'Kukri' to compete with Bollywood films at Melbourne's Indian Film Festival 2023

Abu Aleeha's Kukri is yet to slow down. The crime drama, based on the life of Pakistan's most notorious killer, Javed Iqbal, has been selected for Indian Film Festival, set to take place in Melbourne.

The filmmaker took to Twitter and announced the news. "Delighted to announce that Kukri, the untold story of the serial killer, Javed Iqbal, has been selected for the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2023 which will be held from August 11 to August 20." He continued, "Kukri will be competing with the finest Bollywood and Regional South Asian films."

After facing numerous hurdles and delays, the highly anticipated Pakistani film hit the big screen on June 2. The director made significant changes to the film, including renaming it to Kukri, and had made his plans to resubmit it to the censor board for approval known earlier this year. 

Aleeha had explained exclusively to The Express Tribune that the decision to change the film's name was made in response to concerns that the original title, Javed Iqbal, might be misinterpreted as glorifying the character. The director emphasised that the film's intention was never to glorify Iqbal or his heinous crimes, but rather to raise awareness and encourage people to identify child abusers and protect their children.

The film is based on the true story of the serial killer, who confessed to the murders of 100 young boys in Lahore in 1999. It has already gained international recognition. It premiered at a film festival in the United Kingdom and has been selected for the prestigious Berlin International Art Film Festival. 

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