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Box Office Update: ‘Mah e Mir’ and ‘Hijrat’ are flops while ‘Maalik’ is a hit

By
Momin Ali Munshi
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Here is the box office report for all the films that released in the last few weeks.

Maalik 

The film released on 8 April 2016 and after a mixed response from the critics and audiences alike managed to collect 0.40 crore on its opening day. The film saw some growth on day 2 when it raked in 0.50 crore but then fell back to 0.46 crore on day 3 and then ending its first week with a solid 2.1 crore.

The second weekend added 0.60 crore and then after adding some 0.40 crore more the second week ended on a strong note, taking the 14 day total to 3.15 crore.Then came the third week where the film got banned by the government. However by the time the film got banned it had added about 0.75 crore which took the grand total to about 4 crore.

Given that the film was holding well at the box office it could have raked in more money but due to the ban its box office run ended.

Hijrat

The film released on April 22 and is one of the biggest flops when you talk about the new wave of cinema. It saw extremely poor occupancy from the very first day and this struggle at the box office continued till the end of its very limited box office run which was for 10 days. The film has collected less than 1 crore.

Mah e Mir

The eagerly awaited Fahad Musatafa-Iman Ali starrer released all over cinemas on 6 May 2016 and given the artistic nature of the film and its niche genre it was never expected that the film would make a strong impact at the box office.

It opened with 0.30 crore , which is not that great a number given that the film had huge names attached to it. A film like Maalik, which hardly had any stars attached to it opened with 0.40 crore. Sadly the film failed to see any major growth and collected 1.1 crore in its first weekend.

It completely crashed on monday and owing to the negative word of mouth ended its first week with 1.45 crore. The second weekend added 0.25 crore and with the release of Bollywood films ‘Azhar’ ‘1920 London’ the shows  for the film decreased. Now this week another Pakistani film ‘Aksbandh’ has released and ‘Mah e Mir’ is left with even lesser shows. Looks like the film is all set to end its run with approximately 2 crore.

Anjum Shahzad speaks about “Mah e Mir”, his upcoming projects and the rebirth of cinema in Pakistan

By
Momin Ali Munshi
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We caught up with Anjum Shahzad, the director of Mah e Mir, during his visit to Lahore for the film’s promotion. We spoke with him about Mah e Mir, his two other film projects and the rebirth of cinema in Pakistan.

Here is the exclusive interview of the prolific director.

Your three films are in pipeline including Zindagi Kitni Haseen Hai, Band Tu Ab Baje Ga and about to be released Mah e Mir. All of these films are entirely different as one is romantic, the other one is comedy and Mah e Mir is a period drama. In which genre do you feel yourself more comfortable and which one of them is your favorite film?

If you have followed my work for TV then you would realize that I don’t work in one genre. I enjoy working in different genres as a film and TV director. If I like a script then its genre does not matter much as I take it as a challenge and make it done. I enjoyed working in all the three formats or genres, even though Mah e Mir is also a romantic drama but Zindagi Kitni Haseen Hai is more family drama. Whereas, Band Tu Ab Baje Ga is an outright pagalpan (madness) and a romantic comedy film. I had no issue with working in any of these formats and I enjoyed all of them.

Mah e Mir looks like an off-beat film, as far as what it looks from the trailer we have seen. Do you think the audience is ready for an off-beat film like Mah e Mir?

I think we underestimate the audience. We should market the film in such a way that people are mentally prepared for the film when they arrive cinema. I always say that the role of the media and bloggers like you is very important and it matters how do they support the film. If they make the audience mentally prepared for the genre of the film, then the film becomes digestible to them.

This film apparently looks very serious one, but its not like that as it is youth’s film. It is the story of Jamal, a youngster, and it contains all the elements an intelligent viewer seeks for in a good film. Its subtext is very strong and many good ideas are discussed in it. It is very interesting film with very strong performances.

Making of #Mahemir @sanammody @MustafaFahad26

A photo posted by Mahemir (@mahemirthemovie) on

You had worked with Iman Ali earlier. Were Fahad Mustafa and Sanam Saeed your first choices for the roles in Mah e Mir?

Fahad has also worked with me in the start. Fahad is a friend, more like a brother. His potential as an actor is tapped, according to me, only to its fifty percent. He is an amazing actor. He was my first choice as he possesses a great range and flexibility characteristic to an actor.

As far as Sanam is concerned, we all believe that Sanam Saeed is a brilliant actor. We needed an intelligent, sensible and devoted actress for this role and Sanam demonstrated all of these qualities through her performance on the screen. I really enjoyed working with Sanam.

Iman is an old friend and Iman could never have refused me. (Momin interrupted saying, “yeah Iman told she could not refuse you.” and Anjum restarted) I am really thankful to her as she thinks like this for me. The way she looked gorgeous on the screen and the way she performed in the film, it has made the film spectacular.

#BTS #Mahemir. Madness of the year releasing on 6th May

A photo posted by Mahemir (@mahemirthemovie) on

Which is your favorite film released recently since the revival of cinema in Pakistan?

I disagree with the word revival as I call it the rebirth of cinema in Pakistan and its first milestone was Na Maloom Afraad which encouraged many other filmmakers. In the context of popular cinema, I would add Jawani Phir Nai Ani with Na Maloom Afraad in the list.

I enjoy all types of films. As you cannot eat same food every day, similarly, I enjoy watching cinema with variety. I watch every new film just to see what does it offer.

For example, I was entertained by Manto which people might label as a serious film. I also liked Moor which many believed was also a serious film but it was sent for the Oscars consideration from Pakistan as it had some substance. And then we have Wrong No. and Karachi Se Lahore. All of these films belong to different genres and as a viewer you should watch all types of films. I watched all of these films and I liked something in each of them.

What is the update on your upcoming films Zindagi Kitni Haseen Hai amd Band Tu Ab Baje Ga?

Zindagi Kitni Haseen Hai is expected to be released on or after Eid ul Fitr by Geo Films. I am expecting a lot from it, as its very emotional family romantic drama. Feroze Khan and Sajal Ali has performed remarkably in it. Even the child star in this film has also done a great job.

We will start the shooting of Band Tu Ab Baje Ga in November (2016) and it will continue till January (2017). Its casting process has initiated. Its script is written by Yasir Hussain, who also wrote (the script of) Karachi Se Lahore. Fahad Mustafa and Dr. Ali, his partner in Big Bang Productions, are co-producing it with ARY Films.

I am expecting a lot from these two films.

You have worked with all the three key players of film making in Pakistan: Geo, Hum and ARY. Which one of them do you think is more professional?

The producers of Mah e Mir Badar and Khurrum Rana (Hum Films) are my friends. You can create a comfort zone wherever you work and when you have spent some time then you get some autonomy as well. I am very lucky that the people I have worked with have always provided me with the comfort zone.

What is your message to the fans and why should they watch Mah e Mir?

If you are a fan of Fahad Mustafa, or a fan of Iman Ali, or a fan of Sanam Saeed, or a fan of Sarmad Sehbai, or a fan of Manzar Sehbai, or even mine then you must watch this film. You should not watch this film for patriotism or just for the sake of supporting Pakistani cinema. You should watch it as it is a good film and you will really enjoy it.

 

Interview conducted by: Momin Ali Munshi

Transcription and editing by: Zeeshan Mahmood

A quick talk with Sanam Saeed, the seductive and conniving poetess of ‘Mah e Mir’

By
Iman Ali Munshi
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I got a chance to catch-up with the team of Mah e Mir on their trip to Lahore for the film’s promotions this week and I had a quick chat with the very beautiful and very intelligent Sanam Saeed.

She is the true embodiment of “beauty with brain”, as you will also believe in it after reading this short interview with the lady.

Without further ado, here is the interview we had with the Bachaana girl.

Iman: Name one actor or actress you would really like to work with?

Sanam: Saba Qamar, Nauman Ijaz and Amina Sheikh. (Well, it was not one name!)

Iman: Do you think actors are a narcissistic breed?

Sanam: They have to be, they have to have ego to be stars.

Iman: What is your biggest insecurity as an actor?

Sanam: I think I am too limited by the constraints, culture and society to completely let go and be open with my performance.

#mahemir @saniamaskatiya #bloggersmeetup #promotions #6thmay

A photo posted by Sanam Mody Saeed (@sanammody) on

Iman: When a film is offered to you what are the aspects you look for before giving the final nod?

Sanam: Definitely, script, director and cast.

Iman: How is your role in Mah e Mir different from something you have done before?

Sanam: Mah i Mir’s script is entirely different and its more poetic. Urdu in the film is very difficult and chaste. As compared to the other films, Mah e Mir is slightly more negative, and slightly more mature film. My character is of a mature poetess who is slightly seductive, slightly confident and slightly conniving.

Iman: Who in this industry is someone you get along with so well that if needing something you would call them at 4 a.m?

Sanam: Sarwat Gillani and Mehreen Jabbar.

Iman: What is the craziest thing a fan has done for you?

Sanam: Uhh.. I actually haven’t had any weird or crazy experiences. All my fans treat me with respect and admiration. Sometimes, they buy me a coffee or send a gift to me. That’s all.

Iman: Who do you think is your competition?

Sanam: Obviously, we’re all each others competitors because we’re all in that age bracket and it’s a tricky age bracket. Whenever the good role is being offered, everyone would be interested in playing it. So, intrinsically we’re all each others competitors, but we’re all colleagues and that’s just the business.

Iman: If given a chance would you trade your profession for something else?

Sanam: No. Never.

Iman: Has being married affected the roles that you have been given?

Sanam: No, not at all.

Iman: While you seem to come across as a calm and collected person, what conditions make you lose patience while shooting a film?

Sanam: Inefficiency and time waste for no reason.

Iman: If one day you woke up and you were one of the following person. What would you do? Mahira Khan?

Sanam: I would be very happy. Would feel fortunate and lucky.

Iman: Shaan Shahid?

Sanam: Ahhh, I would be over the moon!

Iman: Sohai Ali Abro?

Sanam: Sohai, I would be so happy that I could dance like that.

Iman: Your husband?

Sanam: If I woke up and I was my husband? (laughs) I think I’d… well that’s a strange question. I think I would be the coolest person in the world because I would be a bit of me and a bit of him and I think that would be a good combination.

Iman: If you had to choose one film from Bachaana, Mah e Mir and Dobara Phir Se. Which one would you choose?

Sanam: Bachaana is my favorite.

Iman: Lastly, anything you would like to say to your fans?

Sanam: Just come watch Mah e Mir. It would be a very different interesting experience, and slightly like a learning experience as there is a lot of subtext in this script and its very thought provoking. Right now all types of films are being made, so, this is just another one of the good films with a good team and a lot of effort put in it. So, definitely come watch it.

That’s all guys. I hope you liked the interview. Do share your feedback in the comments box.

Edited by Zeeshan Mahmood

[Live] ARY Film Awards 2016: Watch out for all the action live from Dubai

By
Galaxy Lollywood
-

The biggest film event of the year is being held tonight in Dubai and Galaxy Lollywood is here to provide you all the action and fun live from the event.

For exclusive pics and videos follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Note: Keep refreshing this page to see the latest updates.

The Awards Show

The last two main awards of the night are:

Best Film (Viewers Choice):

The award for Best Film (Viewers Choice) goes to Jawani Phir Nahi Ani.

Best Director (Viewers Choice):

The award for Best Director (Viewers Choice) goes to Nadeem Baig for Jawani Phir Nahi Ani.

The last performance of the night is by the JPNA boys (minus Hamza Ali Abbasi) on the title track of Jawani nPhir Nai Ani.

https://www.facebook.com/galaxylollywood810/videos/1170897492955668/

Best Actor (Viewers Choice):

The award for Best Actor (Viewers Choice) goes to Humayun Saeed for Jawani Phir Nahi Ani.

Best Actress (Viewers Choice):

The award for Best Actress (Viewers Choice) goes to Sohai Ali Abroo for Jawani Phir Nai Ani.

Animated Movie (Special):

A special award for Animated Movie goes to 3 Bahadur. Jerjees Seja accepts the award on behalf of Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy.

Another performance of the night by Mehwish Hayat.

https://www.facebook.com/galaxylollywood810/videos/1170889162956501/

Watch Ahmad Ali Butt as ‘Angel’.

https://www.facebook.com/galaxylollywood810/videos/1170879592957458/

Life Time Achievement:

Life Time Achievement award goes to Javed Sheikh:

Best Supporting Actor:

Best Supporting Actress award goes to Hamza Ali Abbasi for Jawani Phir Nai Ani.

Best Supporting Actress:

Best Supporting Actress award goes to Ayesha Khan for Jawani Phir Nai Ani.

International Icon:

International Icon award goes to Fawad Afzal Khan.

Special Recognition Award:

The special award goes to late legendary actor Waheed Murad., and it is received by his son Adil Muraad.

The next performance is by Fahad Mustafa.

https://www.facebook.com/galaxylollywood810/videos/1170877979624286/

Now Jury/Critics Choice awards.

Best Film (Jury):

Best Film (Jury) award goes to Jawani Phir Nai Ani.

Best Director (Jury):

Best Director (Jury) award goes to Nadeem Baig for Jawani Phir Nai Ani.

Best Actor (Jury):

Best Actor (Jury) award goes to Sarmad Khoosatd for Manto.

Best Actress (Jury):

Best Actress (Jury) award goes to Sania Saeed for Manto.

Best Independent Film (Jury):

Best Independent Film (Jury) award goes to Manto. Baber javed of A&B Productions received the award.

The third performance of the night is by Noor Bukhari.

https://www.facebook.com/galaxylollywood810/videos/1170867439625340/

Special Listeners Choice Award:

Special Listeners Choice Award goes to Mahira Khan.

Best Performance in Negative Role:

Best Performance in Negative Role award goes to Ayaz Samoo for Moor.

Best Debut Male:

Best Debut Male award goes to Danish Taimoor for Jalaibee. The award is received by Yasir Jaswal on his behalf.

Best Debut Female:

Best Debut Female award goes to Ayesha Omer for Karachi Se Lahore

Look who we spotted at the awards. The superstar Fawad Afzal Khan.

The second performance is by Faisal Qureshi and Rachael Gill.

Back to the awards.

Best Actor in Comic Role:

Best Actor in Comic Role aweard goes to Ahmad Ali Butt. Butt gave a heartful speech.

Best Singer Male:

Best Singer Female award goes to Rahat Fateh Ali Khan for Halla Gulla.

Best Singer Female:

Best Singer Female award goes to Sara Raza for Wrong Number.

Best Film (2014 Special):

Best Film (2014 Special) award goes to Na Maloom Afraad. Nabeel Qureshi received the award.

Ahmed Ali Butt does a Qandeel Baloch after giving Hamza Ali Abbasi the ‘Qandeel Baloch Award’

https://www.facebook.com/galaxylollywood810/videos/1170825026296248

The first performance of the night is by Sohai Ali Abbroo.

https://www.facebook.com/galaxylollywood810/videos/1170819542963463/

Best Dialogue:

Best Dialogue award goes to Vasay Chaudhry for Jawani Phir Nahi Ani.

Best Screenplay:

Best Screenplay award goes to Vasay Chaudhry for Jawani Phir Nahi Ani.

Best Story:

Best Story award goes to Vasay Chaudhry for Jawani Phir Nahi Ani.

Best Music:

Best Music award goes to Shani Arshad for Jawani Phir Nahi Ani.

Best Costume:

Best Costume award goes to Jazaib Qamar and Munib Nawaz for Jawani Phir Nahi Ani.

Best Makeup:

Best Makeup award goes to Nabila for Jawani Phir Nahi Ani.

Best Choreography:

Best Choreography award goes to Shabeena Khan for Jawani Phir Nahi Ani.

Best Background Score:

Best Background Score award goes to Strings for Moor.

Best Special Effects and Visuals

Best Special Effects and Visuals award goes to Tahir Moosa for Moor.

Best Cinematography:

The award for best cinematography goes to Farhan Hafeez for Moor.

Best Editing:

The first award for Best Editing goes to Rizwan AQ for Jawani Phir Nahi Ani.

And the main event kicks off. We are in love with the set.

The Red Carpet Saga

The red carpet saga starts.
The gang: Aamina Sheikh, Sarwat Gillani, Fahad Mirza and Uzair Jaswal.

Osman Khalid Butt with Mathira.

Hamza Ali Abbasi with Racheal Gill.

The stunning beauty: aamina Sheikh.

Hocane sisters: Urwa Hocane and Mawra Hocane.

Faizal Qureshi with wife.

The besties: Azfar Rehman and Ayesha Omer.

Feroze Khan with Amna Niazi.

A photo posted by @galaxylollywood on

HSY with Cybil Chaudary.

Noor in a very desi look.

A photo posted by @galaxylollywood on

The beauty with great voice: Sara Haider.

The super gorgeous couple: Sunita Marshal and Hassan Ahmad.

Super talented Aijaz Aslam.

Adorable Zoe Viccaji with handsome director/actor Adnan Malik.

Jerjess Seja with his gorgeous wife.

A photo posted by @galaxylollywood on

Atiqa Odho with Mohsin Sayeed.

The Jaswal Brothers – Uzair Jaswal and Yasir Jaswal.

Ali Xeeshan in really amazing avatar.

Hamza Ali Abbasi too.

Uzair Jaswal wants to say something, guys. 🙂

The man of the night – Jerjees Seja.

Mr. and Mrs Ali Safina.

Gohar Rahseed in his iconic style.

Mr. and Mrs Behroz Sabzvari.

The ravishing Ayesha Omer has also a message for Galaxy Lollywood followers. <3

Nadia Afghan is here too.

The father-daughter duo: Javaid Sheikh and Momal Sheikh.

The angry young man, Hamza Ali Abbasi, in a very simple outfit. Is he there for some ‘dharna’? 🙂

Super talented actress Sania Saeed graced the red carpet with her presence.

The best on screen couple, Momo and Mahmood sb, looking amazing.

Jalaibee girl Zhalay Sarhadi with Shah boy Adnan Sarwar in best of their spirits.

Tapu Javeri and Freiha Altaf.

Danish Nawaz, Amir Adnan and Huma chilling at AFA.

The lady killer, Bilal Lashari, with his killer looks.

Feroze Khan has a very special message for our fans. Don’t miss listening to it. He is looking dapper, btw.

The power couple: Mr. and Mrs. Yasir Nawaz.

Seasoned filmmaker Syed Noor is also there to support the new-age cinema.

Asim Raza is smiling his heart out, in ‘Ho Mann Jahaan’ spirit.

The singing sensation Nabeel Shaukat. He is nominated tinight for Best Male Singer.

The super talented fashion designer Maheen Khan is also wearing blue tonight.

Mr. and Mrs. Ahmad Ali Butt, looking great together.

The ever dapper Wiqar Ali Khan with Fraz Khan of Huwawei at the red carpet.

Our favorite heartthrob Junaid Khan in blue.

The comic genious, and the O21 star Aayaz Samoo, ladies and gentlemen. He is looking handsome, ladies.

Here comes the director blockbuster Na Maloom Afraad Nabeel Qureshi, suited for the night.

First comes our editor Momin Ali Munshi, looking dapper in this Munib Nawaz suit.

Celebrities throng Dubai for AFA

It seems like the whole entertainment industry has landed Dubai today. Check out yourself who has been spotted in Dubai.

Man, Bilal Lashari would be the world’s hottest film director. He must sign himself in a film. Hotness overloaded.

Ahmad Ali Butt has big plans for tonight.

The Khoobsurat ‘Tooti Fruiti’ girl Ayesha Omer with veteran actor Usman Peerzada.

Faisal Qureshi is hosting and performing tonight. Will be exciting to see him on the dance floor.

Fashion meets film: The fashion guru Amir Adnan is here to celebrate cinema in Pakistan.

Our editor Momin Ali Munshi with Jerjees Seja, CEO ARY Digital.

And the man, Humayun Saeed, the most successful producer of 2015, is also here.

The Lollywood diva Noor is expected to reveal her upcoming film projects tonight. She is also performing in the event.

The Manto, Sarmad Sultan Khoosat, seems very excited for the event tonight.

The adorable Mawra Hocane is here too.

Jerjees Seja has a special message for all of you.

Adorable Sohai Ali Abbro poses for Galaxy Lollywood before entering her suite at Media Rotana Hotel. She is such a sweetheart.

Umer Sayeed, Mohsin Sayeed, Asim Raza and Emmad Irfani enjoying each other’s company in Dubai.

Our gorgeous and super hot billi, Mehwish Hayat, is restlessly preparing for kickass performance tonight.

Does not Yasir Nawaz always look angry? Or he might be angry for not winning tonight. haha. Just kidding.

Na Maloom Afraad’s reunion: Nabeel Qureshi and Urwa Hocane. We are in love with her urban chic look.

Ladies, please don’t loose control after seeing this pic of Junaid Khan.

The debuting film star, Hareem Farooq, is all geared up for tonight’s event.

The heartthrob Uzair Jawal is also there.

The hunks Feroze Khan and Wiqar Ali Khan have increased the temperature with their presence.

Hottest hunks reached Dubai. #FerozeKhan and #WiqarAliKhan. #AFA16 #ARYFilmAwards

A photo posted by @galaxylollywood on

The evergreen actors Javaid Sheikh and Behroz Sabzvari are here too.

Fakhir Mehmood and Shiraz Uppal landed Dubai for AFA.

– Galaxy Lollywood team

Mark your calendar for Hijrat, Mah e Mir, Dobara Phir Se and Janaan

By
Galaxy Lollywood
-

For some time we have been seeing the first look posters and teasers of several upcoming films and, most importantly, also hearing about the release dates of several of them. The uncertainty associated with the release surrounding our films seems to dissipate with time as more and more films are making their way to the theaters.

In the current spate of announcements, following movies with the confirm release dates demand you to mark you calendar for them as these will get released across the country very soon.

Hijrat

Farooq Mengal’s Hijrat was postponed several times before getting the final release date. Rabia Butt and Asad Zaman starer romantic drama is releasing on 22 April. The film is distributed by HUM Films, the name behind films like Bachaana, Na Maloom Afraad and Bin Roye.

Watch the official trailer of the film below.

Mah e Mir

Mah e Mir is another long awaited movie which took a lot of time to get a release date. The stellar cast of the art movie directed by Anjum Shehzad includes Sarmad Sehbai, Fahad Mustafa, Iman Ali, Sanam Saeed and Ally Khan.

The film revolves around the young poet’s sufferings of love, separation and poverty and discovery of the Urdu’s pioneer poet Meer Taqi Meer. The film will open in cinemas on 6 May.

Dobara Phir Se

Dobara Phir Se is the comeback film of TV’s prolific director Mehreen Jabbar, who made critically acclaimed Ramchand Pakistani eight years ago. The ensemble cast of the film includes the names of young and rising stars Adeel Hussain, Sanam Saeed, Hareem Farooq, Tooba Siddiqui, Shaz Khan and Ali Kazmi.

Dobara Phir Se is a romantic drama and it is shot in New York and Karachi. The film co-produced by ARY Films and Mehreen Jabbar is the major release of Eid-ul-Fitr (7 July).

Also read: Mehreen Jabbar returns to cinema with romantic drama ‘Dobara Phir Se’

Janaan

Janaan is one of the highly awaited releases of 2016, thanks to its spectacular cast comprised of Armeena Rana Khan, Bilal Ashraf and ALi Rehman. The script of the film is penned by multi-talented Osman Khalid Butt, a household name for TV serials and commercial watchers.

Janaan is another co-production of ARY Films and it is slated for Eid-al-Azha (13 Sept) release.

To stay up-to-date with the release date of all upcoming movies mark our page Coming Attractions.

Mehreen Jabbar returns to cinema with romantic drama ‘Dobara Phir Se’

By
Galaxy Lollywood
-

Mehreen Jabbar, a renowned name of TV, made first feature film Ramchand Pakistani (2008) at the time when the revival of the cinema still seemed a remote idea in Pakistan. Although the film was not a game changer but it expanded the space for serious subject-oriented movies in Pakistan and helped in promoting the Pakistani content abroad especially across the border, as it starred the famous Indian actress Nandita Das in a lead role.

The prolific director, who has been working incessantly for TV since then, is finally returning to the silver screen with another film which is, this time, entirely different from what she made earlier. Her next venture Dobara Phir Se is a lighthearted romantic drama shot in New York and Karachi.

Dobara Phir Se poster 1
Official poster of Dobara Phir Se.

The ensemble cast of the film includes the names of young and rising stars Adeel Hussain, Sanam Saeed, Hareem Farooq, Tooba Siddiqui, Shaz Khan and Ali Kazmi. Adeel Hussain (Ho Mann Jahan), Sanam Saeed (Bachaana) and Shaz Khan (Moor) have already created a niche in the film industry with their prior work, whereas it will be really exciting to see the rest of the cast debuting at the silver screen (Ali Kazmi has worked in an international film before).

The film also stars veteran actress and evergreen beauty Atiqa Odo, who will be seen after several years in a film. She played Shaan Shahid’s mother in Mujhe Chaand Chahye back in 2000 and had only been working for TV since then.

With such an amazing cast the film seems to offer something really refreshing and nouveau for the Pakistani newage cinema, as also promised from the first look posters of the film released recently.

Dobara Phir Se poster 2
Official poster of Dobara Phir Se.

Dobara Phir Se, home production of ARY Films, is produced by Salman Iqbal and co-produced by Mehreen Jabbar and Jerjees Seja. The film is scheduled for Eid-ul-Fitr release.

The first teaser video of the film is releasing this Friday. We could not have waited any further.

Box Office Update: ‘Maalik’ scored well on the first weekend at the box office

By
Galaxy Lollywood
-

The void of local content at the cinemas was filled by Ashir Azeem’s political thriller Maalik, as the film made its way to the big screens more than a month after the release of Bachaana last friday.

The film was received well by the critics prior to its release and it was expected to gather generally favorable reviews from the audience as well. And why should not it be, as it has Waar-like action and Chambaili-like patriotic fervor, both of the tried and trusted ingredients of successful films in Pakistan.

Maalik (Review): A victory for Ashir Azeem on this battlefield despite many misses

The film opened to its highest single day collection on Friday and earned more than 5 million PKR. However, this propitious start could not set a rising trend as the collections fell off next two days and took the three day collections to modest 1.43 crore gross.

Here is the day to day collections of Maalik on the first weekend:

  • Day 1 (Fri): 0.51 crore
  • Day 2 (Sat): 0.48 crore
  • Day 3 (Sun): 0.43 crore
  • Total: 1.43 crore

There is nothing to worry as the three days collections of the film are still considered quite ‘decent’ by the box office experts and the film is expected to complete first week with the same pace. The second week, however, is going to be tougher for the film as Shah Rukh Khan’s Fan, clearly a formidable rival at the box office, will open across the country.

For more details on the box office performance stay tuned with Galaxy Lollywood.

Maalik (Review): A victory for Ashir Azeem on this battlefield despite many misses

By
Aayan Mirza
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Movie Name: Maalik

Release Date: April 8, 2016

Director: Ashir Azeem

Review by: Aayan Mirza

You, you there, and you all can watch it, enjoy it, and take something back from it at the end of the day. A sociopolitical film at its foundation, and a very stylish garnishing of action on it; Maalik makes up for a bit dragged yet quite a captivating watch overall. For understanding the theme part of it, consider it as if Waar and Chambaili had a baby together.

The detail and its devil:

A security company established by father-son retired SSG officers (Special Service Group) in Pakistan has seen just too much wrong in the country too closely. But they are the best in business, and thus serve a pretty high profile clientele. The story is told backwards and we are taken through the journey of this company’s establishment, until the end of the first half that brings us back to the current day where some confessions are made and we enter the second half where one after another, and a lot of times quite simultaneously some more of the subplots are unfolded until it all comes to a crossroad that finally takes us towards the end and message of the film.

While most of the subplots were dutifully given their conclusions, there remained certain bits of the story that either got too overshadowed by their own gist or weren’t entirely given an answer for. Where did that second child of Asad come from? For instance. Or in what capacity was Ehtishamuddin’s character was shown at the beginning of the film giving the ‘ultimatum’ to the Police IG, as an awakened, responsible citizen? Or as an eventually successful political power?

But the story was simply too good at its duty of message deliverance that by the end of the film you care simply too little about most of these voids in between.

Even if there wasn’t an ‘Intermission’ written on screen at the end of the first half, one could easily dissect the two parts of the film in terms of their treatment. While the first half moved with quite a pace with its action, style and wit taking the lead, the three, in second half, take a seat way back, and on front come the message and the emotion elements, at times taking too long to roll out. It was almost as if the halves were actually two different movies altogether.

The consistency in the film, however, was brought in by some excellent dialogue writing and its deliverance by the actors. While Ashir brought the same magic on screen as he did years back in his super-hit drama Dhuwan, he and the camera looked here way more at ease with each other. His bad that he had to share a film with career actors like Sajid Hassan, Ehteshamuddin, Farhan Ally Agha, Adnan Shah Tipu, Rashid Farooqi and Hassan Niazi, who were all simply too at home with their respective parts.

Three special mentions at acting being Ehteshamuddin with his superb one liners, Adnan Shah Tipu with his excellence at maintaining the wit and shrewdness of his character and then of course, Hassan Niazi, who as the notorious ‘Saien’ was simply outstanding at making us hate his character. Niazi will definitely add a lot to his existing fan base that is going to remember this performance of his for a long time.

All the relatively new faces performed to much satisfaction while Shakeel Hussain can definitely be the honourable mention here.
So a thumbs up to Ashir for his writing and performance and two thumbs up to all the great performers.

For the direction and editing part of the film, all that can be said is that Ashir made a pretty solid effort as a first timer, but that very fact also meant a little uneven and a bit too dragged of a film. A lot of it could have been chopped off, a lot of it was repetitive in nature and a lot of it in-between was quite non-film like.

The soundtrack didn’t have much role to play due to the genre of the film but whatever was there was done to a good level of satisfaction. The cinematography was rugged but good and the locations shot were excellently chosen.

Ahsan Khan and Neelam Muneer talk about comedy-thriller ‘Chupan Chupai’

By
Iman Ali Munshi
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Chupan Chupai, an upcoming Pakistani comedy-thriller film, is directed by Mohsin Ali, the guy who also wrote the screenplay of last year’s super hit comedy Wrong No. We can surely expect great things from Chupan Chupai being directional debut of Mohsin Ali, as he changes the hat and takes the leading position this time.

The film stars debonair Ahsan Khan and captivating Neelam Muneer in the lead roles. The other cast of the film includes veteran actor Talat Hussain, Sakina Samo (who will be seen first time in a feature film), Rehan Sheikh (who will play Ahsan’s elder brother), Adnan Jaffar (of Jalaibee fame) and Faizan Khawaja (who is currently busy with his Bollywood debut Bankster).

"Chupan chupai"

A photo posted by Ahsan Khan (@khanahsanofficial) on

Chupan Chupai will be the debut film of Neelam Munir, a household name, whereas Ahsan Khan has done his share of films beforehand. Ahsan was last time seen in Shahzad Rafiq’s Ishq Khuda opposite Meera.

We got a chance to talk with the lead pair about the film. Our first question for the actors, obviously, was about their experience of working with each other. Ahsan answered, “Working with Neelam is fun. She has a great potential and her character in the movie is very different and funny. The character she is doing is never seen before in a Pakistani film. And being such a different and challenging character, I can honestly say that no one else could have done justice to this role other than her.”

Neelam answered to the same question, “It is always an amazing experience to work with Ahsan, he established himself as a film star and has proved his worth both on TV and cinema before. I have a lot of respect and love for him.”

"Chupan chupai" Hide n seek

A photo posted by Ahsan Khan (@khanahsanofficial) on

When asked what made them pick this movie, Neelam said, “I chose the film because of its writer and director Mohsin Ali. I knew I can rely on him to bring my character on screen as real as possible, as the character of the girl I play is totally different from my real life. The script is way too good and catchy. The way of direction is very professional and creative. All of us are dependent on Mohsin, we know that he knows how to bring the best stuff on the screen. I am sure he will definitely do justice with the film.”

Whereas Ahsan said, “I had three film scripts under consideration and found the script of Chupan Chupai most interesting among them, as it’s a comic thriller and have very good story. I thought that it would be great fun to shoot this film and especially having people like Talat Hussain, Rehan Sheikh and Sakina Samo on board would be an opportunity not to miss. These factors played a key role in helping me to make my mind picking this project.”

The film will also be the launch pad for three debuting actors from National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA). It’s been a month since the shooting of this film has started. The movie is expected to release somewhere in November under the banner of Huzu Productions. Jeff, an Amercian photographer, has been chosen as the director of photography of the film. The music of the film is still under development and the director is looking for the right tracks for the film.

Ahsan also told us that his character in the film is of a street boy who thinks he is really smart whereas in reality he is not and his over-smartness ends up bringing him into situations that gets hard for him to get out from. The film revolves around funny chaotic situations the protagonists get trapped.

While sharing the details of her character in the film, Neelam said, “my character is totally different from other female characters in recently released films. I can ensure you that you have never seen any heroine on screen like this before. The audience will fall in love with every single character of the movie and their dialogues, as the film offers combination of reality, comedy and thrill with the bits of romance in it.”

Neelam believes that cinema is totally different from TV. She expressed, “in movies we have very short duration to indulge and entertain the audience, which puts a lot of responsibility on us as an actor. We have to make sure that the audience enjoy the film and come again with family, as the duration for which a movies stays in the theaters heavily depends on the public choice. On the other side, on television you have a lot of margin as your character builds gradually every week and the viewers get attached to it with the passage of time.”

"Chupan chupai":))

A photo posted by Ahsan Khan (@khanahsanofficial) on

This comic thriller promises having a balance between action, comedy, music, and romance. Chupan Chupai seems surely a film you should mark your calendars for.

We wish best of luck to the great team of Chupan Chupai.

Edited by Zeeshan Mahmood

Trailer of ISPR-backed ‘Maalik’ is out, and the release date is announced too

By
Galaxy Lollywood
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Politicians are corrupt and root of all evil in Pakistan. It is the stereotypical view of politicians the mainstream media has been presenting for last seven decades in Pakistan. This time the narrative will be retold in an action-thriller Maalik, the film written, produced and directed by Ashir Azeem.

The first teaser of the film was released in mid 2015, but the film went to oblivion before coming to life again this month. The official trailer of the film is just out and also its release date is announced.

Maalik is releasing on April 8, finally!

The trailer of the film, launched in Karachi last night, has been creating good amount of buzz since its release on the internet. With more than 135 thousand views within less than 24 hours on the official Facebook page of the film, the trailer is being liked greatly by the viewers.

The cast of the film includes Ashir Azeem, Ehteshamuddin, Farhan Ally Agha, Sajid Hassan, Tatmain ul Qalb, Hassan Niazi, Erum Azam, Adnan Shah, Pakiza Khan and Rashid Farooqui.

#AshirAzeem, #HassanNiazi and #FarhanAliAgha at the launch of #MAALIK trailer in Karachi.

A photo posted by @galaxylollywood on

Ashir Azeem, who is well known for his drama Dhuaan of PTV’s golden era, is playing the character of a retired SSG officer who runs a private security company in Karachi. Hassan Niazi is debuting as the interior Sindh feudal lord and Chief Minister of Sindh in the film, a role which fits him like a glove.

“Maalik a story of love, loyalty, honor, family value, idealism, courage and dignity against all odds, and across all sections of society from the poor and the struggling to the highest levels of wealth and power”, says the official press release shared following the trailer launch.

The second half of the trailer filled with action shots is really spectacular and reminds the grandeur of Waar. These ISPR choreographed action sequences in the film will be the real treat for the action lovers.

By the time the film is released in a month, you can watch the trailer below.

https://www.facebook.com/galaxylollywood810/videos/1139290166116401

 

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