'Delhi Gate' to revive the Lahore film industry

LAHORE: After a long hiatus, Pakistani cinema seems to be making a comeback in the walled city of Lahore. A film titled Delhi Gate is in the works there, under the direction of Nadeem Cheema.

According to the cast and crew of the upcoming film, the effort to re-initiate shooting in Lahore should be appreciated in such circumstances, where stakeholders are avoiding investing in the film business.

Delhi Gate – The Kingdom of Love is a romantic story which will highlight Lahore’s rich history and culture. Veteran actors like Javed Sheikh, Qavi Khan, Rashid Mahmood, Ashi Khan and Khalid Butt are all said to be part of its cast, alongside actors Suzain Fatima and model Roma Michael. Actor-turned-producer Yasir Khan is among the main leads as well.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Cheema said the team is adamant to revive Pakistani films in Lahore. “Delhi Gate will be an international level film,” he claimed. The script revolves around a girl from Canada who falls in love with a desi boy living in Lahore. The producers have planned to shoot parts of it in Canada but most of the pre-production will be done in Lahore due to the main theme of the story, which revolves around the city. The aim is to present a historically and culturally rich Lahore to the audience, both in Pakistan and around the world.

“We have planned to shoot a song in the northern areas as well,” revealed Cheema. “The team is set to present viewers with the best they have seen of Pakistani cinema.”

Senior actor Achi Khan expressed his concerns over the Pakistani cinema dying in a city like Lahore, which was once the hub of the entertainment industry. “It is upsetting to be working in a time where only one Urdu language film released this past Eidul Fitr…none from Lahore.”

Indian singer Mika Singh has been approached to sing a song for the love story, alongside greats like Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Atif Aslam.

The official release date of Delhi Gate is yet to be announced.

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