Should Mohsin Abbas Haider Be Ostracized, Now That He Is Making A Comeback?

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December 3, 2019

A few weeks back, we reported that Baaji star Mohsin Abbas Haider is making a comeback with his single ‘Rooh’ that is all set to be launched on online platforms such as YouTube and Patari.

Interestingly, Mohsin seems to have the backing of quite a few people in the industry — important media players, such as Noman Ejaz, Humayun Saeed, Mohib Mirza, director Saqib Malik and Sohail Javed have given their blessings to the Mazaaq Raat‘s host comeback performance, and their endorsements are prominently posted on Mohsin’s instagram account.

Is all hunky-dory in Mohsin-ville?

As much as we would like celebrated artistes making a resounding comeback, we cannot help but look back to Mohsin’s domestic abuse scandal which caused a storm over social media when it broke out earlier this year in July.

And apparently, some celebrities have not forgotten it either.

Hania Amir responds furiously

Parwaaz Hai Junoon star Hania Amir took to her Instagram account and responded furiously to news of Patari launching Mohsin’s track on their web portal. Hania wrote that she “deleted Patari” for “continuing support these monsters.”

The whole scenario paints a conflicting picture that is dividing the media industry. Does Mohsin deserve such resounding endorsements by stars and prominent celebrities — as well as a launch by major music portal Patari? At hand is the question that should we be more forgiving to talented upcoming stars such as Mohsin, who has not only proven his skills in cinema and on television but also as a singer and songwriter?

While the reaction of the industry and its associated media personnel seems to be largely on the positive side, we would be continuing to follow any developments on the kind of reception Mohsin’s comeback has been receiving.

Mohsin’s former wife, Fatima Sohail, who also happened to be his co-host at one point, is meanwhile making her comeback too, in a television serial that will be produced by Sana Shahnawaz and Samina Humayun Saeed.

Stay tuned to Galaxy Lollywood for the latest on Mohsin Abbas Haider and Fatima Sohail’s developing story.

Nadia Jamil’s ‘Damsa’ Shreds Standard Drama Formula To Pieces!

By

Hammad Akbar

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December 3, 2019

It goes without saying that Nadia Jamil has proven herself to be one of the most versatile actresses of Pakistan. She is quite selective when it comes to the kind of work she does and that is exactly why she doesn’t appear in dramas as often as we would like.

Apart from being an excellent performer, Nadia also happens to be an activist who is quite vocal when it comes to raising her voice about social issues and she is particularly expressive about protecting children.

The Behadd star last appeared in 2017’s Mujhe Jeene Do, and now she is back with Damsa a hard-hitting play based on a hot button topic: Child trafficking. Even though the shoot of the drama commenced last year in November, it went on air last night. The television serial has an almost film-like quality to it and is directed by Najaf Bilgrami and written by Khaani famed Asma Nabeel.

The story

Damsa starts on a rather happy note. Areeja (Nadia Jamil) lives with her husband Musa (Shahood Alvi), their two children, Damsa (Emaan Sheikh) and Rahim (Falak Naeem) and her mother-in-law Rehana (Gul-e-Rana). Musa is a manager at a restaurant while Areeja is a senior nurse.

The drama sheds some notable stereotypes, as it may seem like Rehana is a typical ‘saas’ of our dramas but she does have a soft spot for Areeja. Areeja, on the other hand, is nothing like the typical ‘bahu’ of our dramas and she treats Rehana like her own mother. This is one spirited woman who loves her family to bits!

Towards the end of the episode, their world is turned upside down when it is shown that Damsa is kidnapped by a bunch of goons in a high-roof when she is returning from her school. This happens in front of Areeja and she is an inconsolable emotional wreck for being unable to help her daughter.

Other characters of the drama

We were introduced to a lot of other characters in the drama such as Ayesha Gul as Sophia, the irritable sister of Musa; Talat Hussain as Sohail, the owner of the restaurant Musa works in and Momal Sheikh as the only daughter of Sohail who has just come out of an abusive marriage and is struggling to come to terms with reality.

Khalid Malik and Saleem Mairaj, who are yet to make an appearance, also star in pivotal roles in the drama.

What we thought of it

As far as first episodes go, Damsa’s was quite enthralling. The makers pulled no stops in telling the viewers that this drama is like no other and is not going to be for the faint-hearted. The performances here are spectacular — Nadia Jamil will bowl you over in her comeback role, whereas Shahood Alvi is quite good as well as her husband. Nadia’s histrionics shined especially in the sequence showing her emotional breakdown following Damsa’s kidnapping. However, personally, the scene-stealer for me was Momal Sheikh. Even though she appeared in two scenes only but her grief-stricken act was enough to leave an impact.

The rest of the drama will likely follow the journey of Areeja as she is going to stop at nothing until she gets her daughter back. It will also be interesting to follow the arc of Momal Sheikh’s character as she is likely to interact with Shahood Alvi’s Musa at some point. Will they be ending up in a love triangle?

Another interesting angle is of Shahood’s sister, who is pressing him for a second marriage. Will he give in to the pressure? Most importantly, will Areeja’s struggle and battered emotional state affect her relationship with her husband? Will the emotional strain lead to a break up in the perfect bond she shares with him? How will Musa react to Areeja’s quest to find Damsa? The drama seems to be building a complex web of relationships that we will surely be following!

One thing is for sure: Damsa is a drama serial that will break many stereotypes. The relationships shown here break the usual conventions — and unlike the man in her household, it is Areeja who will likely pursue Damsa. She will not settle at being the udaas aurat. More importantly, unlike the usual television serials, the pacing here is quite fast and the drama ventures into its meaty material head-on right in the first episode. With its hard-hitting dialogues and firebrand performances, this is one serial to watch out for.

Stay tuned to Galaxy Lollywood for the latest on Damsa and a lot more.

Winners of Luxus Grand 5th Galaxy Lollywood Awards 2019

By

Faisal Ali H

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December 3, 2019

The Galaxy Lollywood Awards have over the years established the legacy as being Pakistan’s first of it’s kind online people’s choice awards that let the voices of film enthusiasts and fans be heard. This year, due to some unavoidable circumstances including some logistical and technical issues the awards got delayed considerably. We had planned on wrapping things way earlier however one thing or the other kept hindering the process. However, things got back on track pretty well, and on December 1, the winners for the awards were announced to a grand public reaction.

Without much further ado, here we present the nominations and winners of Luxus Grand 5th Galaxy Lollywood Awards 2019.

Best Film

The nominations for this category were: Cake, Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2, Load Wedding, Motorcycle Girl and Teefa In Trouble.

The winner is Teefa in Trouble (Ali Zafar).

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5iI_pDJnZT/

Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male)

The nominations for this category were Ali Zafar (Teefa in Trouble), Fahad Mustafa (Load Wedding), Hamza Ali Abbasi (Parwaaz Hai Junoon), Humayun Saeed (Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2) and Sheheryar Munawar (7 Din Mohabbat In).

The winner is Ali Zafar (Teefa in Trouble).

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5iIuh4pO2f/

Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female)

The nominations for this category were Aamina Sheikh (Cake), Hajra Yamin (Pinky Memsaab), Mahira Khan (7 Din Mohabbat In), Mehwish Hayat (Load Wedding) and Sohai Ali Abro (Motorcycle Girl).

The winner is Mehwish Hayat (Load Wedding).

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5iIEIkJiYV/

Best Director

The nominations for this category were Adnan Sarwar (Motorcycle Girl), Ahsan Rahim (Teefa in Trouble), Asim Abbasi (Cake), Nabeel Qureshi (Load Wedding) and Nadeem Baig (Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2).

The winner is Ahsan Rahim (Teefa in Trouble).

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5iHezdJJle/

Best Story

The nominations for this category were Fasih Bari Khan (7 Din Mohabbat In), Asim Abbasi (Cake), Nabeel Qureshi and Fizza Ali Meerza (Load Wedding), Adnan Sarwar (Motorcycle Girl) and Aziz Jindani (The Donkey King).

The winner is Nabeel Qureshi and Fizza Ali Meerza (Load Wedding).

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5iGn2qJckt/

Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male)

The nominations for this category were Adnan Malik (Cake), Ahad Raza Mir (Parwaaz Hai Junoon), Fahad Mustafa (Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2), Mehmood Aslam (Teefa In Trouble) and Mohammad Ahmed (Cake).

The winner is Fahad Mustafa (Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2).

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5iFPIZJ-QL/

Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Female)

The nominations for this category were Beo Raana Zafar (Cake), Faiza Hassan (Load Wedding), Ghana Ali (Maan Jao Naa), Hina Dilpazeer (7 Din Mohabbat In) and Sanam Saeed (Cake).

The winner is Sanam Saeed (Cake).

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5iEmbgJV0K/

Best Performance in a Comic Role

The nominations for this category were Ahmed Ali Butt (Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2), Faisal Qureshi (Teefa in Trouble), Qaiser Piya (Load Wedding), Sana Fakhar (Jackpot), and Sohail Ahmed (Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2).

The winner is Ahmed Ali Butt (Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2).

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5iEFArF2lv/

Best Performance in a Negative Role

The nominations for this category were Aamir Qureshi (7 Din Mohabbat In), Aditi Singh – (Wajood), Javed Sheikh (7 Din Mohabbat In), Nayyar Ejaz (Teefa in Trouble) and Shafqat Cheema (Parchi).

The winner is Nayyar Ejaz (Teefa in Trouble).

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5iDY51lpwl/

Best Male Debut

The nominations for this category were Adeel Chaudhry (Maan Jao Naa), Adnan Malik (Cake), Ahad Raza Mir (Parwaaz Hai Junoon), Ali Zafar (Teefa in Trouble), and Noor Hassan (Jackpot).

The winner is Ahad Raza Mir (Parwaaz Hai Junoon).

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5iCOEaJabc/

Best Female Debut

The nominations for this category were Elnaaz Norouzi (Maan Jao Naa), Kiran Malik (Pinky Memsaab), Mawra Hocane (Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2), Maya Ali (Teefa in Trouble) and Sanam Chaudhry (Jackpot).

The winner is Maya Ali (Teefa in Trouble).

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5iBUiqlVLO/

Best Playback Singer Male

The nominations for this category were Ali Sethi (‘Yunhi Rastay Main’ – 7 Din Mohabbat In), Ali Zafar (‘Sajna Door’ – Teefa in Trouble), Mohsin Abbas Haider (‘Munday Lahore De’ – Load Wedding), Shiraz Uppal (‘Behka Re’ – Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2) and The Sketches (‘Meri Duniya’ – Cake).

The winner is Ali Zafar for ‘Sajna Door’ (Teefa in Trouble).

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5iAka6FyCm/

Best Playback Singer Female

The nominations for this category were Afshan Fawad (‘Mahiya Ve’ – Azaadi), Aima Baig (‘Item Number’ – Teefa in Trouble), Aima Baig (‘Yunhi Rasty Main’ – 7 Din Mohabbat In), Mehak Ali (‘Lahore Tere Tey’ – Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2) and Saima Jahan (‘Munday Lahore De’ – Load Wedding).

The winner is Aima Baig for ‘Item Number’ (Teefa in Trouble).

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5h_Bhyl6AZ/

Song of the Year

The nominations for this category were ‘Behka Re’ (Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2), ‘Billo Hai’ – (Parchi), ‘Munday Lahore De’ (Load Wedding), ‘Item Number’ (Teefa in Trouble) and ‘Thaam Lo’ (Parwaaz Hai Junoon).

The winner is ‘Item Number’ (Teefa in Trouble).

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5h-MPGl_YL/

Best Lyricist

The nominations for this category were Ali Zafar for ‘Chan Ve’ (Teefa in Trouble), Ali Zafar and Danyal Zafar for ‘Sajna Door’ (Teefa in Trouble), Mohsin Abbas Haider for ‘Good Luck’ (Load Wedding), Shakeel Sohail for ‘Musaﬁr’ (Parwaaz Hai Junoon) and The Sketches for ‘Meri Duniya’ (Cake).

The winner is Mohsin Abbas Haider for ‘Good Luck’ (Load Wedding).

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5h87w5JrI_/

Best Music

The nominations for this category were The Sketches (Cake), Shani Arshad (Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2), Shani Arshad (Load Wedding), Azaan Sami Khan (Parwaaz Hai Junoon) and Ali Zafar (Teefa in Trouble).

The winner is Ali Zafar (Teefa in Trouble).

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5h7o3rpWzS/

Best Choreography

The nominations for this category were Feroz Khan (‘Item Number’ – Teefa in Trouble), Nigah Hussain (‘Munday Lahore De’ – Load Wedding), Osman Khalid Butt (‘Billo Hai’ – Parchi), Shabina Khan (‘Lahore Terey Tey’ – Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2) and Zain Sadiq and Shaiz Raj (‘Ishq Bekar’ – Maan Jao Naa).

The winner is Osman Khalid Butt for ‘Billo Hai’ (Parchi).

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5h6KBClQF0/

Best On-Screen Couple

The nominations for this category were Ali Zafar and Maya Ali (Teefa in Trouble), Fahad Mustafa and Mehwish Hayat (Load Wedding), Hamza Ali Abbasi and Hania Aamir (Parwaaz Hai Junoon), Humayun Saeed and Kubra Khan (Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2) and Sheheryar Munawar and Mahira Khan (7 Din Mohabbat In).

The winner is Ali Zafar and Maya Ali (Teefa in Trouble).

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5h386_lysH/

Summary

The biggest winner of the awards was no doubt Teefa In Trouble which managed to bag 10 trophies, including the biggest ones for Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor (Male) as well as the Best On-Screen Couple.

In the second position, we have Load Wedding which took home 3 awards, including the ones for Best Actor (Female) as well as Best Story.

Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2 won two awards, whereas Cake, Parchi, Parwaaz Hai Junoon each won an award.

Sajal-Ahad Destination Wedding Is Happening, As Per Reports

By

Atiqa Ali

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November 30, 2019

While the grapevine is always busy churning out news after news, this time we’ve caught the whiff of a rather interesting piece of information.

As per reports circulating in the press, the word around the block is that Sajal Aly and Ahad Raza Mir are tying the knot in 2020 and — hold your breaths — it’s going to be a spectacular destination wedding, that is already arousing much curiosity.

The word on the street

There’s no telling where this little nugget originated but by now, many reputable publications are running reports and with neither acceptance nor denial coming from the much talked about couple in question, one does wonder if there might be actually some credibility to it.

A popular English daily wrote, “The actors will be getting hitched outside Pakistan, but the actual wedding destination has been kept under wraps for now.” Nonetheless, Turkey has been thrown into the mix quite often and if it comes to pass, we can’t think of a prettier place for our celeb sweethearts to say ‘Qabool Hai.’

An online entertainment publication even went as far as to say, “They are going to get married next year in March 2020. Sajal and Ahad are going to have a destination wedding in Turkey” and who are we to deny that sort of conviction!

#Sahad joins the list

In the past couple of years, #Deepveer and #Virushka were trending around the time these couples got hitched at beautiful destinations around the world. Now, darlings of Pakistani showbiz #Sahad seems to be joining the list and the prospect of our very own celebrity destination wedding has already created fervor among loyal fans.

This couple is currently one of the leading celebrity couples of Pakistan and one that seems to have won hearts all around. It’s honestly baffling how we’ve never seen any fan disapproval coming their way. Every project they’ve done together has won over fan-favor and the adoration continues even now with their on-air drama Yeh Dil Mera and a web-series that is in the works.

Looks like all of Pakistan has given Sajal and Ahad their blessings and so understandably, them getting married in Turkey will be celebrated in the homeland and on social media with lots of love and adoration.

No pictures, please

Sajal and Ahad have proved that they are very private when it comes to their love life, as seen in June this year when the couple announced their engagement and it was almost at par with Kylie Jenner’s pregnancy for being the ‘best-kept secret’.

We might see something similar in the said destination wedding and for our sake and yours we hope they don’t enforce the same ‘no phones’ policy as #Deepveer did.

Though we wouldn’t be surprised if they do, what with how hush-hush the entire wedding is being kept.

Final word

Taking a cue from Sajal and Ahad, we cannot confirm or deny if they’re having a destination wedding just yet but in case they do, we’ll be here, sending our love. And waiting for pictures so we can share the good news with you guys.

Stay tuned for more information!

Stars Making A Comeback: Who Succeeded, Who Fizzled

By

Faisal Ali H

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November 29, 2019

With Pakistani cinema back in business, many showbiz personalities have attempted a comeback in recent years. Included in the list are some of the prominent stars of the Lollywood era, which saw the revived movie industry as an opportunity to resurrect their careers and reclaim their mantle as the reigning stars of tinsel-town.

Linked to the fate of their comeback projects were their own personal careers — and while some returned with a stunning cinematic rebirth, others faded back to the oblivion.

Here we take a look at the prominent star rebirths in recent memory. Buckle up for the ride!

Shaan Shahid

Shaan took over the star mantle in the Lollywood era of the late 90s and early 2000s, but his prospects soon dwindled as the industry started to churn out fewer and fewer projects. While he continued to star in the odd Punjabi hit such as Majajan, the Mujhe Chand Chahiye star saw a turnaround in his fortunes with Shoaib Mansoor’s critically acclaimed Khuda Kay Liye which released in mid-2007. Following the film, he again took a long hiatus from mainstream cinema, although he continued to star in smaller-scale regional and Urdu productions. Shaan returned back to the silver screen in a grand manner with Waar, although since that film he has not delivered a solid box office hit. All eyes are now on his upcoming production Zarrar which should release early next year.

Moamar Rana

Moamar Rana starred in a string of box office smashes such as Yeh Dil Aap Ka Huwa, Choorian and Deewane Tere Pyar Ke in the brief revival of the mid to late 90s, and returned to starring in lower budget regional and Urdu projects once the industry tanked. He returned to the silver screen with Saya e Khuda e Zuljalal and 2017’s Azadi, however, none of these films quite worked the way it was expected. Moamar will next be seen in Shehroze Shabzwari starrer Qulfee.

Humayun Saeed

Humayun Saeed has been the leading television star since the late 90s, and saw a spectacular cinema debut in Samina Peerzada’s Inteha opposite Meera. His subsequent forays into filmdom didn’t quite work out the way Inteha did, that was until Humayun returned to the big screen with Mein Hoon Shahid Afridi. That film enjoyed a decent run when released in mid-2013, and Humayun followed this up with 2015’s super successful Jawani Phir Nahi Ani. The rest they say is history, and Humayun continues to be the reigning superstar delivering one blockbuster after another.

Meera

Meera was the reigning box office screen goddess of the 90s, however, with the film industry seeing a complete turnaround, she found it difficult to regain her former glory and her recent films such as Hotal fizzled while Shehzad Rafiq’s Ishq Khuda didn’t fare too well either. All of this changed this year with Saqib Malik’s Baaji, where the actress proved once again she could hold her own in front of the newer crop of Pakistani film stars. The film received a decent response at the ticket counters and will be hitting the theaters again on December 6.

Ashir Azeem

Ashir starred in one of PTV’s most successful television serials Dhuaan, and returned to the big screen as the leading man in his home production Maalik. The film dealt with the controversial subject of exploitation by the powerful and was banned by the censors, only to be re-released and become a runaway hit. The star currently resides in Canada, and while he has stated that a sequel to Maalik is in the works, details about the venture remain sketchy at best.

Here was your lowdown on Pakistani stars who have attempted to stage a rebirth in recent times. Watch this space for more on local cinema and a lot more! Stay tuned to Galaxy Lollywood.

‘Tere Pyar Mein’ And ‘Ghar Kab Aao Gay’ Are Coming Back To The Cinemas

By

Faisal Ali H

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November 28, 2019

Two of Pakistani cinema’s biggest hits Tere Pyar Mein and Ghar Kab Aao Gay are set to make a comeback to the silver screens. The two films were produced by Evernew Studios, and a source has informed Galaxy Lollywood that Pakistan’s Ministry of Culture has taken a keen interest in having the films play at the cinemas again.

Both Ghar Kab Aao Gay and Tere Pyar Mein were released in 2000 and starred Shaan Shahid in their titular roles. The films showcased many action-packed thrills and their plots were high on patriotism. Besides their above-par production value, the films also boasted of popular music as well, with songs such as ‘Asmaan ko lagane hath mein’ from Tere Pyaar Mein and ‘Dil ke badle dil to’ from Ghar Kab Aao Gay being audience favorites from that year.

The digital makeover

Now, Sajjad Gul of Evernew Studios has been able to get the 35mm prints of the two films converted to the DCP format which will enable them to run in the modern multiplexes. Fans of cinema from that era and those looking to experience some top-notch productions of Pakistani cinema can look forward to enjoying the films in a crisp, new print and that too on the big screen.

When released in 2000, both the films were blockbusters and did outstanding business, enjoying a run of several months at single screens across the country. It remains to be seen what kind of a response they receive when re-released.

Mehwish Hayat And Kubra Khan To Star In ‘London Nahi Jaunga’

By

Uzair Anwer

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November 28, 2019

Humayun Saeed is undoubtedly the numero-uno superstar in the country, it is thus natural for his fans and cinema lovers to be constantly speculating about his upcoming projects. Ever since Humayun announced his next feature film London Nahi Jaunga, there has been immense curiosity regarding his leading ladies and the project’s plot.

Leading Ladies

Recently, Kubra Khan announced publicly in a talk show that she will be playing one of the female leads in the film. Galaxy Lollywood has also been informed by a reliable source that talks have almost been finalized with Mehwish Hayat and she is set to be part of the film, which will be directed by Nadeem Baig. Mehwish was also the female protagonist in the first installment of the franchise Punjab Nahi Jaungi (PNJ) and won much appreciation from the audience as well as the critics for her performance as the headstrong Amal in that film.On the other hand, Kubra Khan is currently riding high on the critical acclaim she has received for Haseeb Hassan’s Alif. The actress will be replacing Urwa Hocane in the second part of the franchise. In a recent interview with BBC Asian network, Kubra confessed that she hopes the media and the audience don’t make comparisons with Urwa as the two characters are completely different. She also looks forward to getting a hilarious dialogue like “Help me Durdana” in the film.

Kubra was previously approached by Humayun and Nadeem Baig for Hira Mani’s role in Mere Paas Tum Ho but the Daldal actress couldn’t relate to the character despite finding it interesting and meaty. She waited for the right project and it seems to have been worth it.This will be Mehwish’s third film collaboration with Humayun after Jawani Phir Nahi Ani and PNJ and Kubra’s second post Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2. An official announcement by the makers is in the pipeline.

Franchise or sequel?

London Nahi Jaunga is not planned to be a sequel to Punjab Nahi Jaungi, as the characters and plot are all new. Although the same team is working on the project, with Nadeem Baig helming the film and Khalil’s-ur-Rehman Qamar penning the script, the world of LNJ is set to be different. Humayun will not be essaying Fawad Khagga in the second installment, making room for a fresh narrative. The film will be extensively shot in Punjab and London.

The idea of the makers is to build on a successful franchise after the JPNA series. Punjab Nahi Jaungi became the highest opener for the Pakistani cinema and its goodwill will be leveraged for the planned project.

Expected release date

Humayun has previously mentioned in his interviews that he plans on releasing his next film on Eid Ul Azha in 2020. Punjab Nahi Jaungi was also an Eid-ul-Adha in 2017 and the Eid factor just makes LNJ the most exciting festive season release from Pakistani cinema in the coming year. However, the makers might alter the release date depending on the post-production.

The final word

This is certainly great news for the lovers of Pakistani cinema and the Pakistani film industry as a whole. Humayun teaming up with Mehwish and Kubra and getting on board and the winning combination of Khalil-ur-Rahman Qamar and Nadeem Baig means the project not only promises great entertainment but also has a high potential to perform hugely at the box office. Humayun’s absence at the Pakistani box office was sorely missed this year but we are sure the wait will be worth the while.

Daniyal Zafar’s Latest Video Is Bold & Beautiful — Here Is What The Artiste Has To Say

By

Faisal Ali H

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November 27, 2019

Daniyal Zafar’s latest music video titled ‘Blue Butterfly’ was released a few days back, and it has ignited quite a conversation over the internet. The risqué and darkly beautiful video was shot in the United States by Lightingale Productions and features an abstract depiction of imperfect relationships.

A fresh concept

Given how the local music scene is flooded with run of the mill, candy floss music videos, this musical short comes as a breath of fresh air. The frames captured by director Ash Gupta provide ample food for artistic contemplation, with Daniyal and model Inja Zalta’s pulsating, contorting moves perfectly capturing the underlying turbulence in Daniyal’s music. With the video, Daniyal has pushed the boundaries of artistic expression in the country, and many are welcoming the move.

Galaxy Lollywood got in touch with the soulful crooner to have a word about the song and its accompanying video short. “The video is actually meant for a western audience, as I want to work on a couple of English albums and have a set-up in place in Los Angeles,” he explains. What are his thoughts about the song’s bold moves? “The entire video is aesthetically shot. It’s just this non-linear expression of art that was explored by the director and I, along with the team.”

We wondered if Daniyal had anything to say about the backlash from certain conservative quarters, as evident in the comments the video has received. “As I said, we planned and execute a piece of art to the best of our abilities. Of course, some might not be able to relate with it or understand it the way we thought about it, and we can’t do much about it. It’s a perceptive piece.”

The creative journey

Explaining the journey the creative project took, Daniyal said “The initial concept of the video was something entirely else, with me performing the song live at a party in a Beverly Hills mansion. However, when I met Ash, the director, we decided to go for a completely different direction.”

The entire shoot was wrapped up in eight hours, however, that doesn’t mean a lot of intense, hard work was not involved. “There were a total of 3 fighting sequences shot, each 3 to 4 minutes long. Ash encouraged me and Inja to argue and fight for real, about something real. We both had intense arguments about how both of us were holding each other back and have to let go.”

The results of the creative project are out there for you to see now! Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Will ‘Baaji’ Be Able to Reignite Its Magic? These Re-Released Films Provide A Clue

By

Faisal Ali H

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November 27, 2019

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!

5 Things Modern Pakistani Cinema Can Learn From The Lollywood Era

By

Faisal Ali H

-

November 26, 2019

While it’s true that Pakistani cinema is light years ahead of where it was during its Lollywood phase of the late 80s and 90s, some still recall that era with much nostalgia. Even when it was on a sharp downhill course, the Lahore based film industry, colloquially referred to as ‘Lollywood’ kept churning out 30 to 40 odd films a year. While most of these films were very mediocre, the era still seems to have a few redeeming qualities which contemporary Pakistani cinema can take a few cues from. Here we take a look at a few of them.

Star power

From golden-era superstars such as Waheed Murad, Shabnam, Nadeem and Mohammad Ali to Shaan Shahid since the 90s, the industry produced stars who were able to sustain their pull over the masses purely through films.

During that era, working in other mediums such as television was considered a big no for film stars – although many stars in the 90s such as Babar Ali got their big breaks from television. The larger than life persona of heroes and heroines is what still some yearn for – although with the omnipresent social media, stars the world over have taken a more human and realistic avatar.

Popular music

Right till Yeh Dil Aap Ka Hua in 2002, local films ran for weeks just on the strength of their popular soundtrack. While music has always been an integral part of South Asian cinema, the revived Pakistani cinema places relatively less emphasis on this important quality of our films. The 90s arguably tolled the death knell for the industry, but even during that era films such as Jeeva, Chief Saab, and Ghoongat and some others boasted of popular tracks that enjoyed much airtime on television and radio.

Investors banking on stars

Dubious as they might have been, especially towards the end in the 90s and 2000s, the Lahore industry relied on investors producing films, as opposed to stars financing their own productions. Barring Waheed Murad and Shaan Shahid (in a few films), not many other actors chose to venture over into production. Their stardom was the result of the faith these producers had in the stars for delivering a handsome return on their investment.

Relatively longer runs by exhibitors

Lollywood era films were less front-loaded when it came to their theatrical runs, and the final box office outcome was not known for weeks. Successful movies enjoyed a run of at least a few months, and it was not entirely unusual for a blockbuster such as Choorian or Majajan to be screened for over a year at a theater.

That quintessential ‘filmi’ style

During that era, the Pakistani society was a lot more conservative and the difference between wardrobe and styling in films and what was considered popular fashion was enormous. The actresses especially worked a lot on their appearance and wardrobe and wore custom-tailored outfits not only on-screen but off-screen as well. Amongst the most recent crop of Lollywood stars, actresses such as Resham and Sana had their own particular style which was followed by many in the masses.

The unique, larger than life ‘filmi’ style was also reflected in the song and dance sequences, many of which were picturized in some very difficult situations. For example, in 2001’s Khoey Ho Tum Kahan, Meera tumbled down a few times down some harsh sand dunes in the middle of Baluchistan for the title song of that film. A sequence of the same song was also shot in the middle of a heavy sand storm, with Meera braving the elements. The level of commitment by the stars was on an entirely different level, and that is something that the current crop of actors can draw inspiration from.

Do you agree with us? Let us know in the comments below!