Category: Entertainment

Film received unprecedented response and won more than 12 national and international awards.

World renowned Pakistani Urdu feature film “Kamli” which has won more than a dozen awards at the UK Asian Film Festival , Minsk International Film Award of Belarus, 22nd Lux Style Awards, Pakistani Cinema Awards and the Indus Valley International Film Festival, is gracing the cinemas again on coming Friday over great public demand. According to the trade circles Kamli will fill the void of a quality Urdu film which cinemas are awaiting from past many months.

Kamli will be presented in all the cinemas of the circuit including Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad on coming Friday. Directed by distinguished story teller Sarmad Sultan Khoosat, the story of the film revolves around three women who are brought closer by circumstances and events.

Actress Saba Qamar plays the lead role in the film, while Sania Saeed and Nimra Bacha have created the magic of acting in other important roles.Saba Qamar has played the role of Hina in the movie,the story takes a new turn when Hina meets Amaltas (Hamza Khawaja) who saves her from drowning in the water.

Sheikh Abid Rasheed, Executive Director of Distribution Club, said that the film, which was released in theaters in June 2022, had done more than 05 crores and it was counted among the most successful films of the year who gave the best director awards to Sarmad Sultan Khoosat and the best actress awards to Saba Qamar in every award festival. He said that now it is being re-exhibited on the demand of fans and cinema business circles. According to director Sarmad Sultan Khost, Kamali is a film based on enlightening love story, which has eternal love essence of Heer Ranjha and Sohni Mahinwal is story.

This is the reason why its popularity is increasing with the passage of time, and even on the occasion of re-release, Kamali will be able to give quality entertainment to the fans.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

“Taxali Gate” is all set to hit cinema screens worldwide on 16th Feb 2024, under the banner of Distribution Club. This film, which deals with the subject of consent is set in the historical walled city of Lahore, and sheds light on the law and order situation, is written & directed by abualeeha and brought to you by Executive Producer shabbir shah & Producer waqas rizvi, ayesha.m.omar .

taxaligate Starring:ayesha omar ,yasir hussain, iffat omar, nayyer ejaz,babar ali,aly khan ,khaled anam ,sheharyar cheema .

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

Actor Hassan Saeed has said that Pakistani TV drama is still popular all over the world. I am a big fan of Humayun Saeed acting and consider him as my acting idol. He said that I started my career from theater and later acted in the telefilms and short films too. Hassan Saeed revealed that now he have been cast in the drama serial ‘Khalish’, the recording of which will start in January.

Hassan Said that I have got a very good role in the serial, and i will try my best to perform with my ful potential and do justice with my role and i will try hard to impress the audience. Hasan Saeed said that no doubt in the past PTV aired classic dramas, which are still loved by the audience, however, contemporary dramas are also excellent.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)Patakha Pictures, spearheaded by two-time Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker and journalist, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, has announced that twenty male and female filmmakers from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and its Newly Merged Districts of Kurram, Khyber, Orakzai and North Waziristan have been selected to participate in the “Frame By Frame” funding and mentorship program.

Patakha Pictures is opening up some strands of programming for men, and this inaugural strand, exclusively designed for applicants from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and its Newly Merged Districts, includes both men and women for the first time. Consequently, the ‘Frame by Frame’ fellowship has garnered a large number of applications from candidates in these areas.

The “Frame By Frame” program aims to equip the youth with the materials and training they can use to create their own short documentary films. The current program is the fifth of its kind being executed by Patakha Pictures and SOC Films and has the distinction of being the first instance that has been offered specifically for youth in the Newly Merged Districts, while being open to both men and women, another first for the program.

Under this program, selected fellows will work in pairs to create their films, with one fellow domiciled in the Newly Merged Districts and the other from the remaining districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. Over 9 months these aspiring filmmakers will be mentored by two industry experts (one international mentor and one Pakistani mentor) to hone their skills and explore documentary creativity. At its conclusion, the filmmaking pairs will produce 10 short documentaries that reflect on and question their society on themes such as peacebuilding, tourism, climate change, education, art, culture, community work, sports, agriculture, minority groups and women’s empowerment.

Joining the fifth iteration as mentors are Noé Mendelle (a Member of the Academy of Motion Picture Sciences, and Director of the Scottish Documentary Institute) and Shahrukh Waheed (an Emmy-nominated producer and filmmaker based in Karachi with academic experience in Media Studies and Digital Film Production from the UK).

“Over two decades ago when I started my journalism and filmmaking career, I was able to document some of the unique narratives that I came across from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and its adjoining FATA districts (now NMDs). I was witness to the immense beauty and warmth of the people and could see the untapped wealth of stories from the region. Now, as Patakha Pictures introduces its inaugural strand of ‘Frame by Frame’ fellows from the region, welcoming men into the team for the first time, I am delighted that our initiative promises to redefine Pakistan’s film ecosystem, by providing a platform to capture and amplify diverse voices from this vibrant and unexplored terrain,” said Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy.

After receiving an overwhelming number of submissions from male and female documentary filmmakers for “Frame By Frame”, the following applicants were selected to take part in the program:

 

	Names of Applicants	Origins
1.	Laiba Hussan	Peshawar
2.	Jamaima Afridi	Khyber
3.	Zala Nisar	Peshawar
4.	Roshana Waqas	Peshawar
5.	Muhammad Irfan Afridi	Khyber
6.	Shahzad Naveed	Swat
7.	Manzoor Ahmed	Orakzai
8.	Rehman Sadiq	North Waziristan
9.	Sana Ullah	Malakand
10.	Hadi Raza	Kurram
11.	Shahnawaz Ahmed Khan	Kurram
12.	Ahsan A Khan	Swat
13.	Fahad Mirza	Peshawar
14.	Jamil Iqbal	Lower Dir
15.	Sadaqat Ali Bangash	Kurram
16.	Jawad Hussain	Kurram
17.	Muhammad Ali	Buner
18.	Faiq Ali Shah	Mardan
19.	Ibrahim Afridi	Khyber
20.	Raees Mustafa	Kurram

 

PATAKHA PICTURES was launched to empower and support a new generation of storytellers from Pakistan. By providing mentorship and funding, the program encourages emerging filmmakers to create films that push boundaries and start important conversations.

PATAKHA PICTURES is an initiative of SOC Films.

 

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

Promising a unique blend of suspense, drama, and realism, Dareechay Films’ masterpiece ‘Chikkar’ premiered in a star-studded evening here. The directorial debut of Zaheer Uddin is undoubtedly the most gripping and highly anticipated crime thriller movie of 2023 in Lollywood.

Usman Mukhtar, Ushna Shah, Faryal Mehmood, Nausheen Shah, Saleem Mairaj, Ali Sheikh, Adnan Shah Tipu, and all the debutant and support cast received praise for their stellar performances from both critics and audiences.

Zaheer expressed gratitude to the film and the entertainment industry for attending the premiere, acknowledging the love and support they showed for the film.

“Chikkar” being my debut film holds a very special place in my heart, and I am quite sure it will remain like this forever. All credit goes to the cast, which delivered my narrative compellingly. I am confident that it will resonate with the audiences too. I am overwhelmed by the overall response of fellow industry mates and cannot wait for the grand public premiere,” said Zaheer.

Chikkar presents an engaging portrayal of sensitive topics and realistic scenery, serving as a testament to the promising future of the local film industry by providing a platform for young actors to showcase their talents.

Advance booking for the public premiere is underway as ‘Chikkar’ is all set to captivate audiences in theaters across Pakistan on 22nd December 2023.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

Continuing its showcase of female voices representing the cultural vibrancy and musical talent of Pakistan on the global stage, EQUAL Pakistan has featured another two distinguished ambassadors, Hareem Rashid, and Maher Anjum for November and December 2023 respectively. Both artists have earned widespread acclaim for their unique contributions to the music industry, and as part of the EQUAL Pakistan program, they have been featured on a digital billboard at Times Square, New York.

Maher Anjum, EQUAL Pakistan’s ambassador for the month of December 2023, is a Pakistani pop musician whose music is a harmonious blend of traditional Pakistani and Indian instruments with contemporary pop sounds. Her melodies, known for their lively energy and heartfelt lyrics, have garnered immense popularity. Maher’s most renowned songs include “Kahani Suno Zabani Suno“, “Ishqiya,” and “Ja Tujhe Maaf Kiya” Her mesmerizing track, “Kya Hoti Hai Bewafai 2.0,” is featured on the EQUAL Pakistan playlist for the month.

“It’s an immense pride and honor for me to be Spotify’s EQUAL Pakistan ambassador for this month,” commented Maher as she expressed her excitement for being announced as the program’s latest face. “This initiative is extremely important to me as it’s a cause of equality and allows our female artists to be heard and celebrated. I appreciate Spotify in elevating the voices of female artists in my country and providing a platform for them where they can engage and participate enthusiastically and show their love and passion for Music,” she added further.

Hareem Rashid, a dynamic and youthful force in the music scene, embarked on her musical journey five years ago through social media. Notable songs like “AAG”, “Dil Hariyaan” and “Scars” have solidified her position as a rising star with a rapidly growing audience. Her track “Pathar Dil” was featured on the EQUAL Pakistan playlist in November as part of Hareem’s induction into the program.

In her own words, Hareem shares, “Securing the title of ambassador of the month feels like catching a musical high, marking not just a personal achievement but a collective push for more female voices in the mix, aligning with Spotify’s mission to amplify women’s voices from this region. This represents an opportunity to contribute to diversity and equality in the music scene; adding my note to a symphony of change and ensuring a spotlight for a variety of talents and perspectives. Beyond personal empowerment, it holds significance for the entire women’s community, as I believe it can inspire and motivate others to dream bigger, resonating with those who, like me, find solace and empowerment in music as an escape from everyday hardships.”

The recognition of both Maher Anjum and Hareem Rashid on a digital billboard at Times Square, New York, stands as a testament to their rising influence and the global impact of Pakistani music. EQUAL Pakistan is thrilled to have them as ambassadors, representing the rich diversity and talent that the country has to offer.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

2023 coming to an end, Spotify Pakistan hosted an electrifying event in Karachi to mark the highly anticipated Wrapped campaign for the year. Focusing on the theme of “food” this year, the event welcomed hundreds of guests including artists, influencers, and media representatives, creating an immersive experience to celebrate the diversity and richness of Pakistan’s music as well as cultural scene.

Attendees were treated to an unforgettable evening, filled with live performances from Asim Azhar, Young Stunners, Talal Qureshi and Natasha Noorani, curated experiences, and an exclusive glimpse into the highlights of Spotify Wrapped 2023. The atmosphere was alive with the beats of the most streamed tracks and the energy of the most beloved genres thanks to DJ Neha and Mouseeki Machine, showcasing the impact of music on cultural connections.

Spotify Pakistan took Wrapped 2023 beyond the digital realm, bringing the celebration closer to its audience and providing a platform for artists to connect with their fans. The event not only highlighted the year’s most popular genres but also created a space for artists to share their musical journeys.

The vibrant gathering served as an opportunity for influencers and media representatives to delve into the intricacies of Spotify’s Wrapped campaign, understanding how it reflects the diverse music tastes of Pakistani listeners. The event encapsulated the essence of Spotify Wrapped 2023, emphasizing the platform’s commitment to celebrating the unique music landscape of Pakistan.

 

Usman Mukhtar and Ushna Shah Take Center Stage in a Film Directorial Debut by Zaheer Uddin.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)  Dareechay Films is ready to captivate Pakistani audiences with the release of the long-awaited theatrical trailer for “Chikkar.” Scheduled to hit screens nationwide on December 22, 2023, this crime thriller marks the directorial debut of Zaheer Uddin.

Zaheer has earned recognition for his unique approach, infusing insightful storytelling into numerous well-known TV commercials. He not only produced these commercials but also played a pivotal role in conceptualizing and scripting the majority of them.

Speaking on the trailer launch, Writer and Director Zaheer revealed that “Chikkar” delves into the harsh realities of our society-issues everyone witnesses but often chooses to ignore.

He further added, “It’s a cinematic journey that explores the complexities in our country, promising a unique blend of suspense, drama, and realism.”

The theatrical trailer promises a film with a distinct style, incorporating seriousness, creativity, engaging situations, sensitive topics, and realistic scenery. Set in a small town in Punjab, this Dareechay Films production guarantees a gripping crime suspense experience.

“Chikkar,” a social diary unfolding over 8 days, features stellar performances by Usman Mukhtar, Ushna Shah, Faryal Mehmood, Nausheen Shah, Saleem Mairaj, Ali Sheikh, Adnan Shah Tipu, and other seasoned TV and theatre actors.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

In a heartfelt farewell post on Instagram, Sabeena Farooq bids farewell to her beloved character, Barbeena, from Green Entertainment’ mega hit ‘Kabli Pulao’. Sharing a touching moment with Ehteshamuddin, who portrayed Haji Mushtaq and garnered immense love from the audience, Sabeena expressed that it’s not a goodbye but the commencement of more unseen and timeless love stories.

“I am not saying good bye. It’s the beginning of  the more unseen and timeless stories of love, true love.” she wrote. Grateful for the overwhelming love and appreciation that propelled Kabli Pulao to become a massive hit, Sabeena extended her heartfelt thanks to the audience.

Acknowledging the unwavering support from the cast and crew, including Nadia Afghan, Kashif Nisar, Zafar Mairaj, Imran Raza, Ehtisham Uddin, Adnan Shah Tipu, and others, Sabeena emphasized that this success owes itself to the audience.

Looking to the future, Kabli Pulao star assured her audience that this is not the end; there are many more stories to come. ‘Kabli Pulao’ serves as the first brick in the artistic journey that promises to unfold in the near future.With a commitment to hard work and delivering the best, Sabeena Farooq bids her final good bye to Barbeena and Haji Sahab and says they are forever. Green Entertainment proudly ventures into narratives that demand attention and have been untapped and ‘Kabli Pulao’ has been one of those stories that has made a mark on the future to come.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

Green Entertainment unfolds a tale of digital romance in ‘Ek Jhooti Love Story,’ where Salma and Sohail venture into the complexities of love.

Madiha Imam, celebrated for her outstanding performance in ‘Dil e Momin,’ joins forces with the incredibly versatile Bilal Abbas Khan, renowned for his impactful roles in ‘Cheekh,’ ‘O Rangreza,’ and ‘Dobara,’ in the much-anticipated ‘Ek Jhoothi Love Story.’

The drama is written by the gifted Umera Ahmed, celebrated for her impactful work in ‘Kankar,’ ‘Durre Shehwar’ ‘Pir e Kamil’ and ‘Zindagi Gulzar Hai’, directed by Mehreen Jabbar, recognized for flawless work in projects such as ‘Daam’ and ‘Jurm and produced by Shailja Kejriwal, a producer renowned for her remarkable work in successful projects like ‘Karib Karib Single’ and ‘Lala Begum’.

In a fascinating twist on the pursuit of love, Salma and Sohail, both from middle-class backgrounds, have turned to the digital realm to find their ideal life partners. Fuelled by lofty expectations, they’ve embarked on a unique journey by creating fake social media profiles. The duo navigates the intricate dance between reality and fantasy, as their virtual personas engage in conversations that could either lead to the love they seek or a web of unforeseen complications. As societal norms are challenged, the unfolding drama promises a tale of suspense, discovery, and the unpredictable nature of modern relationships.