Will 'Jackpot' be a stepping stone for local cinema or the one you trip over?

KARACHI: Pakistani film releases have been on the rise. With numerous productions hitting screens every year, audiences are often left confused as to which one they should spend money on. While it's a good thing for our budding local cinema, it does seems like every Tom, Dick and Harry has now come forth with their film.

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Another local release, Jackpot stars Javed Sheikh, Sanam Chaudhry and Noor Hassan, and will be hitting screens this summer. Other cast members include Ismail Tara, Sana Fakhar and Adnan Shah Tipu.

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From the trailer, Jackpot seems like yet another Bollywood rip-off, resembling the likes of Apna Sapna Money Money and Go Goa Gone. Cheap comedy and heist packed with a little romance seems like the go-to mantra for Pakistani films now. Or maybe it's just what the audience likes to see - only time will tell.

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However, what's interesting to note is Javed and Sana's return to the screen after an alleged fling in the past. Maybe if Jackpot was based on the two as the lead, it would have been a keen story. Also, why are all local releases starring Javed? He'll be seen in 7 Din Mohabbat In, Wajood and Teefa in Trouble.

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But so far, with Noor and Sanam in the lead roles, Jackpot looks like a forced love story. And can we stop lovey-dovey tracks from resembling Mahira and Shah Rukh Khan's Zaalima? Neelum Muneer and Ahsan Khan already copied that in Chupan Chupai.

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Needless to say, Jackpot is yet another step for local cinema. However, we're unsure if this will be a stepping stone or the one you stumble upon.

Watch the trailer here:


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