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Pakistani cinema finds itself in a markedly different state. The once-popular pastime of visiting the cinemas, which flourished in the previous decade, has significantly dwindled. Economic challenges persist, leading to a decline in consumer spending power, which, in turn, has resulted in fewer new film productions. Despite these obstacles, Eid holidays often serve as a window of opportunity for filmmakers, prompting them to take creative risks against the odds. In that spirit, here’s a quick look at local films as well as international films that are playing in cinemas, and what cinephiles should look out for…
Daghabaaz Dil
Directed by Wajahat Rauf and featuring an extensive cast including Mehwish Hayat, Ali Rehman Khan, Momin Saqib, Beo Zafar Rana, Babar Ali, Saleem Shaikh, Laila Wasti, Tazeen Hussain, Daghabaaz Dil is a comedy and promises to deliver wholesome entertainment. If the trailer is anything to go by, the film is about characters who are, at first, not interested in getting married but slowly undergo a change of heart. It is a concoction of romance, comedy, and culminates in a grand Punjabi wedding, offering a multifaceted viewing experience.
The film's biggest ace and why it has the potential to appeal to cinephiles is the presence of Mehwish Hayat, who has proven with a multitude of films that she is a bankable star and a seasoned actor (among several others).
Taxali Gate
Directed by Abu Aleeha and produced by Ayesha Omar, Taxali Gate originally released earlier this year. As Eid holidays arrive, the director's cut of this film will run across cinemas in Pakistan, according to the film’s director, Abu Aleeha.
Featuring a talented ensemble cast including Alyy Khan, Ayesha Omar, Yasir Hussain, Babar Ali, Mehar Bano, the film tackles sensitive subjects with finesse, complemented by standout performances.
Godzilla x Kong:
The New Empire
Directed by Adam Wingard, with a strong cast including Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry and Dan Stevens, this film falls under a variety of genres including sci-fi, action and adventure.
Synopsis: "Two ancient titans, Godzilla and Kong, clash in an epic battle as humans unravel their intertwined origins and connection to Skull Island's mysteries." –imdb.com
The Legend of
Maula Jatt
Initially released in 2022, this iconic Pakistani film makes a triumphant return to cinemas. Directed by Bilal Lashari, the film boasts an all-star cast including Fawad Khan, Hamza Ali Abbasi, Mahira Khan, Humaima Malik, Gohar Rasheed, Nayyar Ejaz, and Faris Shari (among several others).
Synopsis: "From times untold where legends are written in soil with blood, a hero is born. Maula Jatt, a fierce prizefighter with a tortured past seeks vengeance against his arch nemesis Noori Natt, the most feared warrior in the land of Punjab." –imdb.com
