2022 has seen Pakistani cinema slowly get back on its feet. With commercial releases like “London Nahi Jaunga”, “Quaid e Azam Zindabad”, “Ghabrana Nahi Hai” as well as independent films like “Kamli” minting money, it seems like the industry is finally getting its mojo back.
With 5 months in the year still remaining, a lot of releases are on the books. Here is a list of all the films you can expect at the theaters for the rest of 2022.
Intezar – 19th August 2022
Sakina Samo’s directorial is a story about generations and the relations between them. The taut 95 minute feature stars Khalid Ahmed, Samina Ahmed, and Adnan Jaffer among others. Written by acclaimed writer Bee Gul, this one is going to tug at your heart strings and perhaps give you a little to reflect on about your own relationships.
Doda – 2nd September
Doda is Pakistan’s first Balochi feature film since 1976. Plagued by delays due to the pandemic, the film is finally releasing in on 2nd September. It tells the story of a boxer from a small town. While it’s giving a lot of “Shah” vibes to us at PakistaniCinema.Net, it’s definitely its own story, and a ray of hope for Balochistan’s film industry. Don’t miss this one in theaters.
Carma – 2nd September
Starring Adnan Siddiqui, Zhalay Sarhadi, and Naveen Waqar, the film claims to be Pakistan’s first crime thriller. When the trailer first came out, some compared it to the works of Tarantino. However, the film’s feel more closely matched that of Guy Ritchie or Shane Black. The film looks like a fun ride and is said to touch upon the themes of fidelity, adultery, and even pedophilia. If you love crime thrillers and bloody crime capers, this one is for you. It releases in cinemas on 2nd September.
Zarrar – Fall 2022
Shaan’s magnus opus has been waiting for the right release date for a long time. We have learned from our sources that the film is ramping up for a Fall release, most likely on 9th of September, however, we still await the official announcement. The film is about a Pakistani spy fighting against foreign agents trying to destabilize Pakistan. The trailer revealed riveting action sequences and bloody fight scenes which are sure to thrill audiences.
“Zarrar” stars Shaan Shahid, Nadeem Baig, Kiran Malik, and Nayyer Ejaz.
Yaara Vey – 16th September 2022
Starring Sami Khan and Aleeze Nasser, the film is a romantic comedy about a relationship between a carefree young man and a disciplined young woman. Shot in the Middle East and Europe, the film looks to be a straightforward commercial entertainer. If you want to watch a light film with your family this fall, this may be the perfect choice. “Yaara Vey” is scheduled to release in cinemas on 16th September.
The Legend of Maula Jatt – 13th October 2022
Mired in controversy and delays since the beginning, “The Legend of Maula Jatt” is finally coming to theaters on the 13th of October. With the official trailer finally released, this is the film that stands to break every single record ever set by a Pakistani film.
It’s Bilal Lashari’s return to the big screen. And like before with “Waar”, his presence behind the camera promises to elevate Pakistani cinema beyond what anyone can fathom. We don’t need to tell you to catch this one in theaters. You WILL go.
Tich Button – 28th October 2022
“Tich Button” was another commercial venture set to release in 2020 that was delayed due to COVID-19. Now, it’s finally on the release slate. Starring Farhan Saeed, Feroze Khan, Sonya Hussyn, and Iman Ali, the film is an action entertainer that will focus on budding romances between the lead actors.
The explosive teaser received a lot of buzz when it first came out, and the film is sure to lead audiences to theaters when it finally does release on October 28.
Other Potential Releases
There are a lot of other releases that may hit theaters in 2022, including several art projects.
Joyland, the first Pakistani film to get 2 awards at the Cannes film festival may hit theaters in the coming months. While the film’s topic is controversial, the hype generated by its international praise is sure to get people to theaters.
Aasman Bolay Ga- November 2022
The next feature by Shoaib Mansoor sahab is also set to release in November of 2022 according to PakistaniCinema.Net’s sources. Starring Maya Ali and Emmad Irfani, the film will recount the events of Operation Swift Retort, Pakistani Airforce’s retaliation to the Indian Airforce’s strike on Balakot.
Neelofar – December 2022
“The Legend of Maula Jatt” isn’t the only film bringing back Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan this year. “Neelofar” will see the pair teaming up once more. Directed by Ammar Rasool, the film is centered on a blind girl played by Mahira with the eponymous name. No trailers for the film have been released yet, but sources say that it’ll hit theaters in December this year.
Another feature that might just hit theaters this year is Sarmad Khoosat’s long delayed and controversial Zindagi Tamasha.
With about more than 10 films waiting to release this year, Pakistani cinema may yet get its mojo back. Here’s to the future of Pakistani cinema, and to its continued success.
