Sarmad Khoosat's next to be Punjabi film based in Lahore

KARACHI: When it comes to what works with audiences, it’s a gamble. While most directors like to play it safe, Sarmad Khoosat is all for challenging himself.

His contemporary style of film-making may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but undoubtedly, the star’s narrating style is very unique and different.

While Khoosat’s projects such as Manto and Akhri Station did fairly well, others like Mor Mahal failed to leave a mark. However, it didn’t stop him from going back to his roots.

The actor is gearing up to take over the director’s seat once again for his upcoming Punjabi flick. The Ek Thi Marium helmer has been sharing pictures of his next ‘untitled’ project on his Instagram handle.

Talking about it, the 39-year-old film-maker told The Express Tribune, “The plot of the film is very close to my heart. I am Lahori, therefore, I can relate to the subject in a much more relatable manner.” Khoosat added, “What regional language does really well is to tell stories rooted in its culture.

I will show in all it glory in my next project. The idea is to unveil its sheer beauty that will surely captivate the audience.”

The film is the first production under Khoosat Films. His sister, Kanwal Khoosat, will be producing the film while Khizer Idrees is onboard as DOP. The script is penned by the actor himself. It stars Samiya Mumtaz, Eman Suleiman, Ali Kureishi and Arif Hasan. The yesteryear Pakistani film industry was essentially all about the Punjabi genre. So, when the number of such films being made was reduced drastically, it caused uproar among producers. Films such as Maula Jatt, Majajan, Gandasa, Gunda Raaj ruled cinemas some two decades ago.

Although Pakistani cinema has turned over a new leaf in the last couple of years, the revival somehow missed out on Punjabi films. Due to the fear of failure, producers refrained from taking up any new ventures.

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'Shooting for Laal Kabootar was one of the best experience I have had' says Ahmed Ali Akbar

We have some very exciting news for Pakistani cinephiles. Laal Kabootar, starring Ali Kazmi, Mansha Pasha and Ahmed Ali Akbari is all set to release next year. Ali Kazmi, revealed to us that the film will be an engrossing thriller. The film is directed by Kamaal Khan. The teaser preview was released in a festival arranged by Lums students, at Al Hamra. The film promises to be high on suspense with a focus on cinematography and of course some stellar performances.

The teaser of Laal Kabootar will be officially released in a week. We also got in touch with Ahmed Ali Akbari and asked him about the shooting process.

'I have done theatre as well as films. The process of this movie was very close to theatre when it comes to training as Kamal had started talking about the character six months before it went on floor'.

Talking further Ahmed detailed on how this film was a different experience. 'I would often discover new things about the character during rehearsals and we did those quite often even with cinematographer Mo Azmi. One thing which I have to say is that shooting for the film was one of the best experience I have had' .

The actor revealed that the film is about four characters whose lives change due to a certain incident. With the script having been in the works for two years, Laal Kabootar is not going to be your typical masala flick. Instead its main focus is a strong story which would leave the audiences mesmerized. Mansha Pasha will play a female protagonist, Aliya who is struggling in this period of her life.

Laal Kabootar is all set to release in 2019 and it promises to be a thriller which will keep you on the edge of your seat for sure!

Punjab Film Censor Board suspended amid corruption reports

LAHORE: In a recent turn of events, the Punjab government has suspended the Punjab Film Certification Board. According to sources, the decision was made due to the government no longer being able to afford its members.

The board’s chairman, vice chairman along with all its other members were removed in an attempt to reevaluate the budget of the censor board. “After receiving several reports of financial corruption, the ministry has decided to conduct an audit of the board,” a senior official of the Punjab Information and Culture Ministry official told The Express Tribune.

According to sources, former film actor and censor board chairperson Zeba’s monthly salary of whopping Rs1.2 million per was the centre of the issue. Other board members were also receiving quite a hefty monthly sum, including the newly appointed chairperson Shoaib bin Aziz.

“It was beyond our understanding why such huge sums were being paid to the members, in comparison to the amount of work they were doing. Only a few films are produced every year so I would like to know what work this committee has been doing, other than receiving big salaries?” questioned the official.

Zeba was assigned as chairperson on October 1, 2013 by the previous government, due to her wonderful contributions to Pakistan’s film industry during the 70s and 80s. She was married to late legendary actor Muhammad Ali who was also a superstar of his era.

“I completed my tenure with great commitment and I do not know why the committee has been suspended,” stated Zayba. “I will not comment on the issues of corruption and auditing. All I know is that I completed all the work that was assigned to me by the government with honesty.

” The next couple of weeks will see the Punjab Information and Culture Minister Fayazul Hasan Chouhan set up a new committee after appointing a new chairman. The insider went on to provide that the salaries for the new members will be based on merit. Rs150,000 will be paid to the new chairman instead of Rs1.2 million while the vice president will receive Rs100,000.

The ministry is trying to improve the industry’s situation and lessen its burden by taking such cost-cutting measures.”We believe that basing the payments on merit is fair and thus, the amount of Rs8000 has been decided for the committee members responsible for reviewing and censoring films.”

The source further stated that there is a possibility of introducing health insurance for the members and regular meetings with showbiz personalities will be held for the healthy functioning of the board.

Model Eman Suleman to play the lead in Sarmad Khoosat's Punjabi film

Sarmad Khoosat, an actor, a writer, a director and a filmmaker. This guys is simply amazing. No matter what he takes on, Sarmad Khoosat has this trick to turn dust into gold with his touch. Khoosat has been the driving force behind a number of hit projects in Pakistan, be it television or film. Humsafar an iconic Pakistani drama was helmed by Sarmad Khoosat and Manto a revolutionary film on the life of the controversial subcontinent poet, Saadat Hasan Manto, again was brought about by Sarmad Khoosat, where he played Manto himself.

Earlier speaking to Entertainment Pakistan in an exclusive interview, Sarmad Khoosat had announced that he was working on two films, "I’m working on two films. The first one is a bad ass kind of a feature film, the shooting for which will start in November. As for the second film, the mood and genre is something that the audiences would love to watch and the shooting will begin sometime around March next year."

One of these films was supposed to be a Punjabi film, and now, as it appears, Sarmad Khoosat has begun shooting for his yet to be titled film. Talking to Pakistani Cinema, Sarmad revealed that model turned actress Eman Suleman, would be playing the lead in his film, alongside veteran television actress Samia Mumtaz.

The film will also feature Arif Hasan & Ali Kureishi in pivotal roles and will be the first to release under the banner of "Khoosat Film."

The shooting of the film has now begun in Lahore and according to Sarmad, "Lahore will play as a character in this film, unlike a backdrop in earlier released films."

The yet to be titled film, is being directed by Sarmad himself, while his sister Kanwal Khoosat takes the producer's seat. Screenplay is being done by newcomer Nirmal Bano, from NCA and debutant band “Sakin” will be giving the film's music.

Chain Aye Na to premiere on Amazon Prime!

Chain Aye Na upon its release received loads and loads of criticism. Because of the horrendous quality of the film and the cheesy and explicit romance it portrayed, the comeback venture of Syed Noor wasn’t able to do much.

Chain Aye Na featured Shahroz Sabzwari, Adil Murad and Shahroz Sabzwari in the lead roles and depicted a love story of a young guy who is love with a girl who is already committed to someone; a cliched love triangle, that was executed rather raw.

However, despite the reception it had on the box office, the film is now all set to make its digital premiere on Amazon Prime and Shahroz is pretty hopeful about it. Although the actor referred to Chain Aye Na as a learning experience in a previous chat with HIP, its good to see an actor stand by his film.

 The news was shared by Shahroz in an Instagram where he thanked for all the support as well as the criticism he had received from all.

First Spell Of Shooting Begins For Wrong No. 2 In Hyderabad

We for one are super excited to see Yasir Nawaz's next directorial project. Sequel to his earlier hit, the upcoming film Wrong No 2 has Sami Khan and Neelam Muneer in the lead. With the cast announced few weeks back we are now thrilled with the news that the shooting has already begun and the first spell happens to be in Hyderabad,

With Neelam Muneer, Sami Khan, Mehmood Aslam and Sana Fakhar to name a few currently in the city shooting for their scenes, our hopes are quite high from this romcom which has a interesting cast on board.

In an earlier conversation with HIP, Yasir Nawaz had revealed, "I'm back at comedy because that's what sells. The script for Wrong No. 2 will be written by Danish Nawaz while I have written the screenplay. Dialogues will be by Ahmed Hassan."

The rest of the cast for the film includes, Nayyar Ejaz, Javed Sheikh and Yasir Nawaz himself.

With the film all set to release sometime next year, we at HIP would like to wish the entire team of Wrong No 2 all the best with the shooting and hope everything remains smooth throughout.

'This is a tribute that we want to pay to police officer Chaudhry Aslam,' says Azeem Sajjad on his Film

It was a while back that we bought you guys the news of how model Zara Abid was gearing up to make her debut in the world of movies with an Azeem Sajjad film called Chaudhry. Based on the life of the martyred police officer Chaudhry Aslam, the film is the first time ever Aslam's tale will be told to the people. With the shooting about to begin soon, the director sat down with a digital platform to talk about his upcoming movie which we found to be rather interesting and decided to share his conversation with you guys as well.

Talking to Entertainment Pakistan, Azeem said, "This is a tribute that we want to pay to police officer Chaudhry Aslam whom the entire Pakistan knows as he was killed in an terrorist attack in Karachi."

Adding further, he said, "This will be a commercial film and events from his life have been modified a bit to fit in to the cinema mood."

With it also paying tribute to the police force that have been fighting the terrorists so bravely, the film will also honor their sacrifices and star Jia Ali along with Zara Abid.

Having given the flop 8689 which also had Saba Qamar in it, lets see whether Azeem Sajjad manages to hit gold with this biopic or not.

Paray Hut Love wraps 3rd shooting spell!

Asim Raza’s Parey Hut Love has been in news ever since it was announced. First the film was hyped because it starred Maya Ali opposite Sheheryar Munawar and then because it would also star Mahira Khan in an important role, after she couldn't play the lead in the film.

After being shot in some gorgeous locations in Kashmir and then Turkey, the film has just completed its 3rd shooting spell in Bahawalpur and will be releasing on Eid ul Azha 2019.

PHL marks Asim Raza’s second film after Ho Mann Jahan and a first collaboration with Maya Ali, after LUX ads of course.

Being all excited for the film to release soon, we wish team PHL all the very best!

Trailer of 'Durj' is sure to send chills down your spine

KARACHI: Chilling, intense and raw. These are just some of the words that come to mind when you watch the trailer of the upcoming film Durj. Directed by Shamoon Abbasi, the promo suggests the film to be about cannibalism. Shamoon himself is in the lead as a cannibal with actor Sherry Shah portraying the role of his love interest. Both artists have gone through major transformations for their respective roles.

Among Shamoon and Sherry, Durj also features Myra Khan, Majid Khan and Nouman Javaid in prominent roles. Based on true events, it follows the story of a cannibal on the run, hiding away in a remote desert.

The trailer doesn’t give too much away, creating a sense of curiosity for the viewers. It begins with Myra narrating the details of her husband gone missing and how she is determined to find him. The narration continues throughout the nearly three-minute clip, with unsettling visuals to match.

It shows a whole police force behind this case, trying to get to the bottom of the monstrous crime. The trailer ends with the two lead characters ready to dig up the grave of a “fresh corpse” which will definitely send chills down your spine.

Full of murders, thrill and violence, Durj sheds light on one of the most hideous crimes in Pakistan and is sure to leave you shocked. The release date for the film is yet to be announced.

Watch the trailer here:

Faysal Qureshi goes location scouting for Sorry: A Love Story in Turkey

Earlier this month, we announced that Faysal Qureshi was gearing up for his comeback to Pakistani cinema with his new cinematic venture, Sorry: A Love Story.

Sorry: A Love Story will be produced by Faysal Qureshi and Sohail Javed under the banner of SJ Films and Faysal Qureshi Films and will be a romantic drama. The film, based on a script written by Khaani famed writer Asma Nabeel will be directed by Sohail Javed.

And now, it seems, Sorry: A Love Story is now gearing up to go on the floors as location scouting has already begun for the film.

Sorry: A Love Story, as reported earlier would go on the floors early 2019 and would be shot in Pakistan and internationally as well and it seems, Istanbul, Turkey, is where the team will land next year. Earlier, Javed Sheikh's Wajood and Nadeem Baig's Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2 have been shot in the gorgeous locales of Istanbul and it seems, Sorry: A Love Story, would be next.

Shehzad Roy to debut in films with remake of 60s hit drama Alif Noon

The iconic comedy show of 60s, Alif Noon is all set to dazzle our screens once again, but this time it's the silver screen that will showcase the popular drama serial. Starting Shehzad Roy as Allan (orginally played by Kamal Ahmed Rizvi) and Faisal Qureshi as Nannha (played by Rafi Khawar), the drama will now be adapted into a movie.

Shehzad Roy and popular comedian and actor, Faisal Qureshi confirmed the news to Express Tribune regarding this upcoming 2019 release. Faisal along with playing the lead will also pen down the story and helm his first feature film directorial with Alif Noon.

Revolving around the lives of the cunning Allan and naive Nannha, the drama was a popular satire show in 60s and 70s. Allan believed in trickery and scams and Nanha always unmasked him in his naivety. This time the film will cater to the same subject but instead lives of modern day Allan and Nannha will be depicted in a thought provoking script.

The news has got us excited, are you too looking forward to the new version of Alif Noon?

Team Bilal Lashari Denies Sarwat Bhatti's Stay Order Claim on Maula Jatt Remake!

If there is one movie which we are looking forward to watch soon then it is definitely the 70s Maula Jatt remake which has Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan and Hamza Ali Abbasi in the lead. The movie is directed by Bilal Lashari, whose directorial debut Waar is still our all-time favorite.

Scheduled to release by next Eid, Maula Jatt has been in a controversy for quite some time now for its name. The issue has again resurfaced with the producer of the original, Sarwar Bhatti claiming that he has attained a stay on the new film.

Talking to Entertainment Pk on the matter Bhatti said, "I had filed a case at the Intellectual Property Tribunal regarding the title of Maula Jatt which is my property. After hearing the case of both parties, the judge had issued a stay order as my papers were all authentic and I was the rightful owner and original producer of the film. In this case Lashari was not given the permission to use the movie title for his upcoming film."

Adding further that till the court reached a final decision, a stay order was issued which Sarwar Bhatti still has in his possession. The stay order does not allow the censor board to issue release certificate to the team comprising of Bilal Lashari, Ammara Hikmat and writer Adeeb Rizvi.

According to Sarwar Bhatti, Bilal Lashari was trying to cash in on the name without his permission and if he had asked him initially for the copyright he may have granted his request. But with the stay order in his possession he also said that he would hold a press conference soon to show the copy to everyone.

Wanting to know what the present Maula Jatt team thinks of Sarwar Bhatti's claim, we got in touch with the producer Ammara Hikmat and this is what she had to say: "Our company is within its legal rights to release the movie and there is no stay order in place. Sarwar Bhatti had filed for a stay order and the court vacated it," said the producer of Bilal Lashari's remake. So what is the truth? Well we have to wait and watch for that probably.

Allahyar and The Legend of Markhor brings home its first international award

Pakistani animated movie Allahyar and the Legend of Markhor made waves on the box-office soon after its release and set a new bench mark for films in genre in terms of quality and aesthetics. Released in February this year, the movie left both kids and adults awe struck with its spectacular animations and amazing music. The animated wonder has now bagged home its first ever international award in Beverley Hill California, which shows it hit the international audiences really hard.

‘We are honored to be the recipient of the Prestigious Monolith Award for content, “Celebrating Story Advanced by Technology. We would like to thank everyone who believed in our vision and supported us,’ announced 3rd World Studios, the production house behind the film, on Facebook.

Scripted and helmed by Uzair Zaheer Khan, the animated movie depicts the story of a young and mischievous boy Allahyar and his relationship with animals.

 Set in the northern regions of Pakistan, Allahyar and the Legend of Markhor, aims to send across the message of the preservation of wildlife, a topic rarely touched in our movies. What sets the film apart from other animated movies produced so far is that it comprises of fine quality animation anchoraged in an indigenized story-line and localized characters the likes of Mehru (Markhor) and Chakku (A Snow Leopard),

Do we have a release date for Shaan Shahid's Zarrar?

Shaan Shahid's upcoming film Zarrar has been the talk of the town for quite some time. With its high end action and VFX, the film is said to be one of the best action films to have come out of Pakistan in recent times. And while no official announcement for its release has been made yet, we do feel that Shaan's latest tweet, does hint at something for Zarrar in 2019 only.

Taking to his Twitter, Shaan Shahid shared, "This Independence Day we take an oath to protect and to serve the land of the pure #zarrar." In 2019, Pakistan's Independence Day i.e. 14th August is said to be falling alongside Eid ul Azha. If that's the case, Zarrar will be cashing in on the Eid crowd but also sharing screens with other Eid releases lined up for 2019.

Zarrar, is an action packed, fast paced thriller based on the life of a spy and the constant contributions of our intelligence agencies for the safety of the homeland. The film stars Kiran Malik, Adnan Butt (also the film's producer) and Nadeem Baig in pivotal roles.

The film is being produced by 5th Dimension Films UK in association with Jehan Films Pakistan and is based on a concept by Adnan Butt.

This year, win a chance to see your favorite 3 Bahadurs on the big screen with Dettol’s Golden Ticket!

Calling all Dettol Warrior fans… The third part of the series, 3 Bahadur: Rise of the Warriors is all set to release on the 15th of December and here’s your chance to win yourself a Golden Ticket to meet the Dettol Warriors along with the 3 Bahadur.

Dettol is giving children across Pakistan a chance to win the Golden Ticket and watch 3 Bahadur: Rise of the Warriors in action. “Dettol is introducing the Golden Ticket Campaign through which children across the country will not only be able to meet their favorite superheroes but will also be inspired to live like one, in their everyday lives. We believe this campaign, along with the upcoming 3 Bahadur film, will act as a trigger for positive change.” says Humayun Farooq, Director Marketing, RB Pakistan.

The Golden Ticket is creating a platform for fans, especially children, to come together and support Kamil, Saadi and Amna in fighting the evil powers of the society. Fans of Dettol Warriors can become part of the campaign by buying the Dettol soap and look for the Golden Ticket sticker in the pack. The lucky winner can follow the instructions on the Golden Ticket sticker, to register with Dettol as a winner. The winners will get a chance to meet their favorite Dettol Warrior.

Zara Abid to star in film on slain officer Chaudhry Aslam Khan

KARACHI: In the recent past, many models have been foraying into acting from the world of fashion. Earlier, it was names such as Jia Ali and Vaneeza Ahmed with the most recents ones being Saheefa Jabbar Khattak, Aamna Ilyas and Areeba Habib. Now supermodel Zara Abid is gearing up for her film debut.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Zara revealed that her upcoming project Chaudhry, is based on a slain police officer Chaudhry Aslam Khan, who was known for his bravery and fearless.

Speaking of her character in the film, Zara said, “I cannot share many details about my character as of now but all I can say is that it’s very me. You will be able to see the real Zara. The character is really strong and I didn’t think twice before saying yes. The script was narrated to me over the phone and I immediately agreed.”

The model added that the rest of the cast consists of some of the biggest names of the industry who will be directed by Azeem Sajjad. Zara feels that the film-maker will be doing full justice to all the characters in the film.

On venturing into acting like other fashion icons, Zara stated, “I think everything happens for a reason and such an opportunity comes in everyone’s life. I think I have made the right choice by foraying into acting but only time will tell if I am successful.”

Chaudhry will tell the story of the late superintendent of the same name, who breathed his last in 2014 when he was assassinated by the Taliban. He had 29 years of experience behind him, and ran an elaborate intelligence network across Karachi’s complex web of alliances and bitter, bloody rivalries. Over the years, he had amassed a fortune just from gathering bounties over the dozens of militants and wanted criminals in the country.

Following the Trend 'The Donkey King' Scores Big on Third Weekend

Geo Films’ first animated movie The Donkey King has created a storm at the box office since its release. The film surpassed previous records of all animated movies in local cinema on its day one with an impressive Rs3.6 million earning.

Following the trend, the film has now managed to make a whopping Rs3.85 crore on its third weekend, leaving behind blockbusters like Teefa in Trouble and Punjab Nai Jaungi, reported Box Office Detail.

Written, directed and co-produced by Aziz Jindani, The Donkey King is a good combo of entertainment and politics hence it has become equally popular among the young and the old and masses are loving it.

Seeing the upward trend of the movie, popularity of its title track ‘Donkey Raja’ and the hype amongst viewers, it can be safely said that the movie is going to ace on the box office in the coming weeks as well.