The year 2016 kicked off with the release of Asim Raza’s Ho Mann Jahaan but as they say ‘picture abhi baqi hai mere dost‘! From Shoaib Mansoor’s Bol to Nadeem Baig’s Jawani Phir Nahi Ani, with error and trial, local cinema has truly arrived and is here to stay. Filmmakers, actors, writers and even producers are now ready to take this whole movement a step forward. And with all of that going on a full speed, buckle up as I list ten such promising and intriguing films that are expected to set the big screen on fire.
10: Ishq 2020!
Ishq 2020 is surely going to be a treat for the youth as it promises to enlighten the genre of modern day romantic drama. From the makers of Dukhter, the film stars Furqan Qureshi, Sanam Choudhry and Muneeb Butt in lead roles whereas Lollywood’s very own Nayyer Ejaz, Resham and Khalid Anum will also be seen in prominent roles. According to Butt, the film is based on how love can happen instantly hence the title Ishq 2020! Surprisingly enough the film would also feature a Bollywood actress in a special appearance. Slated to release this Eid-Ul-Azha, this Najaf Bilgrami directional venture makes it to the list of highly anticipated films!
9: Mah-e-Meer!
Mah-e-Meer is directed by perhaps the most experienced director of our drama industry Mr Anjum Shehzad, who would be making his directional debut into the cinema, with a film based on the career and life of Meer Taqi Meer – a poet who was indeed a legend and a half. Starring Fahad Mustafa and Iman Ali in lead roles and Sanam Saeed, Alyy Khan and Manzar Sehbai in supporting roles, the film will take you to a journey into the heritage of struggle and modern day influence as well. According to reports, Fahad will be seen playing two characters in two separate eras, which surely makes this film one of the most awaited movies of the year. The film was scheduled to release in November last year but postponed for 2016.
8: Two+Two!
This one has been creating quite a stir in the industry due to its appeal and controversies. Directed by Shahid Shafaat and produced by Hamza Ansari and Hasan Azher of Epiction Films, the film has a stellar cast of Urwa Hocane, Ali Azmat, Bilal Ashraf and the legendary Babra Sharif as she makes a comeback after 18 years. Mustafa Qureshi of Maula Jutt fame will also be seen in a supporting role whereas the Tutti Fruiti fame, Ayesha Omar will be seen showing off her dancing skills yet again in an item song. As Ashraf recently opened up about the main plot, it is a one-day story which interconnects four characters. Full of action and comedy, this one is surely on a lookout as it is set to release this March.
Read: Urwa, Bilal, Babra, Ali Azmat to star in Two+Two
7: Janaan!
Janaan is directed by Azfar Jafri and co-produced by Reham Khan, Imran Kazmi and Hareem Farooq under the banner of IKR Films. It will feature the likes of new blood, Armeena Khan, Bilal Ashraf and Ali Rehman Khan in leading roles and Mishi Khan, Ajab Gul, Nayyer Ejaz among others in supporting roles. Revolving around a Pathan family in Sawat, the film will highlight the Pakhtoon in a never before seen manner and opposite to their stereotypical image. All set to release mid 2016 (June or July), I’m sure this one will surely take the box office and critics by storm!
6: Bachaana!
This one is your typical cheesy yet exciting love story, an Indian girl is your usual bechari when a Pakistani taxi driver is there to save the day. Starring Sanam Saeed, Mohib Mirza and Adeel Hashmi in lead roles, Bachaana is the directional debut of Nasir Khan which is produced under the banner of Big Film Entertainment.
Watch: Sanam Saeed Talks About Bachaana
Shot in Mauritius and Pakistan, the film is a full package of action, thriller, romance and comedy. Releasing on the 26th of February, we are eager for Bachaana as it is set to reinforce the quality commercial cinema and make the viewer thoroughly enjoy those hours in the cinema.
5: Dobara Phir Se!
Known for dealing with modern-day issues and projecting them with the help of her projects, Mehreen Jabbar’s second film Dobara Phir Se is set to deal with love, friendship and evolves with time after certain circumstances. SThe movie will star Adeel Hussain, Tooba Siddiqui, Hareem Farooq, Ali Kazmi, Sanam Saeed, Shaz Khan and Atiqa Odho. In a recent interview Hareem revealed that it revolves around six people in New York and their journey of growing and overcoming. As Jabbar mixes up reality with fantasy in the best possible manner, produced and distributed by ARY Films, this one is surely going to create a buzz on Eid-Ul-Fitar.
4: Zindagi Kitni Haseen Hai!
Zindagi Kitni Haseen Hai is an intense love story starring television’s favourite on-screen lovebirds, Feroze Khan and Sajal Aly, who are all set to make their film debut together after taking the television charts by storm with Chup Raho and now Gul-e-Rana.
Anjum Shehzad’s directional venture is going to be a rollercoaster ride with action, romance and all of that mixed together as it deals with issues between a married couple and how they evolve as the film proceeds. All set to release on Eid-Ul-Fitar, get ready for a hardcore love extravaganza coming your way!
3: Yalghaar!
Yalghaar is directed, written and produced by Hassan Waqas Rana of Waar fame, having an ensemble cast of superstars and debutants, it stars Shaan Shahid, Humayun Saeed, Sana Bucha, Ayesha Omar, Bilal Ashraf, Umair Jaswal, Uzma Khan, Adnan Siddiqui, Atiya Khan, Ashir Azeem, Ali Rehman Khan, Aleeze Nasser, Armeena Khan, Ayub Khoso, Gohar Rasheed, Sikander Rizvi, Naeem Haque, Ahmad Taha Ghani, Rehan, Wali Yousaf among many others, the film is said to be the highest budget Pakistani film till date. Revolving around the journey of the officers and their families who fought in the Sawat incident, the film is based on true events with the perfect blend of fantasy. Action, romance, emotions; get ready for a mid 2016 release for the highly anticipated Yalghaar!
2: Rehm!
Ahmad Jamal’s directional jump towards the cinema, Rehm is the Pakistani adoption of Shakespeare’s play Measure For Measure. It stars Sanam Saeed, Sajid Hasan, Rohail Pirzada and Nayyer Ejaz in lead characters. In a recent interview with PakiUM, Pirzada revealed that the film will be showcased at Cannes Film Festival and would latter be released worldwide. Interestingly enough it will also mark the 400th Anniversary of Shakespeare. Whereas the play deals with justice, suspense and mortality, Rehm will have a Lahore-i flavour added to it, which surely doubles our expectations. The film is slated for an end of this year release.
1: Arth 2!
A film that is associated with a hell lot of controversies, Arth 2 is the remake of Mahesh Bhatt’s classic Arth. Starring Shaan Shahid, Humaima Malick, Uzma Hasan and Mohib Mirza (who replaced Humayun Saeed) in lead roles, directed by the superstar Shaan himself, the film is produced by Ali Murtaza who was previously the force behind Dekh Magar Pyaar Say. Contrary to Arth, which was a strong yet anti-commercial film, Arth 2 intends to be an adaption with an original Pakistani flavour. Scheduled to release latter this year, we are more then excited for this one!
Besides these Pakistan’s first found footage film, Aksbandh by Ayaz Samoo will release on the 4th of February. Pakistan’s first animated film 3 Bahadur’s sequel is all set for a November release whereas Jamal Shah’s Revenge Of The Worthless and Ashir Azeem’s Maalik will battle the box office in April. Shehzad Rafique’s Salute will release on the 23rd of March whereas the horror film Khwaab will release towards the end of this year. Actor In Law from the makers of Na Maloom Afraad would release this Eid-Ul-Azha. Farouq Mengal’s Hijrat, Sanam Saeed starrer Azaad, Mommar Rana’s directional debut Sikander, Danish Taimoor and Mathira starrer Tum Hi Tou Ho, Omar Hasan’s Dance Kahaani, Noor Bukhari’s Ishq Positive, Iqbal Kashmiri’s untitled action-romance, Faysal Choudhry’s Quetta, Faysal Quraishi starrer Lalool.com by Najaf Bilgrami and Umair Fazli’s Saya e Khuda e Zuljalal and Wajahat Rauf’s spin off of Karachi Se Lahore will release latter this year as well.
By Ahmed Sarym
