Crime thriller 'Jujji' starts streaming on Amazon Prime

Award-winning Pakistani film now reaches UK and US audiences

LAHORE:

The award-winning Pakistani crime thriller 'Jujji', which secured first place at the Punjab Police Film Festival, has now been released on Amazon Prime for audiences in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Inspector General of Punjab, Dr Usman Anwar, congratulated director Habib Shahzad on the film's international recognition, saying private film-making organisations have played a crucial role in highlighting the achievements and efforts of the police force.

He added that support for filmmakers producing quality, educational films on crime-related themes would continue, emphasising the importance of storytelling in raising awareness about law enforcement.

Last year, Punjab Police organised a crime-themed film festival, inviting private institutions to submit their work. 'Jujji', produced by BHM Films, was declared the best in all categories, including story and acting, outshining other entries. Renowned Pakistani artists Tauqeer Nasir, Usman Pirzada, and Syed Noor served as judges, lending credibility and prestige to the event.

According to Punjab Police officials, 'Jujji' has also received multiple awards at national and international levels. The film centres on a serial killer named Jujji, whose gruesome murders spark an intensive police investigation and eventual arrest. The narrative explores different facets of police work, highlighting investigative challenges and the strategies used to solve complex crimes.

On Instagram, the film's official account (@jujjithefilm) highlighted its global appeal. "More than anything, 'Jujji' stands as a testament to what Pakistani filmmakers can achieve independently – without the gloss of big studios but with a clear creative vision," the post read. It added, "The film's global release is not just a distribution deal; it validates a movement." The post also noted that 'Jujji' became available on Amazon Prime on demand in the UK and USA on November 21.

Last month, 'Variety' reported that Buffalo 8 had picked up worldwide rights to 'Jujji' – a gritty psychological thriller about two detectives tracking a serial killer in Rawalpindi, played by Muhammad Arsalan. Mustafa Rizvi and Anjum Habibi star as SI Naveed and Constable Arshad, whose investigation evolves into a haunting exploration of morality and obsession.

Directed by Habib Shahzad and written by Ahmad Umar Ayaz, 'Jujji' reflects a bold vision for Pakistani cinema. "It's not just a film – it's a statement that Pakistani cinema can take risks and still resonate globally," said Shahzad. "We wanted to capture the soul of Rawalpindi while making it universally human. It's a deeply personal journey that became a collective one for our team."

For Buffalo 8, the film represents the kind of risk-taking cinema it seeks to champion. Nikki Stier Justice, head of distribution at Buffalo 8, described it as a "bold, genre-defying thriller" that merges "authentic South Asian storytelling with the universal appeal of true-crime" cinema.

Co-producer Yugen Studios sees 'Jujji's achievement as a sign of things to come. Hashim Zafar Wadhen, head of research and development, said, "Pakistani films can travel across borders when grounded in local realities but crafted with global sensibilities."

As the film streams internationally, its makers remain grounded. "We made 'Jujji' for our own people first," Shahzad said. "But if the world is ready to listen, that is powerful – it shows our stories have finally found their way out."