drama
Cast: Aamina Sheikh, Sanam Saeed, Adnan Malik, Mohammed Ahmed, Beo Rana Zafar, Faris Khalid
Written/Screenplay by: Asim Abbasi
Directed by: Asim Abbasi
Exec Producer: Sayed Zulfiqar Bukhari
Associate Producer: Mahnoor Amna
Produced by: Sayed Zulfiqar Bukhari
Music:
Production House: Indust Talkis
Distributor: Footprint Media (Pakistan), B4U Films (Worldwide)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cakethefilmofficial
Website:
So it concludes the introduction of the films coming in March 2018.
Thanks for your time.
March the third month of the year 2017 has started. This month carries historical significance for Pakistan due to the historic occasion of 23rd March 1940 the day on which the Lahore Resolution or Pakistan Resolution was passed in Lahore. Pakistan was created in 1947 seven years after the Pakistan Resolution was passed. The first constitution of Pakistan was also implemented on 23rd March 1956 which declared Pakistan a Republic from a Dominion. Since 23rd March 1956, this day is named as the Republic Day and holds an official holiday status.
The weekend following the holiday of 23rd March provides a Window for extended cinema business and during the high time of our cinema, usually multiple films were lined up on the Republic Day Weekend.
This year however only one Urdu film is releasing in the month of March that too on the Republic Day i.e. Thursday 23rd March 2017.
Raasta (راستہ)
Raasta (راستہ) is a film featuring Sahir Lodhi as director, producer, writer and main hero. It is the debut film of Sahir Lodhi in multiple aspects and made for a social cause. As per Sahir Lodhi all the profit of the film will be used to construct a hospital in Karachi for the unprivileged sections of the society. So apart from entertaining the public Sahir Lodhi is also doing social work.
Raasta has been delayed multiple times. Its first release date was May 2016 which later changed to November 2016 and then February 2017. Now finally the film is releasing on 23rd March 2017.
Model Abeer Rizvi also making debut is palying the female lead opposite Sahir Lodhi. Another Model Saima Azhar making her debut also has a special appearance in the film. Seasoned artist Aijaz Aslam is playing an important role of a Police Inspector in the film. Aijaz Aslam is returning to big screen where his last brief appearance was in Mein Hoon Shahid Afridi in 2013.
Naveed Raza also making his debut on big screen will be seen in a negative role. Mathira like her earlier two films Mein Hoon Shahid Afridi (2013) and Blind Love (2016) is again featuring in an item song. Sana Nawaz a well known name of our cinema is also part of this film.
The film is shot in Karachi, Sindh and coastal areas of Balochistan (Makran division).
The first trailer of Raasta was released in March 2016 while the new prolonged trailer is launched in December 2016. The music is launched in February 2017.
From its trailer Raasta appears to be a commercial masala action flick. The film has action, glamour, item song, romance, a rain song, some loud expressions and acting; nearly all the ingredients which define a commercial action film. Though such films are usually criticized by reviewers and serious audience, still no one can deny the fact that this kind of cinema has its own dedicated audience.
The strongest aspect of Raasta is its music composed by Saji ali and Kamran Akhtar. The camera work for the song Dil Faqeer also looks impressive, this song is shot in the coastal areas of Balochistan.
Like any routine commercial action flick Raasta also features a nearly 50 year old hero (48 year old Sahir Lodhi) in the role of an angry young man while the heroine is half the age of the hero. On top of this it also has some special appearances, action sequence, steamy songs and loudness whichare the essential ingredients of commercial cinema.
Film: Raasta (راستہ)
Release Date: 23 March 2017
Genre: Action, Romance
Cast: Sahir Lodhi, Abeer Rizvi, Ejaz Aslam, Sana Fakhir, Shamoon Abbasi,Mathira, Naved Raza, Saima Azhar, Saleem Miraj, Irfan motiwala, Esha Noor,Kisa zehra and child star Saniya Mansoor
Music: Saji Ali,Kamran Akhtar
Songs by:Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Sara Raza Khan, Nabeel Shaukat,Damiya Farooq,Saman Saleem Sabri
Written by: Shahid Naqvi and Sahir Lodhi
Story Screenplay and Dailogue by: Sahir Loadhi
Directed by Saqib Siddiqui and Sahir Lodhi
Produced by: Moidul Hassan, Sahir Lodhi, Dr. Faisal Zia
Media Partner: Tv One
A SAMS Company and HOM Production film with Sahir Lodhi Films
Distributor: IMGC Global
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaastaTheMovie
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxdzfOn_Jkjgve12dQJxUJQ
Website:
Thanks for reading.
Rashid Nazir Ali
June 2018 is about to end in a weeks time. During this month, hot summer weather prevails in most parts of our country while the two to three months long summer vacation for all students also starts from this month. Due to the summer vacations many plan for recreation outings. The Muslim festive occasion of Eidul Fitr also fall in June 2018 which sees a number of Urdu films releases. No Urdu film was released in May 2018 due to the holy Islamic Month of Ramazan. The almost two month long dry season of local cinema has ended on Eidul Fitr 2017 where a four Urdu films have released. Eidul Fitr is the major festive occasion in our country followed by Eidul Azha. It is the time of joy, family reunion, outing, recreation and vacation. The long holidays of Eidul Fitr benefit the entertainment industry as well majorly cinemas and theaters. To utilize the Eid holidays as well as the summer vacations the number of Urdu film releases in this month is five where four are already released on Eidul Fitr. Here is the summary of the films of June 2018 7 Din Mohabbat In (سات دن محبت ان) Starring superstar Mahira Khan alongside her Ho Mann Jahan co-star Sheheryar Munawar, 7 Din Mohabbat In (7DMI) is all set to release on Eid ul Fitr. It has been directed by duo of Meenu Gaur and Farjad Nabi, whose debut directorial venture Zinda Bhaag (2013) became the first Pakistani film to be submitted for an Oscar consideration. Written by Fasih Bari Khan, the romantic comedy shows the life of Tipu (essayed by Munawar) on a quest to find his true love and the troubles he encounters during his journey. The film also marks Mira Sethi’s big screen debut and has an all-star cast that includes names such as Amna Ilyas, Jawed Sheikh, Hina Dilpazeer, Aamir Qureshi, Rimal Ali, Adnan Shah Tipu, Mira Sethi and Beo Zafar. 7 Din Mohabbat In will be Mahira and Sheheryar’s second film together after Asim Raza’s Ho Mann Jahaan (2016), where Sheheryar Munawar is appearing in a film after a gap of 2.5 years. 7DMI is the debut film for Hina Dilpazeer, Rimal Ali and Mira Sethi. Transgender artist Rimal Ali will perform on a dance number in this film too. It is also the first film by Herald Entertainment Company and Dawn Films, a film house of Dawn Media and Publications. Outside Pakistan, 7DMI will be distributed by B4U movies. 7DMI will also release in North America, Europe, Middle East, Australia/NZ, Africa and South East Asia. Film: 7 Din Mohabbat In (سات دن محبت ان) Release Date: 16th June 2018 Genre: Romcom Cast: Mahira Khan, Sheheryar Munawar Siddiqui, Mira Sethi, Amna Ilyas, Jawed Sheikh, Hina Dilpazeer, Aamir Qureshi, Adnan Shah Tipu, Beo Zafar Music by: Arshad Mehmood,Shuja Haider,Shani Arshad, Waqar Ali, Sheraz Uppal Written by: Fasih Bari Khan Directed by: Meenu Gaur, Farjad Nabi Producers: Nazafreen Saigol, Lakhani Shakeel, Masud Hussain, Sheikh Amjad Rasheed Production House: Dawn Films Distributor: Dawn Films & IMGC Global Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/7DinMohabbatIn/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Qa_DNWlYlA Azaadi (آزادی ) Moammar Rana and Sonya Hussyn starer Azaadi is also releasing on Eidul Fitr. The film is about finding freedom and is a love story set against the backdrop of the freedom struggle in Jammu and Kashmir. The titular character Azaad is being essayed by Moammar Rana. He is shown to be a freedom fighter who chooses Kashmir over love, career, and family, whereas Sonya Hussyn is essaying a British journalist of Pakistani roots who loves Azaad. Besides Rana and Hussyn, veteran actor Nadeem will be essaying Moammar’s father in the film. By the looks of the trailer, Azaadi seems to be packed with a lot of action and impressive visual effects. Azaadi is directed by Imran Malik the son of late great director Parvez Malik. Imran’s first film as director was Tere Bin Jiya Na Jaye in 2005. Azaadi is Sonya Hussyn second film after Moor (2015). Film: Azaadi (آزادی ) Release Date: 16th June 2018 Genre: Action Cast: Moammar Rana, Sonya Hussyn, Nadeem, Maryam Ansari, Erum Azam, Ali Fateh, Maryam Khalif Music by: Sahir Ali Bagga Written by: Wajid Zuberi Directed by: Imran Malik Producers: Irfan Malik, Imran Malik Production House: Parvez Malik Films Distributor: ARY Films Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Azaadi-803318393140295/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U71A8kn_h64 Wajood (وجود) Wajood is directed by Javed Sheikh where his last film as director Khullay Aasman Ke Neeche was released in 2008. Starring Danish Tamoor, Saeeda Imtiaz and Aditi Singh in the key roles, Wajood has veteran artists Shahid, Nadeem and Javed Sheikh in the supporting cast. A romantic thriller it is shot in Turkey. Danish Taimoor, will be seen essaying the character of a pilot, while Jawed Sheikh is possibly essaying the villain’s role. It is the first film of Saeeda Imtiaz in a lead role, as she had earlier appeared in a dance number in Raasta (2017). Indian artist Aditi Singh is also part of this film. Frieha Altaf is making her big screen debut from this film, while Ali Saleem is also appearing in a key role. Like the past films of Javed Sheikh, Wajood has melodious music well shot on the scenic locations of Turkey. Film: Wajood (وجود) Release Date: 16th June 2018 Genre: Romantic/Thriller Cast: Danish Tamoor, Saeeda Imtiaz, Aditi Singh, Nadeem, Shahid, Javed Sheikh, Frieha Altaf, Shaheen Khan, Asad Mehmood, Ali Saleem Music by: Sahir Ali Bagga Written by: Babar Kashmiri Directed by: Javed Sheikh Producers: Moomal Sheikh and Shahzad Sheikh Production House: Javed Sheikh Films Distributor: Distribution Club Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wajoodthefilm/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gL9gShbxYR0 Na Band Na Baraati (نا بینڈ نا باراتی) Na Band Na Baraati is a romantic comedy feature film. The film trails lives of a few Pakistani families in Canada. It has a mix of culture, compassion, love, mischief’s, and entertainment. Starring Mikaal Zulfiqar, Nayab Khan and Shayan Khan in key roles, it has established names like Qavi Khan, Atiqa Odho and Mehmood Akhter in the supporting cast. The film is shot entirely in Canada. It is the Mikaal Zulfiqar’s first Pakistani film in a leading role. Earlier he has appeared in supporting roles in God Father The Legend Continues (2007) and Cake (2018). The film was due to release on 6th July 2018, however its release date is pushed back as another film Parwaaz Hai Junoon by the same distributor is delayed. Film: Na Band Na Baraati (نا بینڈ نا باراتی) Release Date: 16th June 2018 Genre: Romcom Cast: Mikaal Zulfiqar, Ali Kazmi, Shayan Khan, Qavi Khan, Atiqa Odho, Komal Farooqi, Azra Mohyeddin, Nayab Khan, Saram Jaffery, Anzelikha Tahir, Kashif Ahmed and Zuhair Jaffery Music by: Ayaz Sonu Written by: Harish Kumar Patel Directed by: Mahmood Akhtar Producers: Khawar Farooqi, Nighat Farooqi & Zain Farooqi Production House: Zashko Films Distributor: Hum Films & Everready Films Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nbnbmovie/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdJFbA0Jtx8 Shor Sharaba (شور شرابہ) The last film of June 2018 is Shor Sharaba releasing on 29th June 2018. It is the fifth or sixth release date of the film, which is in production for almost past four years. The film was due to release in April 2017, then postponed to Eidul Fitr 2017, then November 2017, April 2018 and now June 2018. Shor Sharaba is produced in Lahore, where its producer Sohail Khan is making a comeback towards Urdu cinema. Sohail Khan is a film producer from Lahore, and since film making in Pakistan was extinct by mid 2000s he produced films in Bollywood. He was the co-producer of the Bollywood films like Jannat, Murder 3 and perhaps it is where he get acquainted with Indian film directors. Since the so called revival of Urdu cinema, Sohail has also announced his film Shor Sharaba around 2014-2015 to be directed by the Indian directed Hasnain Hyderabadwala (حسنین حیدرآبادوالا). It took Hasnain Hyderabadwala long time to get the work permit and other permissions required to work in Pakistan and thus the film delayed. Eventually Hasnain Hyderabadwala got the work permit and the shooting of the film started in Lahore in 2016 and completed in early 2017. Interestingly in October 2016, Indian film producers association announced a ban on Pakistani artists in Bollywood. However at that time the Indian director was shooting this film in Pakistan and he again visited afterwards to complete the film as there is no such ban on Indian artists in Pakistan. Apart from the Indian director, the choreographer Shabina Khan of this film is also Indian. Shor Sharaba stars Adnan Khan and Rabi Peerzada in the lead roles where Rabi is doing her first film. The trailer of the film was released in April 2017 and was quite clueless. One wonders what difference the Indian film director has made as the film is at par with the Urdu films of 1990s directed by Parvez Rana (Late), Maqsood Butt or Anjum Parvez. Lets hope the film sees the light of the day this time. Film: Shor Sharaba (شور شرابہ) Release Date: 29th June 2018 Genre: Romcom Cast: Adnan Khan, Rabi Peerzada, Meera, Ahmed Butt, Mustafa Qureshi, Bihar Begum Written by: Sohail Khan Directed by: Husnain Hyderabadwala Producers: Sohail Khan Production House: Sohail Khan Production Distributor: Sohail Khan Production Facebook: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHhM9iusWXM With five films June emerges as the month having the most number of film releases in 2018. Thanks for reading and your time. Rashid Nazir Ali
July the seventh month of the year 2017 has started. It is the month in which rainy season Barsaat or Savan starts in Pakistan after a soaring summer season. No public holiday falls in this month, but due to summer vacations in educational institutions traditionally the number of film releases is on the high side if compared to the other non public holidays months of the year.
This July, release of three Urdu films is announced which is a healthy figure with respect to local cinema. All three Urdu films of July 2017 are of different genre and thus provides ample variety to the cine goers to choose one as per their taste.
So here are the Urdu films of July 2017
Project Ghazi (پراجیکٹ غازی)
Project Ghazi is advertised as the first super hero film of Pakistan and is under production for past one year. The producers of the films have been successful in generating a lot of hype about their project. Produced in Karachi, it will be interesting to see whether the film lives up to the expectations it has raised.
The teaser of the film was released in May 2017, which received mixed response. The trailer of the film is launched on 19th June 2017 which again received mixed response. The fight sequences, sound mixing and CGI effects in the trailer were criticized for not being up to the mark. Still the film is applauded for being the first of its kind in Pakistani cinema.
Project Ghazi stars Humayun Saeed, Sheharyar Munawar Siddiqi, Syra Shehroz, Talat Hussain and Adnan Jaffar in pivotal roles. Sheharyar Munawar Siddiqi last worked in Ho Mann Jahan, released in January 2016 and Project Ghazi is his second film after a gap of one and a half years. The director and the production team of Project Ghazi are relatively new names.
Film: Project Ghazi (پراجیکٹ غازی)
Release Date: 14th July 2017
Genre: Action
Cast: Sheheryar Munawar,Humayun Saeed,Syra Yousuf,Adnan Jaffar,Talat Hussain,Aamir Qureshi,Raza Hyder,Nusrat Hidayutullah
Written by:
Directed by: Nadir H. Shah
Produced by: Syed Muhammad Ali Raza
Production House: GYR Films
Distributor: Distribution Club (DC)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/projectghazi/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQgQn-vRHao
Shor Sharaba (شورشرابا)
Shor Sharaba (شورشرابا) is the second film releasing this month. It was due to release on Eidul Fitr but then postponed to avoid clash with the other Eid releases. Shor Sharaba is produced in Lahore, by Sohail Khan a film producer from Lahore. Sohail Khan has also co-prouced few films in Bollywood like Jannat in 2008 in collaboration with Mahesh Bhatt. Perhaps the collaboration with the Indian film industry prompted Sohail Khan to produce a film in Pakistan with the assistance of Indian film workers.
Shor Sharaba was announced some two years ago, but the shooting of the film is delayed due the visa issues with its Indian director Hasnain Hyderabadwala and choreographer Shaheena Khan.
After formally getting the visa and work permits, Hasnain Hyderabadwala shot this film in Lahore in 2016. Though the cast of the film is Pakistani, but perhaps it is the first Pakistani film directed by an Indian director.
Also dubbed as a romantic comedy it is a complete commercial masala flick featuring an item song too.
Shor Sharaba is the first Urdu film of Adnan Khan, who made his debut from Punjabi film Mohabbatan Sachiyan way back in 2007. Rabi Peerzada is making film debut as heroine from Shor Sharaba. Rabi Peerzada is also active in showbiz for more than a decade in acting, hosting as well as singing.
The scandal queen of our film industry Meera is also appearing in an item song and extended cameo. However the footage of item song of Meera went missing during the editing phase of the film. So it is not clear yet whether the song will be reshot or not.
The trailer of Shor Sharaba is released in May 2017 and it was quite disappointing. Film makers from Lahore’s defunct film industry are known for producing pulp films, but there was better expectation from Shor Sharaba due to the presence of an Indian film director. Lets hope the film is better than the trailer.
Film: Shor Sharaba (شورشرابا)
Release Date: 21st July 2017
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Cast: Adnan Khan, Rabi Pirzada, Meera, Aqeel Malik, Ahmed Butt, Mustafa Qurashi, Imran Khan, Nisho, Bahar Begum
Music:
Story: Sohail Khan and Tariq Sahli
Script & Dialogues: Sohail Khan
Directed by: Hasnain Hyderabadwala
Associate Producer: Ghouse Qadri
Produced by: Sohail Khan
Production House: SK (Sohail Khan) Productions
Distributor: IMGC
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShorSharabaOfficial/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QL1PvUHOTf4
Chain Aaye Naa (چین آۓ نا)
Chain Aaye Naa (CAN) is a musical romantic film releasing on 21st July 2017. The major highlight of Chain Aaye Naa is its director and producer Syed Noor, one of the last renown names of now defunct film industry of Lahore. Syed Noor has a lots of successful films to his credit in the 1990s like Jeeva, Sargam, Ghoonghat, Sangam, Choorian, Daku Rani, Deewane Tere Pyar Ke. His last Urdu film Jhoomar was released in 2007 so Syed Noor is returning to Urdu cinema after a gap of one decade. Though he was active in Punjabi films during the last decade where Shareeka in 2012 was his last Punjabi film.
CAN marks the comeback of Syed Noor to the Urdu cinema. It is the debut film of Sehrish Khan an artist of Pakistani origin from USA. Sehrish Khan is the grand daughter of Sabiha Khanum and Santosh Kumar two legendary names of our cinema. CAN is shot in Karachi and Lahore.
Shehroz Sabzwari is appearing as the male lead opposite Sehrish Khan. CAN is also the debut film of Shehroz Sabzwari, though he has worked as a childstar in Khulay Aasman Ke Neeche in 2007. Shehroz is the son of famous artist Behroz Sabzwari and nephew of Javed Sheikh a seasoned name of Pakistani cinema.
Adil Murad the son of Waheed Murad is also making a comeback to the big screen after two decades from this film. His last and only film to date Raja Saab was released in 1995.
Atiqa Odho and Nadeem Baig are working as a pair after a gap of almost two decades their last film Mummy was released in 1997.
Saima Noor an essential ingredient in the films of Syed Noor is surprisingly missing in this film. The trailer of the film was released on 22nd June 2017 which looks dull and tasteless in every aspect. On the whole the trailer of CAN has greatly disappointed anyone waiting for a strong comeback from Syed Noor.
As evident from the trailer the film follows the pattern of an 1980s film with over emotional sequences, bad acting, lack of direction, sub par camerawork and unimpressive editing. The only strong aspect could have been its music as the main protagonist of the film is a musician, but alas its music also looks outdated as many songs released in 1990s are reused in this film.
The first trailer was four and a half minutes long and received heavy criticism on the social media. Later a shorter two and a half minutes trailer is released both the trailers are posted here. The shorter trailer is much better, but it cannot mend the damage the first trailer has done.
Film: Chain Aaye Naa (چین آۓ نا)
Release Date: 21st July 2017
Genre: Romantic Musical
Cast: Shahroz Sabzwari, Sarish Khan, Adil Murad, Nadeem, Behroze Sabzwari, Mustafa Qureshi, Atiqa Odho, Danish Nawaz, Waqar Godhra, Sobia Khan, Maryam
Music: M. Arshad, Javed Siddiqui, Naim Sakhia and Syed Noor
DOP: Irfan Mirza
Writer: Syed Noor
Directed by: Syed Noor
Produced by: Javed Siddiqui, Naim Sakhia and Syed Noor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChainAyeNa/
Website: http://www.chainayena.net/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNkGCpjg5Qw
So these are the three Urdu films releasing in the month of July 201.
Thanks for your time.
Rashid Nazir Ali
