Tag: Iram Parveen Bilal

  • Wakhri: a movie about the struggles faced by Pakistani women

    Wakhri: a movie about the struggles faced by Pakistani women

    The eagerly awaited film ‘Wakhri’ in Pakistan has been released in cinemas across the country. The film, written and directed by Iram Parveen Bilal, is produced by Abid Aziz Merchant, Apoorva Bakshi and Iram Parveen Bilal. After the success of Moula Jatt, Mandviwala Entertainment has signed up with ‘Wakhri’ for the distribution of the film.

    The Pakistan premiere of the movie took place at Nueplex Cinema, DHA, in Karachi. The film promises to entertain audience with its engrossing story and exceptional direction.

    Award-winning director Iram Parveen Bilal shares that the film ‘Wakhri’ is a special project, particularly a heartfelt tribute to the women of Pakistan and around the world. The film’s goal is to amplify the voices of the marginalized in society and bring their stories to a global audience. Iram started making films to connect with humanity and address complex societal issues collaboratively with the viewers. The nationwide release of the film is a result of the hard work and dedication of the entire team.
    The story of ‘Wakhri’ centers around a widowed school teacher in Pakistan. An emotional and genuine video of hers gains sudden popularity on social media. The film depicts the challenges faced by women in a society where they struggle to raise their voices and establish their presence, be it in the physical or digital world.

    Film producer Abid Aziz Merchant said that the film recently received praise at the Red Sea International Film Festival due to its unique story and direction. The film’s global recognition highlights the talent of Pakistani cinema on the world stage, bringing honor to Pakistani filmmakers. Beyond showcasing the challenges faced by women, the film also reflects social norms. With its captivating story and talented cast, ‘Wakhri’ aims to leave a lasting impression on the audience, providing a unique cinematic experience.

  • ‘Wakhri’ has the best music lineup of any Pakistani movie in a long time

    ‘Wakhri’ has the best music lineup of any Pakistani movie in a long time

    Pakistan’s upcoming film ‘Wakhri’ is gearing up for a nationwide release on January 4, with director, Iram Parveen Bilal, promising a fantastic music album. Renowned music producer Abdullah Siddiqui has curated an impressive collection of tracks featuring prominent female singers from today’s music scene.

    Abdullah Siddiqui took to his Instagram to share the news, announcing a multi-artist album: “I produced four new tracks for Wakhri, the new film by the wonderful Iram Parveen Bilal and they’re out now. They’re performed by the insane lineup of Meesha Shafi, Ali Sethi, Eva B, Natasha Noorani, and RFB.”

    Siddiqui expressed joy in creating the soundscape for the vibrant world of the film, calling the songs both enjoyable and significant. He listed the tracks included in the album, featuring Eva B’s ‘Baaghi’, Meesha Shafi’s ‘You Don’t Give a Haqq’, Natasha Noorani’s ‘Matlabi (Wakhri version), and Risham Faiz Bhutta and Ali Sethi’s ‘Wakhri Dhamaal.’
    Reacting to Siddiqui’s post, director Iram said in the replies, “We are so honoured and I can’t wait to watch you soar even higher!” followed by a series of heart emojis.
    The film, based on the life of Pakistan’s social media sensation Qandeel Baloch, recently celebrated a significant milestone with its worldwide premiere at the Red Sea Film Fest in Jeddah.

    Head of International Programming, Kaleem Aftab, praised “Wakhri” for changing the narrative on a specific incident in Pakistan, while also bringing up Zarrar Kahn’s horror film, ‘In Flames’ as Pakistan’s international Oscar contender, adding diversity to the lineup.

  • Qavi Khan-Faran Tahir starrer film gets banned in Pakistan for controversial content

    Qavi Khan-Faran Tahir starrer film gets banned in Pakistan for controversial content

    The internationally acclaimed film, I’ll Meet You There, has been banned by the Central Board of Film Censors of Pakistan (CBFC) for not displaying a true image of Pakistani and Muslim cultures.

    Veteran actor Qavi Khan and Pakistan-British actor, Faran Tahir, who got famed for Iron Man are starring in the film.

    The film was released in 2021 worldwide and it was set to release in Pakistan. However, CBFC did not issue a Non-Objection Certificate (NOC) to the film.

    While talking to The Express Tribune, the Senior officer said, “I’ll Meet You There was reviewed by the full board of CBFC, and after watching it was decided that the film is not suitable to be given NOC for a release in the country. There were several controversial topics and details that opposed our policy. The board unanimously agreed on a ban.“

    The director of the film, Iram Parveen Bilal has recently given an interview to The Variety, and said in response, “I’ve been mulling over the decision by the Central Board of Film Censors, calling our film I’ll Meet You There a ‘negative image of Muslims.’ A film that was made with blood, sweat, and tears by a Muslim, financed by Muslims, and made in the face of a post 9/11 world and a Trump presidency; a film whose very purpose was to combat Islamophobia and to create a positive portrayal of Muslims. A film already released abroad and celebrated widely by the Muslim Pakistani diaspora and seen as a needed and humanised representation of our people. How could that intention be reframed so oppositely and so negatively?”

    Tahir has also shown disappointment over the banning of the film. He emphasised that Pakistanis living abroad are labeled as ‘‘not reflecting true Pakistani culture.’ They represent their country with pride and love however our own people hurt us.

    He said, “It is disheartening, disappointing, and shameful that issues that Pakistani ex-pats face in their lives are trivialized and labeled as ‘not reflecting true Pakistani culture.’ We, Pakistanis, represent our country with love and pride every day while living in foreign lands. We do this to support our families and loved ones. We do this to support our country financially and in every other way. We do this with nothing but love for our country and yet to be cast aside by our very own is deeply hurtful.“

    The film portrays a modern and moving portrait of three generations of a Muslim-American family. Faran Tahir is playing the character of a cop, Majeed, and his teenage daughter, Dua who is portraying the role of a gifted ballerina. Their life changed when Majeed’s father unexpectedly visited their home from Pakistan.