The movie premiere of Khel Khel Mein was held in Karachi last night (Thursday) in Karachi. After the reopening of cinemas, Sajal Aly and Bilal Abbas Khan starrer has been released today (November 19) being the first film to release in the post-pandemic era.
The film is based on true events and is set on the backdrop of a university group dwelling into the secrets of 1971’s liberation of East Pakistan.
Celebrities including Fahad Mustafa, Nida Yasir, Yasir Nawaz, Mansha Pasha, Urwa Hocane, Nadia Khan and Sheheryar Munawar Siddiqui were spotted at the event.
Earlier, The trailer launch of the movie was held in Karachi which turned out to be a star-studded affair with celebrities like Fahad Mustafa and Manzar Sehbai gracing the event:
As part of the celebratory activities of 70 years of Pakistan-China diplomatic ties, five movies from Pakistan will be screened during a first-ever Pakistan Film Week starting from Wednesday, August 4.
According to details, Pakistan Embassy, Beijing and China-Film Administration have jointly organized the four-day film week to further enhance cultural exchanges between the two countries.
The premier of Sohai Ali Abro’s Motorcycle Girl will be held on August 4, with Chinese and English subtitles. Other films included in the list are Humayun Saeed’s blockbusters Punjab Nahi Jaungi and Bin Roye.
Mahira Khan’s Ho Maan Jahan and Mathira’s Blind Love will also be screened in the following days.
In November 2020, Parwaaz Hai Junoon became the first Pakistan film to hit the cinemas in China. The movie received the round of applause from around 400 people including officials of the Chinese government.
Actors Aagha Ali and Yasir Hussain are all set to make their directorial debut’s with the upcoming web films. The Mere Meherbaan star will be directing a thriller, Raat starring Hina Ali whereas the Lahore Se Aagay actor will be directing Fahad Sheikh and Mansha Pasha in Koyal.
“Super happy and proud to announce this one. This is not just my directorial debut but my first one as the Producer as well. I present to you the first official poster of “RAAT” our upcoming Web-Film,” wrote Agha while making the announcement on his Instagram handle.
Yasir Hussain is directing a series based on sister rivalry Koyal. The script is written by Zanjabeel Asim and it also features Fareeha Jabeen, Muhammad Noor-ul-Hassan, Maham Aamir, Yasir Taj, Umer Aalam, Faysal Shahzad, and Sajeel Meer.
Faisal Quershi has roped in over 25 celebrities in his directorial debut, titled as Money Back Guarantee. It features Fawad Khan, Mikaal Zulfiqar, Ayesha Omar and cricket legend Wasim Akram along with an ensemble cast and multiple guest appearances in this comedy of errors.
The ensemble cast also includes names like Afzal Khan (Jan Rambo), Kiran Khan, Marhoom Ahmad Bilal, Gohar Rasheed, Adnan Jaffer, Shafaat Ali, Javaid Sheikh, Hina Dilpazir, Ali Safina and Aqdas Waseem are also the part of the project.
Fawad’s Humsafar co-star Mahira Khan has also been roped in for a cameo. Several other actors will be making a special appearance in the film such as Ali Rehman Khan, Ahsan Rahim, Adnan Bashir Khan, Faysal Qureshi, Faisal Qureshi (the director), Hajra Yamin, Muniba Mazari, George Fulton, Syeda Marium Batool, Khadija Arshad and Ataullah Jan.
Wasim Akram’s wife Shaneira Akram will also play a guest role in the movie. The movie was set to be released in 2020 but was delayed due to the pandemic woes.
Pakistani short film Darya Kay Iss Paar has bagged three major awards at the New York City International Film Festival. The short film won awards including Best Short Film, Best Director and Best Leading Actress (Khaba Aziz). The film is based on the stigma attached to mental health.
Proud moment for Pakistan. 30 min Short Film Darya Kay Iss Paar (This Bank of The River) won three major awards in world prestigious New York City International Film Festival 2021. Best Film, Best Director, Best Actress. Produced by Nighat and directed by debutant Shoaib Sultan. pic.twitter.com/yFVAZQYCry
As per the description available on YouTube, Darya Kay Iss Paar (On this side of the river) is the story of a young girl named Gull Zareen, who lives in the Northern areas of Pakistan. The plot of the film revolves around the life of Zareen who has “nothing but alienation in her life.”
“The aloofness in the air of the mountainous area is adding more depression in her life. There is a gradual increase in her mental stress starting from school life to the married life. No one is ready to bother about her feelings and thoughts,” reads the official description.
“Rigid social values and norms further add fuel to the fire. Resultantly, the increasing mental stress compels her to commit suicide. The story depicts the stereotypical behavior of society towards mental illness. Certainly, it is a roller-coaster ride of strong emotions inspired from real events where the story can force a viewer to, at least, think about the issue,” it adds.
The film has been produced by Nighat Akbar Shah and directed by Shoaib Sultan.
New York City International Film Festival was founded in 2009 to celebrate the arts of film.
Nabeel Qureshi has revealed that his upcoming project Khel Khel Mein featuring Bilal Abbas Khan and Sajal Aly will be a historical drama.
Responding to a follower during a question & answer session on Instagram, Qureshi revealed that Khel Khel Mein is “something different from my previous movies” and will be a historical drama.
Responding to other questions related to the lead pair, Qureshi shared that he had an amazing experience working with Khan and that Sajal was his first choice for the film.
Meanwhile, other details about the new project have been kept tightly under wraps and are limited. The actors had earlier expressed their excitement over the film while announcing the news on social media.
“Bismillah,” Sajal had said while sharing a picture of the script, while Bilal had said: “Working with the finest producer/director duo in the country for the first time. Iss baar milte hain theatre mei.”
Speaking about Mahira Khan and Fahad Mustafa’s Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad that was expected to hit cinemas on Eid ul Azha 2020, Qureshi shared that he plans to release the film this year.
Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad has been directed by Nabeel and produced by Fizza Ali Meerza. A teaser for the film had also been released earlier.
Qureshi also mentioned that there are two upcoming movies that are pending for release.
Sakina Samo, who was recently honoured with the Pride of Performance has announced that her next film will be a love story set in interior Sindh and will feature Sheheryar Munawar, Asad Siddiqui and Humaima Malick in the lead.
“By the grace of Allah, I am able to announce some details about my next film,” said Sakina in the announcement. “I am so pleased to say Sheheryar Munawar Siddiqui and Asad Siddiqui (not related) are confirmed cast members.”
In a successive post, the veteran actor and director revealed the female lead and some additional details about the film.
“And here is our leading lady, the talented Humaima Malik,” shared Sakina, adding: “I’m humbled and proud to be directing a story set in interior Sindh. All I can say at this point is it’s a love story inspired by true events and characters.”
“It’s a script that I’ve been mulling over for decades, finally I’ve put pen to paper,” she shared further.
Shahroz Sabzwari has responded to Yasir Hussain over his comments that the former should have stuck to television instead of venturing into films.
In a recent interview with a local media outlet, when Yasir was asked to name an actor who should have stayed on television instead of doing films, the actor named Shahroz Sabzwari.
Responding to Yasir’s comments, Sabzwari said: “I think everyone has their own opinion and I respect Yasir’s. I respect everyone’s opinions, whether it comes from someone in my family or a random person on the street. No one has been subjected to flak the way I have.”
The actor further said: “And he’s [Yasir’s]… I know him. So if that is what he thinks, then that’s fine by me.”
It is pertinent to add here that Sabzwari has been subjected to a lot of criticism ranging from nepotism to his acting skills to his ‘questionable’ personal decisions.
“Nowadays, people say so many things and many of us take them to the heart. We need to be stronger. We have to nurture ourselves and filter out the bashing that comes our way. If you don’t filter it out, you will lose,” said Shahroz.
“I own all my characters and my films. One of them Chain Aye Na was a dead flop, but I own it. I think everyone should do that too. A bad film or a character that doesn’t work for you should never define your potential. An actor is only done when he tells himself in the mirror that he is done,” expressed Sabzwari.
When asked if he thinks he made the right choices with his films and if there could be some weight in Hussain’s opinion, Shahroz said: “I’ve never made a wrong decision in my life. Before taking on anything I say Bismillah and I give it my best.”
“But again, Yasir is entitled to his opinion and if you ask me mine, I will say that I respect all the actors around me,” said Shahroz, adding: “Even someone who plays a minor role is significant to me because when the camera is rolling, even saying ‘Assalamualaikum, kaisay hain aap’ becomes a task.”
Veteran actor Ejaz Durrani has passed away at the age of 88 after battling a long illness, media reports have stated. His funeral prayers will be offered in Garden Town, Lahore.
Ejaz was born in 1935 in a village near Jalalpur Jattan. He started his career with a supporting role in the movie Hamida and worked in almost 150 movies during his 30-year career. Apart from acting, he also proved his skills as a producer and director.
Durrani is fondly remembered for his role of Ranjha in the movie Heer Ranjha in which he shared the screen with Firdous.
On the personal front, Durrani was married to Noor Jehan, and the two had three daughters together. However, they later parted ways after which he married his co-star Firdous. That marriage too ended in divorce.
Natasha Ali penned down heartfelt note for her late grandfather on Instagram.
“Beloved father, husband , son , brother , uncle , grandfather , friend & human Ejaz Durrani has left us today to rest peacefully in the heavens, still the most handsome man & furthermore an outstanding human being. You did more for your family, friends & those in need than anyone I know. What a life lived,” wrote Natasha.
“It breaks our heart to say goodbye but we find solace in the fact that we shall carry your legacy of goodness,kindness & quiet bravery forth for you. Because you always taught us that being kind & doing the right thing was always the most important thing in life. This is how I shall always remember you handsome , radiant with that irresistible smile. I love you Nana,” added Natasha
“I request you all to pray for his soul today and everyday, till we meet again,” She concluded.
Prime Minister Imran Khan’s decision to air Diriliş: Ertuğrul on state-run Pakistan Television (PTV) has opened new doors for the Pakistani entertainment industry with a new alliance formed between Pakistani production house Ansari Films and Turkish production house Tekden Films.
According to a press release, “Countering the narrative of Islamophobia and highlighting the teachings of Islam and the goodness the religion propagates will be a key focus of the new alliance between Pakistan-based Ansari Films and Turkish production house Tekden Films. This was discussed during one of the many meetings held during the recent Turkey visit of Pakistani delegation to Turkey.”
The Pakistani delegation comprising of Adnan Siddiqui, Humayun Saeed, producers Dr Kashif Ansari of Ansari Films and Dr Junaid Ali Shah met senior ministers in the Turkish government and discussed an upcoming series Turki Lala, which will be a joint production venture between the two countries. Turki Lala is expected to go on floors soon. The plot of the upcoming venture is based on “Turki Lala who is considered to be one of the most glorious Muslim nationalists to have assisted Turkey during the Balkan War and World War I.”
According to the Ansari-Tekden team, this will [the partnership] start a new chapter in the cross-border talent exchange including actors and writers and more programmes on popular names in the history.”
During their three-day visit, the Pakistani delegation also met several Turkish dignitaries including Governor of Istanbul Ali Yerlikaya, Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Youth and Sports Minister M. Muharrem Kasapoglu.
Speaking about the project, Humayun said: “Turkey has very graciously extended its cooperation to us when we start shooting the series. Turki Lala is a formidable figure in Pak-Turkey relations that go back centuries. The programme will be a tribute to his heroics as well the great friendship between the two nations.”
Similarly, Adnan while sharing his thoughts on the project said: “Plans are afoot to create content that breaks the myth surrounding Muslims which, unfortunately, has led to unnecessary hatred towards the community. We want people to know that Islam is all about purity of thought and deeds through our future productions. We had a detailed dialogue on the same with the communication director of Presidency Fahrettin Altun.”
Bugün, Turki Lala’nın hayatını konu eden dizi projesini Pakistanlı yapımcılardan dinleme imkanı bulduk. Türk ve Pakistanlı oyuncuların bir arada olacağı dizi projesi Pakistan’la olan kültürel bağlarımızı inşallah daha da güçlendirecek. Emeği geçenlere teşekkür ederim. pic.twitter.com/FYksOyfJ9u
Earlier, Turkish actor Celal Al warmly welcomed Humayun, Adnan, Reema Khan and Sadia Khan in Turkey.
In January when a Turkish delegation visited Pakistan, Humayun had announced that he and his “friend Adnan Siddiqui” are bringing the biggest project ever in collaboration with Kashif [Ansari] and “our Turkish brothers”. He revealed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would be signed between Tekdin Films and Dr Kashif Ansari of Ansari Films and TRT Films which would lead to a collective project and Adnan and Humayun would be overseeing casting and production-related decisions in Pakistan.
While a release date for the project has not been announced, it is being speculated that the series will begin to air some time in 2023.
Meanwhile, Adnan and Humayun have been sharing pictures of themselves enjoying the beauty of Turkey.
