Tag: Pakistani movies

  • ‘In Flames’ and ‘Kamli’ win major international awards

    ‘In Flames’ and ‘Kamli’ win major international awards

    Two Pakistani films are winning prestigious awards at international platforms. ‘In Flames’, directed and written by Zarrar Kahn, has won local and international praise since its release. The film has now won the prestigious ‘International Newcomer Award’ at the International Film Festival Mannheim-Heidelberg. Taking to his Instagram account, Zarrar quoted a statement from the festival’s jury along with a picture where he posed with the award:

    “Our award goes to a filmmaker who manages to shift and play with genre while maintaining a connection both to his audience as well as his protagonist throughout the film. The main character is a young woman who is allowed to be both brave and fragile, and she is brought to life through a wonderful debut performance that complements the mise-en-scene. The winner is In Flames.”

    The Instagram account for the movie shared another clip from the event, adding in the caption that this was the first time in 70 years a Pakistani director had the honour to take home such a prestigious award.

    While Sarmad Khoosat’s film ‘Kamli’ continues to win accolades even a year after its release. In Belarus, the Saba Qamar starrer bagged three awards at the prestigious Minsk International Film Festival. Qamar received the Best Actor Award, director Sarmad received Best Director and the Viewer’s Choice award.

  • Joy for Joyland: SHC dismisses plea seeking ban on film

    Joy for Joyland: SHC dismisses plea seeking ban on film

    The Sindh High Court has dismissed a plea requesting ban on the movie Joyland, Naeem Sahoutara reports for Dawn.

    The petitioner requested a ban on the movie, stating that the movie depicts a relationship between a married man and a transgender woman, and that the plot is against the Constitution and Islamic principles.

    The bench was headed by Chief Justice Ahmed Ali M Shaikh.

    “In our view, where a cinematic work has passed through the censors, who have examined its content and cleared it for release with an appropriate certification, an individual cannot be allowed to trump that decision through a court proceeding based on his conception of morality. Indeed, it is not the function of the Court under Article 199 to make a moral judgment so as to curtail the freedom of speech and expression of a filmmaker, as safeguarded under Article 19 of the Constitution,” stated the detailed order passed by a division bench.

    “On the contrary, the default position of the Court under Article 199 ought to be that of fully safeguarding the fundamental right by giving as expensive an interpretation to Article 19 as possible, and in that event of a restriction being imposed by the Board or any other authority that may be competent in that regard, testing the reasonableness of that restriction stringently, so as to ensure that the same is “reasonable” in the strictest conceivable sense.”

    “Looking to the matter at hand, we are confident that Islam, being the great global religion that it is, is strong enough to withstand a cinematic work portraying a purely fictional account of a relationship humanizing a transgender character, and are equally sanguine that our society is not so weak as to crumble as a consequence,” the order stated.

  • Pressure the govt to release Joyland: here is how to do it

    Pressure the govt to release Joyland: here is how to do it

    The government of Pakistan has stopped the release of Saim Sadiq’s Oscar contender “Joyland” for containing “highly objectionable” material.
    An order dated Nov. 11 from Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting says that the country’s censor board had granted a censor certificate to the film on Aug. 17. But it has since reversed the decision.

    “Written complaints were received that the film contains highly objectionable material which do not conform with the social values and moral standards of our society and is clearly repugnant to the norms of ‘decency and morality’ as laid down in Section 9 of the Motion Picture Ordinance, 1979,” the order states. “Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 9(2) (a) of the said Ordinance and after conducting a comprehensive inquiry, the Federal Government declares the feature film titled ‘Joyland’ as an uncertified film for the whole of Pakistan in the cinemas which fall under the jurisdiction of CBFC with immediate effect.”
    The ban has caused outrage on social media with citizens denouncing the decision.

    Actor Nadia Jamil has shared things we can do to put pressure on the government to help Joyland:

    Use the hashtag #releasejoyland on Twitter every time you tweet about the film.

    Tag the following accounts on Twitter every time you post: @MoIB_official (ministry of information and broadcasting) @marriyum_A (Marriyum Aurangzeb)

    Call Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and demand that they stand up to pressure from people looking to malign the film. 051 9103557 9211800 9213649.

  • Jemima Goldsmith set to donate earnings from private screening of Sajal’s next for Pakistani flood victims

    Jemima Goldsmith is auctioning a private screening of her upcoming movie  What’s Love Got To Do With It to collect donations for flood victims of Pakistan. The movie stars Sajal Aly and Shabana Azmi in key roles.

    “In aid of Pakistan’s flood victims, We are auctioning a private screening in London for up to 20 people of our film What’s Love Got To Do With It? See you there,” Jemima wrote in a tweet.

    “One lucky winner along with 20 friends will have a private screening of What’s Love Got To Do With It? written by Jemima Khan and directed by Shekar Kapur at Working Title Films, London. This exclusive opportunity, hosted by Jemima Khan and Fatima Bhutto, means that the winner can see What’s Love Got To Do With It? before its theatrical release. The winner can choose their guests and time and date, two weeks before the film’s release in January 2023, subject to the private theatre’s availability. Jemima will introduce the film and Fatima will join her to say hello to the auction winners. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

    The movie will be released on January 27.

  • Update on feature films: What will Pakistani cinema offer in the coming months?

    Update on feature films: What will Pakistani cinema offer in the coming months?

    Pakistani cinema industry has witnessed a boom with back-to-back releases this year, especially on the two Eid festivals. Fortunately the stride of cinematic releases will continue for the coming months.

    Here is the list of films, set to be released in near future:

    Tich Button

    Tich Button: Urwa Hocane Hints On The Release Of Her Film - Lens

    The long delayed Tich Button that features an interesting ensemble cast finally has a release date, 28th October 2022. With Farhan Saeed, Feroze Khan, Sonya Hussyn, and Iman Ali as its stars, the film is set to be a commercial entertainer with romance sprinkled in. Directed by Qasim Ali Mureed, and produced by Urwa Hocane, it is being touted to be a mass entertainer.

    Aasman Bolay Ga

    Shoaib Mansoor unveils title teaser for 'Aasmaan Bolay Ga'

    The celebrated Shoaib Mansoor is determined to set the Pakistani industry ablaze with his next project, which, if whispers on the grapevine are to be believed, is going to hit cinemas in November 2022. With a patriotic undercurrent, the Emmad Irfani and Maya Ali starrer is going to revolve around the Pakistan Airforce, and their efficiency while striking back after India’s attack on Balakot.

    Neelofar

    Fawad, Mahira starrer 'Neelofar' set to release - Entertainment - Dunya News

    Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan starrer Neelofar has been written by Ammar Rasool and produced by Qasim Mehmood. Though the details about the film are being kept tightly under wraps, audiences are looking forward to Neelofar because of Mahira and Fawad’s pairing. The project will be the actors’ next after Bilal Lashari’s The Legend of Maula Jatt. It also stars Madiha Imam in a key role. Mahira apparantly plays a blind woman in the film, which will also have sufi touches in its narratives.

    Abhi

    Kubra Khan & Gohar Mumtaz pair up for 'Abhi' - Niche

    Abhi is headlined by Gohar Mumtaz and Kubra Khan. Full of thrills and romance, it also features Saleem Sheikh, Usman Peerzada, Yasra Rizvi, Mahmood Aslam, Hina Bayat, Ehteshamud Din and Asif Raza Mir. Written by Gohar Mumtaz, the film is directed by Asad Malik and produced by international UK based company Daniel Johnes. It’s first teaser garnered positive response as netizens appreciated the cinematography and the intrigue factor of the premise.

    Money Back Guarantee

    Here's Why Fawad Khan's 'Money Back Guarantee' Changed Its Release Date - Lens

    Money Back Guarantee is a comic-capper directed by Faisal Qureshi. The film stars Fawad Khan, Ayesha Omar, Hina Dilpazir, Ali Safina, Wasim Akram, Shayan Khan, Mikaal Zulfiqar, Gohar Rasheed, and Afzal Khan aka Jan Rambo. It will release in April 2023.

    Other films that are set to release in Pakistan are the celebrated Joyland, that won big at Cannes, the previously censored Javed Iqbal with Yasir Hussain, and Sarmad Khoosat’s much-awaited Zindagi Tamasha. More upcoming releases include John, Gavah Rehna, Dhai Chaal and Once Upon A Time In Karachi.

    Zarrar

    New Pakistani Movie Zarrar Trailer is Out Now - pakistantime

    Shaan Shahid’s larger-than-life comeback film’s trailer has already enthralled audiences. The film promises grand action sequences with double crosses and twists galore. The film also stars Nadeem Baig, Kiran Malik, and Nayyer Ejaz. While the release date is up in the air momentarily, rumor has it that it might have a fall release – tentatively 23rd September.

  • Video: Saba Faisal confesses to getting cosmetic treatments to look young

    Video: Saba Faisal confesses to getting cosmetic treatments to look young

    Senior actress Saba Faisal recently appeared on actor and host Sajid Hassan’s chat show. The Baaghi star revealed on the show that she has gotten cosmetic treatments like botox to make herself look younger.

    Saba Faisal Reveals Details About Her Cosmetic Surgery

     She said that she never goes overboard o the extent that her features change but it is a requirement of the industry and she does get it done. Saba and Sajid also talked about the quality of doctors we have who are practicing these procedures and Saba said that she has one reliable doctor whom she always goes to get her botox done.

    Saba Faisal Reveals Details About Her Cosmetic Surgery

    Faisal added that there is no shame in getting these procedures done, so she feels no need to hide it. Arguing against the taboo attached to these procedures, the actor said, “Why should I lie? I do get these treatments done, and there’s no shame in getting them done. As you age, if you can maintain your looks and look your best for however long with these treatments, then you should go for it.”

  • Box office update: London Nahi Jaunga and Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad’s collections

    Box office update: London Nahi Jaunga and Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad’s collections

    On Eid-ul-Azha the Pakistan industry saw thunderous response at the cinema halls with two much anticipated films. Two big films graced the silver screen; London Nahi Jaunga and Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad. The films opened to an astounding response overall.

    London Nahi Jaunga‘s collections:

    7 days total (26.6 crores official, 24 crores sources)

    10 days total (35.21 crores official, 32 crores sources)

    14 days total (40.1 crores official, 40 crores sources)

    20 days total (47.2 crores official, 44.1crores)

    After successfully running for over three weeks in the international market, London Nahi Jaunga is still going strong. The film has even given a tough competition to Bollywood’s big banner film Shamshera. Despite being a Yash Raj production and a Ranbir Kapoor film, Shamshera’s opening weekend collection at the global box office failed to impress.

    According to figures provided by Comscore, London Nahi Jaunga earned better in the 3rd weekend of its release in the UK and Ireland than what Shamshera collected in its first weekend. 

    LNJ’s total collection was 46,710 Great Britain pound, over 1 crore 28 lacs PKR approx, while Shamshera’s remained 43,688 GBP that amounts to nearly 1 crore 20 lacs PKR.

    Though LNJ is screening in only 35 screens while Shamshera is available at 62 screens.

    London Nahi Jaunga

    London Nahi Jaunga stars Humayun Saeed, Mehwish Hayat and Kubra Khan.

    The box office figures of Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad are polarsing. While the makers of the film claim the figures till date to be around 37 crore, trade pundits are claiming much lesser numbers.

    However this Fahad Mustafa-Mahira Khan starrer is a successful film, none the less.

    Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad’s collections:

    7 days total (20 crores official)

    10 days total (28 crores official)

    14 days total (37 crores official)

  • When Fawad Khan and Ranveer Singh got rejected for a Hollywood film

    When Fawad Khan and Ranveer Singh got rejected for a Hollywood film

    Actor Fawad Khan confessed in an interview that he was looking forward to a get a role in the Hollywood feature film, The Reluctant Fundamentalist after he was led on for a year by the makers.

    The Reluctant Fundamentalist Official Trailer #1 (2013) - Kate Hudson Movie HD - YouTube

    The Zindagi Gulzar Hai star shared that he was very disheartened when he did not get the role after waiting for such a long period of time.

    “I came across this film where I was supposed to audition for the role, that went on for a whole year. I wasn’t led on. (Pauses) Yeah! OK! I was led on for almost a year. I thought that I’d be a part of it some way or the other. So it was for this film called Reluctant Fundamentalist,” said Fawad.

    “It was under consideration for like a whole year. Towards the end of the year, I suddenly realized that it was not working out. It was not gonna happen. I was heartbroken. I had waited a whole year and I parked my career aside to a film I thought I was gonna do it right. That’s when I got into TV with a vengeance,” added Fawad.

    The Reluctant Fundamentalist was released in 2012 and the role was bagged by the Oscar-nominated actor, Riz Ahmed. The Reluctant Fundamentalist is a story about young Pakistani man chasing corporate success on Wall Street. He finds himself embroiled in a conflict between his American dream, a hostage crisis, and the enduring call of his family’s homeland.

    Now Bollywood star Ranveer Singh mentioned on the chat show Koffee With Karan, “I have been rejected for The Reluctant Fundamentalist.”

    Caste of Ranveer Singh

    When Karan Johar mentioned the Bollywood film Bombay Velvet, Singh said that he was rejected but dropped from the project. He said, “I was not rejected for Bombay Velvet. I was unceremoniously dropped because at the time, I couldn’t justify the budget. My star value wasn’t as high. But, things have changed.”

    Bombay Velvet, helmed by Anurag Kashyap, starred Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma in the lead roles. Karan Johar had a cameo. The Reluctant Fundamentalist starred Om Puri, Shabana Azmi, and Riz Ahmed in pivotal roles.

  • ‘Pata nahi yeh saza thi yaan kya’: Nida Yasir breaks down on her show

    ‘Pata nahi yeh saza thi yaan kya’: Nida Yasir breaks down on her show

    Host and actor Nida Yasir recently arranged a special episode of her morning show, Good Morning Pakistan in which all the celebrities who lost their loved ones showed up.

    The stars shared their painful phases of life and how they coped up with that permanent loss.

    She also shared about the death of her mother and the biggest regret she has in her life. Nida broke down into tears while sharing her plight during her mother’s demise.

    “The day after I reached the Maldives I got to know that my mother passed away. During Covid, I was not even able to come back at once because of the corona test and other safety measures. The next morning I found out about my mother’s death, I just spent the whole day praying to Allah to create an easy way for me so I can go back home and see my mother. This thing hurts me the most that I was not there with my mother during her last moments.”

    She added, “My sisters always make me understand that it is very difficult to forget those last moments as they are very painful. I don’t know if that was it a punishment Allah gave me or something else but it will always remain the biggest regret of my life.”

    Earlier this year the Chakkar producer made headlines for refusing a male fan’s request of selfie. The Nadaniyaan diva could be seen saying in the video that I don’t take pictures with men.

    Later, a clip from The Current’s exclusive interview with Nida is resurfacing on web in which she stated the reason of doing so.

    “The reason is that I have seen photographs of a lot of actresses on random pages with captions. They [other actresses] must’ve posed considering them their fans but the captions on Facebook etc say ‘Meet my friend, [XYZ],” she said.

    “I don’t judge anyone ever since, but I’ll get photographed with families, with female friends, but not with male fans,” Nida Yasir remarked.

    Recently we chatted again with Nida over her career, controversies and friendships.

  • Box-office update of five Eid releases: Hit or Flop?

    Box-office update of five Eid releases: Hit or Flop?

    The 10-day week for Eid films, namely Ghabrana Nahi Hai, Dum Mastam, Parde Mein Rehne Do, Chakkar, and Tere Bajre Di Rakhi, has concluded recently.

    Although most of theses films have under performed at the ticket counters, yet they have brought some footfalls to local screens.

    Ghabrana Nahi Hai (Semi Hit)

    Ghabrana Nahi Hai (2D) @ ME Cinemas

    Ghabrana Nahi Hai starring Saba Qamar, Zahid Ahmed, and Syed Jibran has performed the best out of all the Eid releases. Saba’s star-power has definitely contributed to the film’s collection toppled with the engaging screenplay and crisp writing.

    Here’s a day-wise breakdown:

    Tuesday ( Eid Day 1): 68 lacs

    Wednesday ( Eid Day 2): 1.15 crore

    Thursday ( Eid Day 3): 1.17 crore

    Friday to Sunday: 1.7 crore

    Weekdays: 1.3 crore

    Total collection: 6 crore

    Dum Mastam (Average)

    Imran Ashraf and Amar Khan starrer commercial potboiler Dum Mastam is also performing better than the other releases, thanks to Imran’s performance and successful music album.

    Here’s a day-wise breakdown:

    Tuesday ( Eid Day 1): 65 lacs

    Wednesday ( Eid Day 2): 1.11 crore

    Thursday ( Eid Day 3): 1.08 crore

    Friday to Sunday: 1.20 crore

    Weekdays: 96 lacs

    Total collection over 10 days: 5 crore

    Parde Mein Rehne Do (Below Average)

    The Ali Rehman and Hania Aamir starrer is at the third spot. Here’s a day-wise breakdown:

    Tuesday ( Eid Day 1): 44 lacs

    Wednesday ( Eid Day 2): 76 lacs

    Thursday ( Eid Day 3): 75 lacs

    Friday to Sunday: 60 lacs

    Weekdays: 45 lacs

    Total collection over 10 days: 2.95 crore

    Chakkar (Below Average)

    The Ahsan Khan, Neelam Muneer, and Yasir Nawaz starrer, with far lesser show slots, is at the last spot. Here’s a day-wise breakdown:

    Tuesday ( Eid Day 1): 28 lacs

    Wednesday ( Eid Day 2): 54 lacs

    Thursday ( Eid Day 3): 50 lacs

    Friday to Sunday: 40 lacs

    Weekdays: 38 lacs

    Total collection over 10 days: 2.1 crores

    Tere Bajre Di Rakhi (Flop)

    Jannat set for Lollywood debut with 'Tere Bajre De Rakhi'

    This Syed Noor directorial which also marked the acting debut of TikToker Jannat Mirza has amassed a combined sum of 80 lacs over the past 10 days.