It’s that time of the year again when we grab our popcorn and head to the theatres because Eid ul Azha is just around the corner! The Pakistani film industry has never failed to impress us recently with its epic releases, and this year is no exception.
Pakistani cinema has seen a long period of stagnation but is now starting to regain some of the prestige it once had with many successful films that have been acclaimed by critics and enjoyed on an international level. Pakistani cinema is starting to return to its rightful niche by producing films that are suitable for all audience members regardless of preference – action, comedy, adventure, drama. The big draw for filmmakers in Pakistan to release films is during Eid celebrations (Eid-ul-Fitr or Eid-ul-Azha).
To date, two films have released in cinemas on Eid-ul-Fitr, with more films set to premiere in theatres across Pakistan this Eid-ul-Azha. The most exciting part of this Eid is that these three films are of very different genres. Here’s what we expect from these so far!
Zombeid Ft. Fahad Mustafa & Mehwish Hayat
With Zombeid, there isn’t any kind of slow build-up or lengthy set up when it comes to the trailer – everything is already happening at the start of the film – there’s panic, sirens, people running for their lives, overturned cars and yes, an outbreak that sends the city into chaos as if it was a battlefield. You can see the horror right in front of you – as opposed to being hinted at, the trailer reveals crowds in a chaos sequence, as well as fast-cutting scenes, which insinuate that the infection spread quickly. Also, zombie-like figures are not explained or over explained, which is a good thing as the trailer goes with chaos/confusion/urgency rather than a tedious explanation.
What also stands out is the scale and casting presence layered into the onscreen chaos. Alongside the ensemble, you see formidable star power with Fahad Mustafa and Mehwish Hayat, who instantly ground the film with familiar faces in the middle of an unfamiliar, collapsing world. This gives the impression of a survival horror film that wants to be both emotional and visual. There are many ideas within global zombie cinema with their use of panic in the public domain, such as how they build up tension through crowded spaces, confinement, and desperation among people under severe pressure – e.g. Train to Busan. It appears to want to be large enough for the local film industry such as with their use of a lot of digital VFX, large amount of destruction, and the idea that anything can happen at any minute. Zombeid’s trailer appears to suggest that there’s more than just horror in the packaging – a disaster film based on survival, fear, instinct – and horror.
The film is being presented by Filmwala Pictures, under the creative umbrella of Nabeel Qureshi and Fizza Ali Meerza starring Fahad Mustafa, and Mehwish Hayat is lead roles. The film is also directed by Nabeel Qureshi himself.
Luv Di Saun Ft. Farhan Saeed & Mamya Shajaffar
The trailer of Luv Di Saun drops us straight into the heart of old Lahore – narrow alleys, warm gritty visuals, and an overall rough yet lived-in reality where romance is not easily attained. This film does not fit in with the traditionally defined romantic genre; rather it is packed with highly charged emotive scenes, action sequences, and extreme emotional drama centered around a passionate relationship.
The main character, played by Mamya Shajaffar, is lively but also carries depth and complexity; she seems to fall somewhere between innocence and having some kind of internal struggle. Farhan Saeed essays an intense “androon shehr ka larka”. He is very much in control but has rage bubbling under the surface. He clearly has a strong belief in standing up for himself at all times, no matter how difficult the circumstances may be.
The trailer indicates this is a total entertainment package with romance, drama, stylized action, and emotional conflict co-existing together. Babar Ali is seen in what appears to be a significant authoritative character where he plays a role as part of a larger struggle that will influence the journey of these two. The movie does not seem to be a typical romantic comedy – it is more of an intense romantic action drama that will be built on how love is tested through their choices, consequences, and the external world pressures.
ARY Films and Salman Iqbal Films present Luv Di Saun, Farhan Saeed and Mamya Shajaffar. The film is written and directed by Imran Malik.
Psycho Ft. Meera, Shaan Shahid, and Sonya Hussaiyn
With a very dark and disturbing beginning, the trailer for “Psycho” establishes itself as a psychological thriller rather than just your normal commercial movie. The trailer uses disturbing imagery, fragmented cuts and a sense of emotional instability to evoke the mood that is felt throughout much of the film’s main character and supporting cast (Meera, Shaan Shahid, and Sonya Hussaiyn). The film revolves around disturbed minds, altered realities, and an overarching storyline where you cannot trust anything or anyone completely. The main character portrayed by Meera is presented in a dynamic and significant way, hinting that she has much depth and complexity to deal with emotionally. Shaan Shahid as the strong, dominant character represents authority and conflict; Sonya Hussaiyn adds another layer of emotion with her performance as a character who exhibits both strength and weakness.
The film’s trailer seems to indicate that this is a psychological thriller with many layers, rather than just an action-packed movie about good versus evil. The main theme appears to be focused on perception, self-identity, and conflict. Additionally, the film features seasoned actors in supporting roles, such as Javed Sheikh, Nayyar Ejaz, etc., which can contribute to the overall feel of a dramatic and intense story, a heavy dose of tension and chaos, with a lot of blurred lines between truth and emotions. All in all, this film appears to be a bold and creative approach to local filmmaking, with a larger emphasis on character development and complexity than the norm for films in Pakistan.
Psycho is presented by Red Lipstick Production & SB Films. Written, screenplay & directed By: Shaan Shahid. Produced by M. Suleman Butt and stars Meera, Shaan Shahid, Sonya Hussayn, Javed Sheikh, and more.
What are you watching this Eid ul Azha?