No Bollywood film releasing on Eidul Azha

As many as three Urdu, one Punjabi and three Pashto movies to hit screens on festival

LAHORE: With no Bollywood movies coming out on Eidul Azha, Pakistani film-makers finally have little to complain about.

As many as seven local films are set to hit screens over the upcoming Eid holidays. With no Sultan or Banjrangi Bhaijaan to deal with, Pakistani releases are expected to outdo competition in shape of Indian films that will be out on days other than Eid.

Movie-goers can choose between Urdu movies Janaan, Zindagi Kitni Haseen Hai and Actor in Law, Punjabi flick Lal Badshah and three Pashto projects titled Badmashi Ba Mane, Ghulaam and Badmashi Na Manum.

The most anticipated, based on marketing campaigns and promotions on various platforms, are Om Puri and Fahad Mustafa-starrer Actor in Law and Janaan.

Pakistan Film Writers Association General Secretary Rashid Sajid said promoting Pakistani films is a need of the hour. “It was the demand of our producers and directors that only Pakistani films should be released on Eid. This time fortunately, their wish is being fulfilled,” he said. “The grounds are now open for them to attract and entertain audiences. If despite this advantage, they fail to do so, then it is a collective failure of our industry. This Eid will prove that there is no need to demand a ban on Indian films.”



Puri is currently in Pakistan for Actor in Law promotions. He plans on visiting Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Islamabad and other cities to deliver lectures at private universities regarding his project. Directed by Nabeel Qureshi and produced by Fizza Ali Meerza, the movie also stars Mehwish Hayat and Ali Khan. Based on the trailers that have so far been released, the project boasts a good storyline, a worthy cast and hopefully will prove to be worth the audiences’ while.

Janaan, on the other hand, has been penned by Osman Khalid Butt and features Armeena Rana Khan, Bilal Ashraf, Mishi Khan and Ajab Gul in prominent roles. The team is currently busy organising promotional campaigns across various educational institutions of Lahore. The two films are expected to go head-to-head in terms of competition, each aiming to become the best Pakistani movie of the season.

There is one Indian movie, however, that has the potential to cast a shadow over other cinema releases. Expected to release on September 9, Katrina Kaif and Sidharth Malhotra-starrer Baar Baar Dekho is also being awaited by ardent Bollywood enthusiasts on this side of the border. With upbeat tracks from the film like Kaala Chashma being played on repeat, Baar Baar Dekho is attempting to coax Pakistani fans and just might divert their attention.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 31^st, 2016.

Like Life & Style on Facebook, follow @ETLifeandStyle on Twitter for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.