In a first for Pakistani films, the Director’s Cut of “Taxali Gate” is going to be released on Eid Ul Fitr 2024.
Abu Aleeha’s latest film “Taxali Gate” was released in February of 2024 and has earned a respectable PKR 3 Cr at the domestic box office.
Why then is a Director’s Cut coming out on Eid?
Why is “Taxali Gate” Getting a Director’s Cut?
The original title for “Taxali Gate” was “Zainab Haazir Ho”. The original protagonist of the story was Zainab (played by Mehr Bano). Zainab is sexually assaulted in the beginning of the film, and the story is about bringing her attackers to justice.
However, as the film’s theatrical cut was pieced together, Zainab’s character was moved more to the background and other supporting characters took center stage.
Director Abu Aleeha feels that this didn’t fully represent his vision. Hence, he created a Director’s Cut. The Director’s Cut also offers closure for a lot of the main characters including Shafique, Zainab and Muskaan.
The Director’s Cut is Abu Aleeha’s Vision
Those who have already enjoyed “Taxali Gate” will get to see a much more fleshed out version of the film.
Abu Aleeha says that along with a transformed first half, audiences will get to see additional footage that had been left on the cutting room floor.
He believes this version of the film flows better narratively, so audiences will find it to be superior to the original.
“Taxali Gate” is Going for an International Release
“Taxali Gate” producer Shabbir Shah has apparently been so impressed with the Director’s Cut that it is now scheduled for an international release. The film will run in theaters in USA, UAE, and KSA.
The release in Pakistan will hopefully also bring in more box office receipts this time around. The original cut of the film was released when the General Elections and the Pakistan Super League were both in full swing. And though the film collected PKR 3 Cr regardless, it may do even better this time.
Taxali Gate: Director’s Cut has been cleared by all 3 censor boards and will be released on Eid Ul Fitr 2024.
