5 local films we can't wait to watch in cinemas in 2022

Reopening of theatres is probably the best thing that happened for artists and filmmakers across the board this year. Filmgoers rushed to cinema houses to watch Khel Khel Mein, the first Pakistani film that made it to the big screen after the halt. But trust us, things are only going to get better. While Bollywood films are no longer welcomed in Pakistan, there are a slew of Pakistani films in the backlog, waiting to be released. Thus, as 2022 approaches us, we’ve compiled five of the most anticipated local productions you need to mark your calendars for.

‘Javed Iqbal: The Untold Story of a Serial Killer’

Based on the life of serial killer Javed Iqbal, Javed Iqbal: The Untold Story of a Serial Killer stars Yasir Hussain and Ayesha Omar in the lead roles. The Abu Aleeha film has been the talk of the town when its first look came out. Its trailer is filled with intense chase scenes and emotions running high, as well as a chilling voiceover by Hussain as Iqbal. Promising a seemingly thrilling offering with a fresh storyline in a local market inundated with too much of the same boring romantic comedies and domestic rivalries, the film is based on a book penned by the director.

‘Zindagi Tamasha’

Sarmad Khoosat's Zindagi Tamasha will also be released in theatres across Pakistan in March 2022. Having received the green signal after facing much backlash over its sensitive subject matter, the film, that was also Pakistan’s entry to the Oscars in November 2020, will see Arif Hasan in the lead role as a naat khwaan, Rahat, who enjoys a celebrity status amongst his community. He is a devout Muslim; someone who, hence, when he does wrong, there is no forgiveness for him. Rahat and his family get sidelined by society after a video of him goes viral on social media.

‘Legend of Maula Jatt’

Another film that many of us have long been waiting for is the Legend of Maula Jatt, which was supposed to release in May this year. Now we’re hoping the film, that stars Fawad Khan and Hamza Ali Abbasi as Maula Jatt and Noori Nath, will release in 2022. Directed by Bilal Lashari and produced by Ammara Hikmat, It also boasts a star roster featuring Mahira Khan, Humaima Malick, Ali Azmat, Shafqat Cheema and Nayyer Ejaz. The remake is not a family entertainer and makers have advised for parents to not bring children to watch it, provided its depiction of blood and gore.

‘Ghabrana Nahi Hai’

The first teaser for Saba Qamar’s latest cinematic offering Ghabrana Nahi Hai dropped recently and hinted at a promising action-packed ride for lovers of desi crime thrillers. Without revealing much about the plot, the teaser is complete with gold chain-sporting gangsters, gun-wielding police officers, sherwani-clad politicians, and a bride marching into a wedding venue filled with shocked guests, seemingly ready for a confrontation. Also starring Zahid Ahmed, Syed Jibran and Nayyer Ijaz, with director Saqib Khan at the helm of the project, the film is slated for an Eid ul Fitr release in 2022.

‘Quaid e Azam Zindabad’

The first poster for Nabeel Qureshi’s Quaid e Azam Zindabad, an action-comedy that follows the story of a notorious cop, played by Fahad Mustafa opposite Mahira Khan, promised that it is ‘coming soon’. With previous offerings like Na Maloom Afraad, Actor In Law as well as Load Wedding, which were not only packed with entertainment but also carried important social messages, critics and fans are hoping Quaid e Azam Zindabad will be no different, and we can’t wait!

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