‘Hotal’ pushed to April 8

Release delayed due to Lahore tragedy

LAHORE: Following the tragic Lahore blasts, director Khalid Hassan Khan has pushed back the release date of his upcoming film. Hotal, which was slated for release on April 1, will now grace cinema screens on April 8, after a request sent to the Distribution Club to delay the release. However, according to sources, the film could experience further delay, due to its clashing release with Ashir Azeem’s directorial film, Maalik. Deeming it a financial loss if both films premiere on the same day, the team behind Hotal is still dicey regarding its official release date, even though all respective censor boards in the country have certified it.

“Our administration was also unwilling to release the film after the blasts in Lahore. However, after Khalid Hassan requested us to delay the release, our decision was finalised,” said an official of the Distribution Club. “Nothing is more important right now than the safety of our nation. I was happy the film was finally releasing on April 1 but at a time where families are mourning over the loss of their children and loved ones, I opposed releasing it,” said Pakistani actor Meera, who will be playing the lead in the film. “By delaying the film, I wanted to convey to the nation that we artists are by their side.”



While Hotal made great strides across the border, Meera is hopeful the film will also fare well in Pakistan. “I am hopeful that Hotal will do well and there will be a large audience out there. I have played the most wonderful role of my acting career,” she added. Hotal released in India back in 2013 and also won Best Film at the 2014 Delhi Festival.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 1^st,  2016.

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