2018 was a great year for the nascent Pakistani film industry. Cinematic ventures made big bucks at the box office, topics that were never touched upon made it to the silver screen, animated films left quite an impact, and although there were quite a few misses in between, the year was definitely a step in the right direction.
Building upon this momentum is 2019, which may have started on a rather unpleasant note with Gumm, and slow first few weeks, we do have quite an interesting list of films which will be hitting cinemas with two Laal Kabootar and Sherdil releasing tomorrow.
Here in this piece, we list down these films and also tell you what we expect from them.
Laal Kabootar
The edge of the seat crime thriller stars Ahmed Ali Akbar and Mansha Pasha in leading roles and trust us when we say that this is a film you should definitely not miss. The trailer had us all intrigued for what the story would have in store for us, and having seen the film at the Lahore premiere this one gets our stamp of approval. It releases tomorrow!
Sherdil
Produced in collaboration with the Pakistan Air Force, the movie is a blend of action, patriotism, romance, and even comedy which is all set to entertain the audiences when it releases tomorrow. Mikaal Zulfikar and Armeena Khan are the two leading stars and we are pretty excited to see these two hotties together on the silver screen!
Project Ghazi
On hold since 2017, due to technical issues, the superhero film Project Ghazi is back on track as it releases this 29th March. The action movie stars Humayun Saeed, Sheheryar Munawar and Syra Shehroz in leading roles and if the trailer is anything to go by, the film will definitely pack a punch!
The Legend of Maula Jatt
Bilal Lashari’s second outing after 2013’s massive hit Waar is without a doubt the hottest, most eagerly awaited release of the year. Starring Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Hamza Ali Abbassi, and Humaima Malick, the film is scheduled for an Eid-ul-Fitr release. While the trailer is yet to come out, the teaser has piqued the interest of the nation already and it seems history will definitely be re-written this Eid-ul-Fitr.
Wrong Number 2
Following up on the success of his last two films, Yasir Nawaz is going back to his roots and coming up with a sequel to his debut film. The romantic comedy stars Sami Khan and Neelam Muneer and if the makers are to be believed, this is a comedy like no other which will have us all laughing out loud. The film releases Eid-ul-Fitr.
Chhalawa
Putting his comedy franchise KSL series on hold, Wajahat Rauf has jumped to his next film and we are pretty excited to see what he brings to the silver screen this time. Starring Azfar Rehman, Mehwish Hayat, Asad Siddiqui, and Zara Noor Abbas the film is a family-based rom-com, with a lot of emotions. Expecting another laughter roller coaster, which will also come out on Eid-ul-Fitr.
Baaji – The Film
We can definitely say that this movie will be nothing less of a package, laced with entertainment for the star cast includes Osman Khalid Butt, Mohsin Abbas Haider, Ali Kazmi, Amna Ilyas, and our very own Meera Jee. Even though no trailer has been released (just a poster), we are eager for the movie to be out soon. This is one of our top favorites for this year!
Paray Hut Love!
Bringing together the fresh pairing of Sheheryar Munawar and Maya Ali, the film is definitely one of the more eagerly awaited releases of the year, and with Asim Raza as a director, we are expecting nothing short of a cinematic extravaganza. Also starring in the film is Zara Noor Abbas, in a very interesting role we hear, along with Ahmed Ali Butt. Oh, and did we mention that Mahira Khan also has a special cameo. Can’t wait!
Heer Maan Ja
The makers of Janaan and Parchi are back with yet another entertainer! Starring Hareem Farooq and Ali Rehman Khan in leading roles, the film seems to be another visually resplendent project all set to brighten the screens this Eid-ul-Azha. Also, producer Imran Raza Kazmi was heard saying that this is his best film yet, which further piques our excitement. And Lollywood diva Zara Sheikh has a cameo appearance, need we say more?
Zarrar
Written, directed and also headlined by Shaan, the spy thriller is something which reportedly has never been done before in Pakistan. Starring alongside Shaan, we have Kiran Malik, who impressed us with her performance in Pinky Memsaab, and Adnan Butt is on board as the baddie. Shaan is giving this home production everything he has and we are waiting to see the results. The trailer comes out in March with a tentative Eid-ul-Azha release.
Love You Jatta
The box office king Humayun Saeed is ready to step back into his Punjab Nahi Jaungi shoes as he gears up for another romantic comedy with a desi flavor. The film will be directed by Nadeem Baig, has been written by Vasay Chaudhry and as per the latest updates, it will be releasing sometime later this year and not on Eid-ul-Azha as was originally reported. As for the leading lady, it is yet to be announced.
Sitara
After the success of her animated trilogy 3 Bahadur, Sharmeen is embarking on another animated superhero trilogy titled Sitara. Not much is known about the plot of this series but the first film will hit cinemas Summers 2019
Superstar
The film which revolves around the world of superstars has Bilal Ashraf and Mahira Khan in leading roles and is definitely one of the more exciting releases of the year. Produced by Momina Duraid and directed by Ehteshamuddin, the film is currently in process of shooting and will come out sometime later this year.
Tich Button
Urwa Hocane takes the producer’s seat for this film which stars Feroze Khan, Farhan Saeed, Sonya Hussyn and Iman Ali in leading roles. While not much is known about the film, from the first look the film, it seems like a romantic comedy with the desi tadka. With its interesting ensemble cast, the film is definitely one to look out for.
Durj
Based on a horrifying series of events which took place in Pakistan, the film is a psychological thriller starring Shamoon Abbasi and Sherry Shah. Shamoon, who has also directed the film, plans on releasing the film this year. The teaser came out a few months back and left quite an impact.
Patakh Dey
With an ensemble cast of Ahsan Khan, Kubra Khan,Hania Aamir, Azaan Sami Khan, Shamoon Abbasi and HUM Films producing, we are expecting nothing short of a visual extravaganza. The film is an action comedy with a Punjabi flavor and will mark the acting debut of Azaan Sami Khan too. No concrete details have been released but the film we hear will be a late 2019 release.
Zindagi Tamasha and Untitled Film by Sarmad Khoosat
In a surprising turn of events, Sarmad Khoosat announced that he would be coming out with two feature films, the first of which titled Zindagi Tamasha has wrapped up shooting and is all set to release sometime soon while the other untitled project is yet to go on floors. Zindagi Tamasha is a Punjabi film which stars Eman Suleman, Samiya Mumtaz and Ali Qureshi, while the cast for the other film is yet to be announced.
Sorry
Faysal Qureshi is back in the movies and will be starring alongside Aamina Sheikh, Zahid Ahmed and Faryal Mehmood in Sorry: The Love Story. Directed by Sohail Javed the plot of the movie revolves around relationships and their dynamics and will hit cinemas sometime later this year.
Ishrat
The talented actor Mohib Mirza will be making his directorial debut this year with his film ‘Ishrat’ which as per Mohib is a hyper action comedy, and given news of his recent injury seems to be full of some high octane action sequences. While the official cast is yet to be announced the film supposedly stars Sanam Saeed, Shamoon Abbasi, and Sara Loren, which seems like an interesting mix.
Kaaf Kangana
The renowned writer Khalil ur Rehman Qamar turns to direction for the film which is a cross border romance featuring Sami Khan, Eshal Fayyaz and Ayesha Omar. The film is being made in collaboration with ISPR and though has been in the news for all the wrong reasons, is one to watch out for because Khalil sahib has never disappointed.
Chaudry
A biopic on the late SSP Chaudhry Aslam who lost his life when a suicide bomb hit his convoy on the Lyari Expressway, the film stars Zohaib Khan, Zara Abid, and Jia Ali. Given the subject of the film, we are hoping the filmmakers are successful in doing justice to the story. The film will hit the cinemas this year.
Senti Aur Mental
After impressing audiences with her acting on television, Yasra Rizvi, is writing and directing her first feature film, Senti Aur Mental. The film is based on a Punjabi wedding, has 9 songs and stars Zain Afzal, Yasra Rizvi and Yousaf Bashir Qureshi.
Altered Skin
Pakistan-shot Zombie film Altered Skin is directed by Adnan Ahmed and features Juggan Kazim, Nimra Bucha, Ali Kazim and Salman Shahid. The movie revolves around a deadly pathogen that spreads uncontrollably among the population of Karachi. The film is set to release some time this year.
Ready Steady No
Model-turned-actor Amna Ilyas is about to hit the silver screen like a storm with her upcoming movie – Ready Steady No. The movie is based on the life of a young couple desperate to get married. It is supposed to be a comedy film and we are hoping for it to give our non-existent comedy culture the boost that it needs.
Rehbara
Rehbara is supposed to be yet another romantic comedy with Ayesha Omar and Ahsan Khan as its leads. This will be Ahsan Khan’s first debut film as a director. Alongside this couple, Miss Pakistan, USA 2015 – Sarish Khan – will also be starring in Rehbara.
Aashiq
Playwright Ali Moeen and his old friend Asad Mumtaz presented the first look of their film, Aashiq, in February and it created quite a buzz. It showed a kid, holding his school bag and an empty pencil box, surrounded by darkness. The cast includes Saboor Aly, Hamza Firdous, Saleem Mairaj, Adnan Shah Tipu and Syed Mohammad Ali.
Alif Aur Noon
The famous adaptation of Alif Noon is happening this year and nothing more can make 2019 any better, than this. The legendary duo of Allan and Nanha are going to be played by Shehzad Roy and Faisal Qureshi, respectively. Faisal is also debuting as a director on big screen with this feature film. We are sure this film will be among the most awaited ones this year!
Syra and Shahroz film
It has been forever since Syra and Shahroz fans have seen them together on the screen. Turns out they might be featuring together, in a film. Syra uploaded a picture on her Instagram with Shahroz, from the set of the said movie. No information about the movie has been disclosed but we are hoping to see them together on silver screen this year. Fingers crossed, as usual!
Delhi Gate
Nadeem Cheema’s new venture Delhi Gate will feature names like models Sana Sarfraz, Roma Mihcael and Saud. The supporting cast is also full of big names such as Javed Sheikh, Nadeem, Nayyar Ijaz, Shafqat Cheema and Rashid Mehmood. The film went on floors towards the end of January lets see what they have in store for us.
The Trial
Starring Mikaal Zulfiqar and Sadia Khan, the film – an ISPR production – is a love story between a Pakistani boy and a Bengali girl. Ayesha Omar is also supposed to be a part of the film. According to her, her track in the film is very “serious, political, and revolves around a very dark theme.” She said that her track in the film is completely separated from that of Mikaal and Sadia’s.
Chaa Ja Re
While the first teaser of this film prominently featured Aditi Singh grooving to the beats of a peppy dance number, the film we hear is based on a social issue and talks about sports and education. As for the cast, it stars Javed Sheikh and Nadeem Baig along with a bunch of new actors.
Talaash
The film is being made by debut director Zeeshan Khan, and is said to be a commercial film with a love triangle with a few social issues in its sub-layers. The lead actors Faria Hassan, Ahmed Zaib and Noaman Sami will also make their film debut, through Talaash.
Thori Setting Thora Pyar
Starring newbies Malik Aqeel and Saeeda Imtiaz, this is a youth based film which will tell the story of a few college friends.
Kataksha
Suspense film Kataksha stars Saleem Mairaj with a bunch of new actors; Kiran Tabeer, Nimra Shahid etc. The first look has been released with film coming out later this year.
Middle Class
Not much is known about this film other than the fact that Sadia Jabbar is producing it in collaboration with HKC Entertainment and the story is about the dreams and desires of the Pakistani middle-class.
The untitled Shaan-Reema film
A while ago, Shaan and Reema shot an Everyday TVC and shared pictures together on their Instagram. The two together have been the most romantic couple of their times and have been missed on the silver screen. Shaan shared that this TVC led them to an idea to work together again in a movie which will be out in 2020. All old-school Lollywood fans, this one’s for you!
Nabeel Qureshi’s next
The director of the NaMaloom Afraad sequels – Actor in Law and Load Wedding – Nabeel, promised another film while talking to Galaxy Lollywood, some time back. We are expecting nothing less than a blockbuster from him, for 2019.
Loafer
Humayun Saeed is all ready to be part of the said movie, written by the (in)famous Khalil ur Rehman Qamar. Loafer is supposed to be a movie full of romance and comedy. The last film with this writer-producer combo was a hit. Let’s see what this one brings to the box office.
Lufangay
Not much detail is out there but reportedly Sami Khan and Sonya Hussyn will star in this film that is written and directed by Abdul Khaliq Khan.
Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 3
Humayun has hinted at various platforms that a third installment of the franchise is in the works.
Benazir biopic
While there is no concrete information on this, it is expected that Mehwish Hayat will star in this biopic if and when it gets made.
