My ex-husband is my lucky charm, says Faryal Mehmood, dedicates 'Wakhri' to Daniyal Raheal

After a successful global launch at the Red Sea Film Fest 2023, Qandeel Baloch-inspired Wakhri is gearing up for a nationwide release on January 5. Directed by Iram Parveen Bilal, the film was cleared by the censor board for screening in Pakistan on December 4 and has already raised expectations for how the new year will look for local cinema.

Taking to Instagram, Iram addressed internet users on behalf of team Wakhri in a video message with a request to bring friends and family to the much-awaited theatrical release. The filmmaker emphasised the importance of opening weekends and how initial performance dictates its longer trajectory.

“Opening weekend determines the fate of a film in cinemas,” began Iram. “We have done our part and brought the film to your doorstep. Now we’re looking forward to hosting you in cinemas across the nation!” The filmmaker further insisted that anyone who has found the directorial work, the cast and its performance or the subject matter of the film appealing is requested to come and enjoy the film on the big screen.

In the caption accompanying her video message, Iram reiterated, “Opening weekends are critical to theatrical releases. If this film speaks to you, we urge you to take your friends and family and watch it on January 5-7. We have brought the film to a wide release thanks to Mandiviwalla Entertainment and now we ask our audiences to do their part and meet us at the cinemas.”
 
The film has garnered huge praise for the lead, Faryal Mehmood, for essaying a complex character with astounding clarity. Previously in December, the actor shared a heartfelt message on Insta, elaborating on her long journey and how Wakhri is an important milestone. “To my beloved fans, you’ve known me throughout my brawling journey which consisted of various hurdles whether it be patriarchy, my weight and body, my marriage, then the divorce,” Faryal reflected. 

Her candid online persona is partly what earned her the lead role in Wakhri and this expressive note further illustrated Faryal’s honest relationship with her fans. “You’ve seen it all and I have lived it all,” she reminded. “I promised my loved ones I wouldn’t disappoint my viewers by surrendering to mind-numbing television. I know I have been away from your drama screens for quite a while but I promise I was working on myself being worthy of becoming your next star.”

To everyone’s delight, the brief hiatus culminated in Wakhri, Faryal proudly announced. “I announce to you Wakhri, a script, a movie, a life I gave everything in me to. I’ve been very honest with my work and values. Everything I believe in and represent is depicted in the movie. I stayed true to you and myself,” she added.

“I honestly think every woman who can get out of their house, should go and watch Wakhri. I promise, it will definitely put a smile on your face and get you thinking about reality,” Faryal encouraged her audience. “Wakhri releases in Pakistan on January 5, 2024. I need all my sisters to come together and show me and Wakhri some love.”

Towards the end of the long note, the actor dedicated the film to her former husband, pointing out the coincidental release of film on his birthday. “It is my ex-husband's birthday on the day Wakhri releases. I guess everything does align in some way for a reason. And it confirms that he was my good luck charm.”

“Therefore I would like to dedicate this to him, since it was him who always stood by who I was and taught me to be better. Taught me how to know myself. So grateful for him and would never forget the things he taught me,” she capped her emotional message.

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