Last year’s Bakra Eid was a true return to form by the Pakistani film industry after the COVID-19 Pandemic. With blockbusters such as London Nahi Jaunga and Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad doing stellar business at the box office. This year, the film industry is offering a six-course meal at the multiplexes. With one Hollywood blockbuster acting as dessert. Let us take a look at films releasing this Bakra Eid.
Local Films Releasing This Bakra Eid
The slate this coming Eid is not dissimilar to the Eid-ul-Fitr releases. Movie stars such as Humayun Saeed, Mahira Khan and Fahad Mustafa have chosen to sit this one out as well. But this year still offers a variety of exciting choices to pick from. Let us now look at the films releasing this Bakra Eid.
Babylicious
Filmed before their separation, Babylicious stars Shahroz Sabzwari and Syra Yousuf in this romantic drama. The film also stars Indian American actor Ankur Rathee in a supporting role.
The story follows two young lovers Sabiha and Omar who get separated due to some disturbing circumstances leaving Omar with a drive to win Sabiha back.
The promos for this film have been promising. Syra and Shehroz’s chemistry is already being adored since the first trailers came out. The music video for Ghazab Kurriye promises a fun time at the cinema.
Teri Meri Kahaniyan
Teri Meri Kahaniyan is the result of an experimental approach being taken by the film industry. The film will be an anthology featuring three stories bringing together the directorial visions of Nabeel Qureshi, Nadeem Baig and Marina Khan.
The film is also penned by Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar, Vasay Chaudhry and Ali Abbas Naqvi and Basit Naqvi from Lal Kabootar fame.
The film truly is an unexpected ensemble of genres and ideas and “far beyond your average movie” as described by Nadeem Baig. The film will follow three separate stories which will feature a common theme at their core. Nadeem Baig is directing an intense drama, Nabeel’s is a horror-comedy and Marina will direct a romance story.
Wahaj Ali and Mehwish Hayat will star in Nadeem’s intense drama. The romance story by Marina will feature Sheheryar Munawar and Ramsha Khan as its leads. Whereas Nabeel’s horror-comedy will star Salman Saqib (Mani) and Hira Mani.
The film already seems incredibly promising, and we cannot wait for promos for further coverage. We discussed this film in detail here.
Taxali
Taxali is the highly anticipated crime-thriller set in Lahore. The star-studded cast features names including Ayesha Omar, Yasir Hussain, Nayyer Ejaz, Iffat Omar and Mehar Bano.
The film is written and directed by Abu Aleeha and explores important societal concerns and promises to be an intense and issue-based project.
While the film may seem a bit dark for an Eid film, we’re not one to underestimate people who crave for a different flavor at the cinemas on Eid. This film is bound to be a gritty and thrilling ride.
Allahyar and 100 Flowers of God
This is a sequel to the critically acclaimed and award winning 2018 film Allahyar and the Legend of Markhor. The film will also be Pakistan’s first-ever stereoscopic 3D film.
While the first film was set in the lush Northern regions of Pakistan, the teaser of this next entry sees us in a futuristic setting not unlike that of a steampunk novel.
The story for the first film was lauded for its wildlife conservation themes and while the story for this film hasn’t been revealed by the teaser yet, it is bound to have a heartfelt message at its core.
Pakistani film industry is still new to animation with some hits such as the 3 Bahadur film series and The Donkey King so it’s exciting to get more entries in this medium.
VIP
Rana Kamran, an established cinematographer in the Pakistani film industry is set to make his directorial debut with co-director Saqib Zafar.
The film centers on a young boy and his aspirations for higher office. Campaigning, elections and action are promised by this mass political entertainer. With the political tensions rising in our country, this might either be too close to home for some audiences or just the right story for others.
The film stars Gul e Rana, Danish Nawaz and Hina Rizvi.
Madaari
Directed by Seraj Us Salikin, the film is set to explore the dichotomy of revenge. The film is set in the political turmoil of Karachi in 2008. Newcomer Ibad Alam Sher plays Haris Qadeer, who must choose between a chance at a better life or revenge against his father’s killer.
Much like Lal Kabootar, the film intends to showcase the ugly and darker side of Karachi. Amidst political conspiracies and a thirst for revenge, Madaari will be quite the thriller.
The film will also feature the political violence seen in Karachi in the 2000s which might also be a sensitive topic for some considering the political turmoil across the country.
Hollywood Releases
The big Hollywood release on this Bakra Eid is the fifth instalment in the Indiana Jones franchise, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Harrison Ford returns as the titular character with Logan director James Mangold directing. The film is set to be an epic time-travelling adventure taking you back to the franchise’s heyday. Phoebe Waller-Bridge from Fleabag fame also stars in the film.
We wish luck to all producers, actors, and stakeholders associated with these films and ask readers to step out and enjoy the occasion by watching these much anticipated Eid movies.
