Been waiting for Pakistani movies that promise to leave you on the edge of your seats? These 3 upcoming Pakistani movies might be worth a watch!

We usually have to wait till a certain festive season like Eid for our dose of Pakistani movies but we are glad to report you can expect 3 extremely gripping, power packed storylines to hit cinemas soon. These are not your average mirch masala Pakistani movies but movies that promise to leave an impact. They have a message, a much needed and true to time one. The actors are seasoned, have proven their mettle with their past performances and it wouldn’t be wrong to say they are audiences favorites.
The trailers on their own have captivated audiences with the themes the movies seem to revolve around and a variety of factors. This season’s 3 new flicks present us tales of female empowerment, activism and social injustice! Here’s more about them:
Gunjal Inspired By The True Story Of Child Labor Activist, Iqbal Masih
In the powerful and gripping Pakistani feature film “Gunjal” the stellar cast, led by Ahmed Ali Akbar, Resham, and Amna Ilyas, brings to life a fictional narrative loosely inspired by the true story of child labor activist Iqbal Masih. Under the skillful direction of Shoaib Sultan and the compelling script penned by Nirmal Bano and Ali Kazmi, the film unfolds the tale of a courageous young soul leading a movement against child exploitation in the 1990s. Supported by the talented individuals including Syed Muhammad Ali, Sarmed Aftab Jadraan, Razia Malik, Sardar Nabeel, Ali Aftab Saeed, Arham Khan, Ebtisam Mustafa, Habiba Sufyan, Ahsen Murad, Munir Khan, Usman Zia, and Ahmad Ali Butt. Produced by Nighat Akbar Shah and presented by EverReady Pictures, this Adur Productions film stands as a tribute to the indomitable spirit of those who fight against injustice.
“Gunjal” is a 2023 Pakistani action, crime thriller film inspired by the true story of Iqbal Masih, a Pakistani child labor activist who fought against the practice in the 1990s before his tragic murder. While not a direct biopic, “Gunjal” takes inspiration from Masih’s life and activism. The film explores themes of child labor, social injustice, and the fight for freedom. The story revolves around Shahbaz Bhatti, a tenacious journalist who investigates the questionable acquittal of Iqbal’s murderer.
The film isn’t just a social commentary; it also promises action and suspense as Bhatti navigates danger and uncovers the truth behind Iqbal’s death.
The film releases today, 15th December, 2023.
Nayab, Bringing Female Cricket Into Focus On All Fronts
Embark on a heartwarming journey with “Nayab,” a tale that unfolds the endearing bond between Nayab and Akber in the vibrant landscape of Karachi, where cricket is more than just a game. Directed by the talented Umair Nasir Ali, written by Ali Abbas Naqvi and Basit Naqvi, who also wrote Laal Kabootar the film promises to immerse you in a world filled with dreams, drama, and unbreakable family bonds. With the creative touch of Executive Producers David Kenney and Agnes Kenney, and Producers Rumina Umair & Umair Irfani, the cinematic experience is bound to be unforgettable. Presented by Kenneyz Films in association with Num Film and distributed by Mandviwalla Entertainment. The cast, featuring Yumna Zaidi, Javed Sheikh, M Fawad Khan, Usama Khan, Huma Nawab, Noreen Gullwani, Adnan Siddiqui, Ehtishamuddin, and Faryal Mehmood, ensures a compelling portrayal of characters against the bustling backdrop of Karachi.
Nayab promises to deliver a thrilling blend of action, heart-pounding suspense, and a sprinkle of romance, marking Yumna Zaidi’s cinematic debut. It’s fantastic to witness Pakistan and Pakistanis truly bringing female cricket into focus on all fronts. With an ace female cricket team, a drama featuring a female cricketer, and now our very own movie about a passionate female cricketer, Nayab, the spotlight on women’s cricket is growing. Nayab is portrayed as resilient, fearless, and fully prepared to give her all to defeat the Indian cricket team!
The film will release on January 26, 2024.
Chikkar, Exploring Power Dynamics Within Society
Get ready for a riveting cinematic experience as Dareechay Films presents “Chikkar,” a highly-anticipated crime thriller starring the dynamic duo Usman Mukhtar and Ushna Shah. This crime thriller also marks the directorial debut for the talented Zaheer Uddin. The cast includes Usman Mukhtar, Ushna Shah, Faryal Mehmood, Nausheen Shah, Saleem Mairaj, Ali Sheikh, Tipu, and other seasoned TV and theatre actors.
The title itself, meaning “mud” in Punjabi and Urdu, hints at themes of societal struggles and oppression. The teaser portrays images of government buildings, police officers, and a bloodied corpse, suggesting a potential focus on social injustices and violence.
The teaser also showcases characters “raising their voices, suppressing them, and remaining silent,” suggesting an exploration of power dynamics within society and how individuals navigate them. The prominence of Faryal Mehmood’s character defiantly dancing amidst men, along with a policewoman’s laptop showing a video of a woman and child, hints at potential themes of female empowerment and the struggles women face. Usman Mukhtar’s character as an SSP named Sarmad Zaman and the scenes in the “Ladies Sector” suggest a police investigation at the heart of the story.
The film is scheduled to hit cinemas nationwide on December 22, 2023.
So which one of these will be the first to watch on your list?
