‘Maalik’ will hit Pakistani theatres, come Friday
Ashir Azeem directorial to release alongside Bollywood films ‘Freaky Ali’, ‘Baar Baar Dekho’
Azeem wants to release Maalik at his earliest, before the censor boards challenge the court decision. PHOTO: FILE
KARACHI:
After getting unbanned recently, Ashir Azeem’s Maalik has picked up steam and is set to release once again in Pakistan on Friday.
While the months-long controversy has definitely created a lot of buzz for the film, one did not expect the film to hit theatres so soon either. However, now that it will, Maalik is sure to attract a number of curious movie-goers who want to find out why it was banned more than whether it is a good film or not.
“I don’t have an option. I have to release it as soon as possible because they are probably going to challenge the decision again. I have to get the film out before the fiasco starts again,” Azeem told The Express Tribune, shedding light on his hurried decision.
This Eid, however, will also see the release of three local films, Janaan, Zindagi Kitni Haseen Hay and Actor in Law, as well as two Bollywood flicks Freaky Ali and Baar Baar Dekho. Appearing as a wild card entry, Maalik is likely to affect the overall business. “There is some issue getting the shows because the theaters are already packed. But we will sort it out. As far as the business goes, I don’t know. Let the people decide,” added Azeem.
As to where the exhibitors stand, Cinepax Cinemas assistant marketing manager Abid Ali Zaidi said the film will not be treated as a new release. “It would have been better if the film had come a little earlier but we are going to accommodate it.” When it comes to expectations for the film, he stated, “Last time, there was not much hype for it but it still had a decent performance. This time around, there is a lot of hype so we will see how it goes.”
Published in The Express Tribune, September 8th, 2016.
After getting unbanned recently, Ashir Azeem’s Maalik has picked up steam and is set to release once again in Pakistan on Friday.
While the months-long controversy has definitely created a lot of buzz for the film, one did not expect the film to hit theatres so soon either. However, now that it will, Maalik is sure to attract a number of curious movie-goers who want to find out why it was banned more than whether it is a good film or not.
“I don’t have an option. I have to release it as soon as possible because they are probably going to challenge the decision again. I have to get the film out before the fiasco starts again,” Azeem told The Express Tribune, shedding light on his hurried decision.
This Eid, however, will also see the release of three local films, Janaan, Zindagi Kitni Haseen Hay and Actor in Law, as well as two Bollywood flicks Freaky Ali and Baar Baar Dekho. Appearing as a wild card entry, Maalik is likely to affect the overall business. “There is some issue getting the shows because the theaters are already packed. But we will sort it out. As far as the business goes, I don’t know. Let the people decide,” added Azeem.
As to where the exhibitors stand, Cinepax Cinemas assistant marketing manager Abid Ali Zaidi said the film will not be treated as a new release. “It would have been better if the film had come a little earlier but we are going to accommodate it.” When it comes to expectations for the film, he stated, “Last time, there was not much hype for it but it still had a decent performance. This time around, there is a lot of hype so we will see how it goes.”
Published in The Express Tribune, September 8th, 2016.