Pakistani horror hit 'Deemak' is preparing for an international rollout after smashing records at the local box office, with distributors confirming the supernatural thriller will open across major territories from next month.
Following its domestic haul of Rs175 million, Variety magazine said, 'Deemak' will screen in the UK, US, Canada, EU countries and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The UK release is set for Oct 17, followed by the GCC launch on Oct 23.
Distribution has been split across several partners, including Bollywood Films & Cinema Specialist for the UK, World Cinema Partners and Cinema Specialist for North America, Multivoice Pictures Limited for the EU, and FunAsia for GCC markets.
Directed by Rafay Rashdi, and written by Ayesha Muzaffar, the story intertwines family conflict with creeping paranormal terror, centring on a fraught relationship between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. Wah Wah Productions produced the feature, with Syed Murad Ali serving as executive producer.
The ensemble cast boasts some of Pakistan's most recognisable names, including Faysal Quraishi, Sonya Hussyn, Samina Peerzada, Javed Sheikh and Bushra Ansari. The film also picked up international recognition earlier this year, winning Best Editing at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Film Festival.
Rashdi called the film's success "a defining moment for Pakistani cinema," noting that it had "surpassed Hollywood and Bollywood titles in our market" while striking a chord with audiences.
"We are excited to now bring this story to international audiences who, we believe, will connect with its emotional and cultural depth as much as its scares," he said.
Executive producer Ali added: "'Deemak' is more than a horror film, it is a cultural export. Its reception in Pakistan and recognition on the global festival stage are proof of its universal resonance."
Industry observers say the film is poised to continue the momentum of Pakistan's evolving horror cinema. From the cult classic 'Zinda Laash' (1967) to modern revivals like 'Zibahkhana' (2007), 'Maya' (2015) and 'In Flames' (2023), the genre has long fought to carve space in a conservative film market.
'Deemak''s success marks its most significant breakthrough yet. According to Variety, which first reported the film's international expansion, the deal signals growing appetite for Pakistani stories abroad and underscores the commercial viability of genres once thought too niche for export.
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