Many Pakistani movies that were supposed to be released by now have been postponed as the Covid-19 pandemic stopped all cinema activities. However, now the cinemas have re-opened in Pakistan hence, the audience will soon watch their most anticipated films.
Pakistani Movies Pushed Back Due to the Pandemic
Here is the list of Pakistani movies that were delayed due to the pandemic and some other controversies.
The Legend of Maula Jatt
Let’s start the list with a film that is not only anticipated in Pakistan but India as well. And this wait is not even recent. Since the trailer first appeared in 2018, everyone has been on their toes to witness the epic Punjabi rivalry once again. The Legend of Maula Jatt is a remake of the 1979 classic Maula Jatt featuring Sultan Rahi and Mustafa Quraishi. The popular characters will be reprised by some of the top actors of Pakistan, including Fawad Khan as Maula Jatt and Hamza Ali Abbasi as his arch-rival Noori Natt, and Mahira Khan and Humaima Malik as leading ladies.
Director Bilal Lashari’s version will be a dark but conventional take on the original film. Reportedly, it will focus on visuals rather than dialogues, which were the backbone of the source material. And expectedly, the violence, the bloodbath, and epic battle scenes will be seen throughout the movie. Like other delayed Pakistani movies, it was also widely expected to release in 2019, then 2020, but some reports now claim that it will be released sometime in 2022.
Zindagi Tamasha
Sarmad Khoosat’s Zindagi Tamasha is one of those Pakistani movies that caused an uproar among the majority before its release. Without even watching the film, the so-called religious community of Pakistan started criticizing it and calling it blasphemous for showing religious scholars as child molesters. However, if someone suggests that it is blasphemous to criticize religious scholars, he is committing blasphemy himself because he assumes that all religious scholars are holy.
The story is about a religious man who becomes a victim of society’s judgement after dancing at his friend’s son’s wedding. Someone records his video and makes it viral on social media, inviting chaos in his life. Besides his wife, no one supports him, not even his daughters and friends. He gradually realizes his minoriti-ness in a majority of the selfish, hypocrite, and insensitive people.
The controversy was clearly a political motivation which the film eventually overcame and won the Kim Ji-Seok Award at the Busan International Film Festival before its official release. In cinemas, it is reportedly going to be released in March 2022.
Kamli
Sarmad Khoosat’s another film Kamli has also reportedly finished production. However, not much is known about this project. There is not even a trailer despite one viral image of the actress Saba Qamar relaxing underwater. According to reports, other characters will be played by Sania Saeed, Hamza Khawaja, Eman Shahid, Nimra Bucha, and Umair Rana.
From what is known, this would be a tragic love story but hopefully different from a plethora of other romantic Pakistani movies. Director described the film as a fresh mix of a rustic setting with a touch of contemporary feeling. Unlike other romance films, it will not only include humour and vibrance but also show Punjab’s culture by focusing on its famous love lore and poetic lyricism.
The release date of the film is not yet known.
London Nahi Jaunga
Another long-awaited film London Nahi Jaunga was previously said to be released on Eid-ul-Adha in 2020. But after getting delayed due to the pandemic, the new date is reportedly March 2022. Most of the production is complete, but the official trailer is not released yet. It is said to be like a sequel to 2017’s Punjab Nahi Jaungi, which was a blockbuster hit. The original cast, Humayun Saeed and Mehwish Hayat, are returning with new members, Kubra Khan, Gohar Rasheed, Saba Faisal, Iffat Omar, and Shani Arshad.
Writer Khalil-Ur-Rehman and Director Nadeem Baig have not revealed the film’s plot, but it is expected to be a rom-com like its predecessor.
Tich Button
Another romantic comedy that the fans of Pakistani movies are waiting for is Tich Button. It stars Farhan Saeed, Iman Ali, Sonya Hussain, and Feroze Khan and is directed by a debutant Qasim Ali Mureed. The trailer reveals two filmy heroes, exotic heroines, and beautiful locations, giving the typical Lollywood vibes.
Ishrat: Made in China
Muhib Mirza has outdone himself as an actor and director in this action-packed ride called Ishrat: Made in China. The film brought two of the most elegant actresses of Pakistan, Sanam Saeed and Sara Loren. Interestingly, this would be the first action film for Loren, who is mostly known for playing dramatic and romantic roles. The film also surprises fans by casting fashion designer Hassan Sheheryar Yasin (HSY) in his acting debut. Other huge members include Nayyar Ejaz, Shabir Jan, Shamoon Abbasi, Ali Kazmi, Mani, Imam Syed, and Mustafa Chaudhry.
According to reports, the exact release date is known, but it will release sometime in 2022. Here is the teaser that shows some fiery action sequences without revealing the movie’s plot.
Quaid-E-Azam Zindabad
This year, one of the most awaited Pakistani movies brings Fahad Mustafa and Mahira Khan together for the first time on the silver screen. The title “Quaid-E-Azam Zindabad” is not about praising the founder of Pakistan but saying “Long Live Money” as the currency has Jinnah’s face on it. It refers to the fact that if a person is rich, he can influence anything in Pakistan and bend the rules according to his will.
From the trailer, it looks like Fahad Mustafa is channelling Salman Khan from the Dabangg series while Mahira Khan is holding her own by fighting off goons with pepper spray. This would be a typical action-comedy masala that cinema fans love to watch. According to the latest reports, it will be released on Eid-Ul-Adha 2022.
Money Back Guarantee
This is also one of those Pakistani movies that the audience has been waiting for since 2020. Directed by Faisal Quraishi, the film caught everyone’s attention due to its humungous cast with the most popular names in the country. According to reports, it will bring together Fawad Khan, Wasim Akram, Shaniera Akram, Afzal Khan AKA Jan Rambo, Mani, Ayesha Omer, Javaid Sheikh, Mikaal Zulfiqar, Hina Dilpazir, Mirza Gohar Rasheed, Shayan Khan, Kiran Malik, Shafaat Ali, Marhoom Ahmad Bilal, Ali Safina, Adnan Jaffer, and Aqdas Waseem.
Moreover, some stars would also be making a special appearance, including the director Faisal Qureshi, Faysal Qureshi (the drama actor and host), Ali Rehman Khan, Adnan Bashir Khan, Khadija Arshad, Hajra Yamin, Ahsan Rahim, Syeda Marium Batool, Ataullah Jan, Muniba Mazari, and British-Pakistani journalist George Fulton.
The trailer of this behemoth is not released yet.
Javed Iqbal: Untold Story of a Serial Killer
And probably the most anticipated of all Pakistani movies, Javed Iqbal, will finally be released this year. The film, based on a real story of a serial killer who confessed to murdering more than 100 boys, has received a lot of appraisals from the audience. It will be a unique project that will take the viewers into the mind of a ruthless murderer who embarks on a journey to challenge Lahore police and succeeds in a way. According to reports, the film is making it to cinemas on 28th January 2022.
The below trailer shows exceptional performances from Yasir Hussain as the infamous killer and Ayesha Omar as the police officer in charge of the investigation.
