Following the Eid-ul-Azha period which saw three biggies from Pakistani cinema clash at the box office, the month of September has so far witnessed a lull as far as new releases are concerned, with the Eid holdovers continuing their run albeit at lower levels at theaters nationwide. However, this dry spell is set to be broken with no less than three local releases that are scheduled to hit the screens in October, which includes much awaited projects ‘Kaaf Kangana’ and ‘Durj’.
The interesting bit is that all three projects are helmed by first-time film directors and will feature some novel casting with many fresh faces set to grace the silver screen. The projects will also be offering diverse genres to the audience ranging from patriotism infused romantic drama to horror.
Here is all you need to know about these must-watch films.
Daal Chawal
Starring seasoned artistes Salman Shahid and Shafqat Cheema alongside newcomers Ahmed Sufiyan and Momina Iqbal, ‘Daal Chawal’ is a social drama set in the backdrop of urban Lahore. The film is directed by first timer Awais Khalid, who will be tackling subject material that deals themes such as terrorism, rampant unemployment, and political exploitation. The trailer showcases everything from romance, action to some tasteful ghazal-esque musical numbers, indicating that the filmmaker has attempted to give the audience an all-rounded entertainment package, the film’s serious themes notwithstanding. ‘Daal Chawal’ hits the screen on October 4. The film has been made with significant input to its storyline from Punjab law enforcement officials who manage the Punjab Safe Cities Authority.
https://youtu.be/cezdo3Jggso
Durj
Shamoon Abbasi, who performs as the lead in besides also directing the thrill-fest ‘Durj’, has already created much buzz around the project by virtue of its debut at the prestigious Cannes film festival earlier in summer. The trailer promises a gritty and authentic slice of Pakistani horror, the storyline is based on the macabre tale of two individuals from rural Punjab who practiced cannibalism and their trysts with the law. Apparently Shamoon Abbasi and female lead Sherry Shah went through a significant body transformation for their roles, having had to put on much weight to fit with their characters. Sherry also chopped her locks, and her bald look along with the intensity with which she performs alongside Shamoon will be something to look out for. The film is a must-watch for all those who crave for more variety and experimentation from Pakistani cinema for it features an engaging – and realistic – plot along with some spectacular photography of barren wastelands of interior Sindh and Baluchistan. And from the trailer, it seems it is going to be one intense ride! ‘Durj’ releases in Pakistan on October 18.
Kaaf Kangana
This film is looking to be a Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar tour-de-force with the celebrated scriptwriter penning the film’s storyline and dialogues and as well as, in a first, calling the shots as the project’s director. Starring Sami Khan as the male lead, its trailer promises a hard hitting dramatic storyline with strong undertones of emotional melodrama, romance and of course patriotism. Paired opposite Sami will be television starlet Eshal Fayyaz who will be making her cinema debut. The film also features Ayesha Omar and Fiza Ali in supporting roles, along with Neelam Munir who will be seen smoldering the screen on film’s item number ‘Larki Bhatinday ki’. After testing waters with ‘Gumm’ and more successfully with ‘Wrong No. 2’, the film will be an acid test of sorts for Sami’s prospects as a more conventional ‘filmi’ hero. Sahir Ali Bagga scores the project’s music, and from the trailer, Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar seems to have attempted a patriotic epic saga that promises plenty of masala, action and comedy and of course his trademark attention-grabbing dialogues. ‘Kaaf Kangana’ releases on October 25.
It seems October is going to be one eventful month with these projects making their way to the cinemas. Watch this space for the latest on these films!
