The question-marks over the profitability of the maneuvre in the long run notwithstanding, the Pakistani government’s decision to ban the showcasing of Indian movies on Eid creates a weeklong window of opportunity for local films to prove themselves.
Truth be told, the trailers for none of the four Lollywood releases promise much, and maybe that is what has prompted the weeklong blockade.
However, here’s hoping that at least one of the movies would prove us wrong and build on the steps that the Pakistan film industry has taken with its two recent releases Cake and Motorcycle Girl.
7 Din Mohabbat In
The first and arguably the most anticipated of the lot, 7 Din Mohabbat In appears to blend romance, action and comedy in an entertainment melange. We’ll know on Eid how fruitful the mixture turns out to be.
Directed by Meenu Gaur and Farjad Nabi, the film stars Mahira Khan opposite Shehrayar Munawar in the lead roles. Noticeable characters are played by the versatile Hina Dilpazeer – aka Momo of Bulbulay – Jawed Sheikh, Amna Ilyas and Mira Sethi. The film is going to be released under the Dawn Films banner, with a runtime of approximately 138 minutes – lesser than Pakistani films usually are accustomed to.
The story has a young man traversing the journey of finding his love in the crowded city of Karachi. He has to face challenges – both physical and spiritual – to accomplish his goal. He struggles his way through these ups and downs as he is charmed by Mahira’s character.
7 Din Mohabbat In is the safest bet to outshine its peers. However, warding off Race 3 and Sanju a week after Eid might be a tall order.
Promotional image for 'Wujood'
Wujood
Second on the list is another star-studded project directed by Jawed Sheikh himself under his own production house – Shehzad and Momal Sheikh being the producers. The music department was handed over to Sahir Ali Bagga, so the expectations are quite high. This film casts Danish Taimoor alongside Saeeda Imtiaz. The rest of the cast has Aditi Singh, Freiha Altaf and Ali Saleem.
This revenge-thriller film appears to have mustered an old-school style. It follows the Bollywood panache with dance numbers, crisp dialogues and fight sequences with a sprinkle of romance. The sound track is clearly one of the film’s fortes.
If Wujood has the potential to build on its trailer, it may just give 7 Din Mohabbat In a run for its money.
Considering the weeklong ban on Bollywood, it is imperative that these movies put up a good show
Azaadi
Third on the list is Azaadi, your mandatory dose of jingoism, encompassing Pakistan, India and Kashmir. It stars Moammar Rana with Sonya Hussain in the lead, along with Nadeem Baig.
Written and directed by Pervez Malik, with Imran Malik on the production end, the film will be released under the banner of ARY Films. The music production is again taken over by Sahir Ali Bagga. Jawed Sheikh will also be seen in the movie.
The story revolves around a young man brimming over with the spirit of patriotism, with the ambition to free the people of Kashmir. After he inspires more youth, he is all set to fight a war for the rights of the people.
The film quite blatantly aspires to cash in on Kashmir – something that our entertainment industry has been doing for decades – and peddle the same narrative to the latest generation.
Hence, politics aside, there shouldn’t be anything new to see in the film. However, considering the subject – and indeed the political environment in the region – that very fact could see the film attracting many moviegoers.
'Wujood' stars Danish Taimoor and Saeeda Imtiaz in leading roles
Na Band Na Baraati
Fourth on the list is HUM films’ Na Band Na Baraati, directed by Mahmood Akhtar and written by Harish Patel. The film has an all-star cast with Mikaal Zulfiqar and Nayab Khan in the lead. Budding star Shayan Khan and the evergreen Attiqa Odho are also there, alongside Ali Kazmi and Qawi Khan.
The film depicts a Pakistan-based family living in Toronto, Canada, trying to celebrate the weddings of their two sons in a quintessentially desi manner. And the challenges created by the sons in turn are designed to generate the entertainment coefficient.
This Eid flick, hence, banks on being a family entertainer.
There is a wide array of local films being released on Eid. And considering the weeklong ban on Bollywood, it is imperative that these movies put up a good show.
