Baaji was one of the most awaited movies of the current year, and the film did rather well when it opened in late June, emerging a sleeper success after a decent opening. The film also won raves from the critics, with many citing deft handling of complex material along with powerful performances from the ensemble cast as being the film’s strong points.

However, many felt the film’s run was cut short by the three prominent Eid-ul-Azha releases. The Meera and Amna Ilyas starrer has since enjoyed a good festival run, picking up several awards including Jury award for the best film at Mosaic International South Asian Film Festival (MISAFF). Now the film is gearing up for a re-release on December 6, which has led to flurry of interest in the film again.

A leaf from history

The question remains – will the film be able to rework its magic at the ticket counters, especially given that the industry is currently witnessing a dry spell of sorts with no major release planned for the next few months.

Interestingly, the Pakistan film industry has quite a tradition of films going for a re-release. Previously, Rani and Waheed Murad starrer Naag Munni didn’t fare well when released in April 1972, but went on to acquire a cult status upon its second and third runs, eventually emerging a success.

Another Rani and Waheed Murad starrer Bahaaro Phool Barsao too met a lukewarm response when released in the same year as Naag Munni but became a commercial success when re-released after an 11 year gap following screen legend Waheed Murad’s death.

In recent memory, Maalik was banned a few weeks after its release in April 2016, and went on to become a hit when it was re-released once the ban was lifted in September of that year. However, some films such as Noor Hassan-Sanam Chaudhry starrer Jackpot which bombed on its initial run, didn’t get more traction with the audience when re-released in January of the current year.

Saqib Malik on the re-release

Galaxy Lollywood reached out to the film’s director Saqib Malik to get his take on the re-release. “With the prevailing restriction on Indian cinema and the fact that there is no major Pakistani content currently on screens, we thought it was the perfect time to put Baaji back in cinemas,” he explained, adding “Since its release, Baaji’s music has also become a hit and it’s gained a lot of critical acclaim due to its successful run at festivals internationally.”

So is the much-celebrated director hopeful about the commercial prospects of the film? “I personally am very excited at the prospect of a re-release, as earlier I was very exhausted and overwhelmed at the time of release. Baaji is still fresh in the minds of those who want to enjoy it again and there is enough intrigue surrounding it for people who want to see it for the first time,” he said, concluding our conversation.

We wish Saqib Malik and his team the best for the film’s re-release. Stay tuned to Galaxy Lollywood for the latest on the film, and more!