Set for their film debuts in 2020

The past year in cinema wasn’t very productive, both in terms of quality and quantity. Films that released during holiday season managed to rake in decent figures but there was no blockbuster.

This year, however, long lists of films are lined up for release and that too from big names in the cinematic world. Nabeel Qureshi is aiming to release two films while Nadeem Baig is also gearing up to release his next, in addition to several other projects set for a 2020 release.

Speaking of actors, there will be some new names that are making their film debuts this year, after carving a name for themselves either on TV or in music. Here are a few of them...

Imran Ashraf

Having made a mark in TV with the breakthrough performance as Bhola in Ranjha Ranjha Kardi in 2019, followed by essaying an anti-hero, Rehan Chaudhry, in Inkaar and then stepping into the shoes of a romantic hero for the first time, in Kahin Deep Jalay, the Geo TV play, Imran Ashraf finally announced his film debut a few months back. He will be starring as the protagonist in Mohammad Ehteshamuddin’s second feature film, titled Dum Mastam, penned by Amar Khan who also stars in the film as the female lead. Produced under Adnan Siddiqui’s banner Cereal Entertainment, Dum Mastam is said to be a love story with elements of both comedy and drama. It is presently being shot and will see Imran essay a Punjabi man.

Junaid Khan

Singer turned actor Junaid Khan has appeared in numerous drama serials in the last few years. Though he usually takes up chocolate hero roles and is mostly featured in romance-family stories, he played an antagonist in Hania last year that attracted a lot of praise for the actor. He has certainly come a long way ever since he stepped into the world of acting and perhaps this was the right time to venture into films. He will be making his debut alongside Mansha Pasha in Kahay Dil Jidhar in which he will be seen as a police officer who wants to bring real change. The first teaser recently came out and does get points for painting an interesting picture.

Farhan Saeed

Singer turned actor Farhan Saeed made headlines for his role in season one and season two of Suno Chanda that aired during Ramazan in the recent past. Prior to that, the actor featured in drama serials Udaari, Sila, Teri Chah Main, while he is gearing up for his next opposite Sohai Ali Abro.

Farhan is also all set to make his big screen debut later this year with Tich Button, co-produced by Urwa Hocane, which also features Feroze Khan, Iman Ali and Sonya Hussyn in key roles. Directed by Qasim Ali Mureed, Tich Button is a romantic comedy, expected to release in 2020.

Amar Khan

Writer-turned-actor Amar Khan caught one’s attention with versatile roles in Belapur Ki Dayan and Ghughi - the year she started off her journey in television. In 2019, she received immense praise for her performance and sense of style in drama serial Dil E Gumshuda for delivering a layered performance. Amar is gearing up for her film debut with Dam Mastam in 2020, not just as an actor but a writer as well; she has penned the script of the film. According to Amar, “Dam Mastam is a very good mix of a commercially viable and content driven film. It is a Punjab-centric rom-com but not based in rural Punjab; it is a very rooted, indigenized story of interior Lahore.”

Azaan Sami Khan

Having written the screenplay and directed the music of Mahira Khan-starrer Superstar and also directed the music of Parey Hut Love last year, the young and dynamic Azaan Sami Khan is also making his big screen debut this year. Titled Pathak Dey, the upcoming film features Ahsan Khan, Kubra Khan, Hania Amir and Shamoon Abbasi in lead roles, alongside Azaan. It is said to be an action, romantic comedy which will be directed by Saife Hassan; however, there is nothing concrete at the moment. In an earlier interview, Azaan also hinted at working in dramas so this year we might see the artist stepping into acting, both on TV and in film.