2025 was a good year for the Pakistani box office. International films from all over the world generated a lot of footfalls. The horror genre thrived, action films made bank, and Indian Punjabi films continued to mint money. However, for Pakistani film releases, the story was a mixed bag. Only 3 films managed to create any sort of impact.
“Deemak” made history with the biggest box office total for a Pakistani horror film. Humayun Saeed broke his own record with the blockbuster “Love Guru”. Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan managed to pull in some of their die hard fans with the Humsafar nostalgia in “Neelofar”.
However, with a new year comes the hope of new local releases. If the speculations and announcements are to be believed, then we’re in for a packed year of Pakistani films.
Big Studios Returning
Let’s get to the biggies first. Humayun Saeed’s Six Sigma Plus was the only major studio to release a film in 2025. This year, both ARY films and Filmwala Pictures may be releasing new features.
Filmwala Pictures
First up is Filmwala Pictures. Nabeel Qureshi and Fizza Ali Meerza have been staples of the Pakistani cinema diet since “Na Maloom Afraad” came out in 2014. In 2024, they surprised their audience with the release of “Na Baligh Afraad”, but 2025 came and went in silence.
This year, Mehwish Hayat celebrated her birthday on the sets of a new feature by Nabeel Qureshi and Fizza Ali Meerza. Co-starring Fahad Mustafa, the production doesn’t have a title yet. Filming has begun, but there is no tentative release date. However, Nabeel and Fizza work fast. They’ve completed fast paced films within short shooting spells, and going by their past record, the film might be releasing on Eid-ul-Azha.
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Pakistani Cinema’s Biggest Franchise Returns?
In a recent article in DAWN, Kamran Jawaid wrote that Jawani Phir Nahi Aani 3 may be coming out in 2026. Though nothing has been officially confirmed, but the whispers have been growing louder for a while. However, the most exciting aspect of what we have learned so far, is that the film is aiming for a non-Eid release.
“Jawani Phir Nahi Aani” is the biggest Pakistani film franchise. Previous installments have featured a huge star cast, hit songs, and of course, mammoth totals at the box office; both domestic and international. Adjusted for inflation, both the original and its sequel have grossed over 100 Cr at the global box office.
Combine that with Humayun Saeed’s star power (the man has literally only hits to his name since 2015) and you have a film that doesn’t need an Eid release. Audiences will flock to the theaters regardless.
That being said, we do have an appeal for ARY Films and Humayun Saeed:
Please don’t go for the Eid Dangal. If you are bringing back this huge film franchise, then it doesn’t need the Eid holidays to pull in audiences. Go for a summer release like “Teefa in Trouble” did, or an Independence Day release in August like “The Donkey King”, or for an October release like “The Legend of Maula Jatt”.
All of these films were big hits at the box office. Jawani Phir Nahi Aani 3 can set the standard of avoiding the Eid Dangal and looking beyond it for a year round release cycle.
Break the cycle. Break the internet. Break the Box Office.
A New Player Enters the Ring
Who knew that Tabish Hashmi of all people would be making his film debut this year? And he’s doing so as a villain in the Fahad Mustafa and Mahira Khan starrer “Aag Lagay Basti Mein”.
Fahad Mustafa has taken the producer’s chair for a film this time around under his studio “Big Bang Entertainment”.
The film is directed by Bilal Atif Khan, who served as Assistant Director on “Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad”. This means he’s had a chance to learn from Nabeel Qureshi, and it shows. The teaser, which has garnered millions of views, features fast paced action, several shots of the streets of Karachi, and of course, that Tabish Hashmi stare in to the camera at the end.
The official trailer doubles down on all of it with a breakneck pace, relentless action and comedy, and the promise of box office gold.
The film is scheduled for an Eid-Ul-Fitr release.
A New Action Blockbuster?
Pakistani cinema has been lucky to achieve a few action milestones in the past decade. “Waar” set the stage with that opening sequence. “Teefa in Trouble” pushed the envelope with car chases and hand to hand combat. And of course, “The Legend of Maula Jatt” exceeded all expectations with that exhilarating climax between Maula and Noori.
Now, “Khan Tumhara” may create a new standard for gun toting action within Pakistani cinema. Starring Bilal Ashraf and Maya Ali, the film is focused on Yusuf Khan who fights against injustice. Plot details are scarce, but the teaser shows the main character traversing snowy terrain and going head to head with a lot of goons using his bare fists, knives, and guns.
Directed by Ehteshamuddin and produced under the banner of HUM Films, Khan Tumhara maybe the biggest blockbuster of the 2026. It is scheduled for an Eid-Ul-Azha release.
Animation Is BACK! (Hopefully)
Remember “Teen Bahadur”? Remember “The Donkey King”? They seem like a distant memory because they are. While the “Glassworker” appealed to a niche audience and won accolades at international film festivals, it wasn’t a commercial blockbuster.
The last commercially successful animated film from Pakistan came out in 2018. Since then filmmakers have more or less kept mum about any animated projects.
Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy has made the Ms Marvel series and is now focusing on the much awaited Star Wars project. As for Aziz Jindani, the brains behind “The Donkey King” and the creator of Commander Safeguard, he’s been working on “My Daddy My Superhero: An Ode to Every Father”.
It’s an animated film starring Fahad Mustafa as the titular “Daddy”. The teaser was released in June of 2024, and a June 2025 release was expected. However, Aziz Jindani announced that the film would be delayed to June 2026.
We can only hope that the film comes out as advertised.
If “My Daddy My Superhero” proves to be as successful as “The Donkey King”, it might renew interest in animation again.
Don’t Forget the Artist
Let’s talk a little about the more artistic and intellectual side of cinema for a second. This is a flavour of Pakistani cinema that has never stopped giving.
If 2023 gave us “Madaari”, “In Flames”, “Gunjal”, “Chikkar” and “John”, 2024 gave us “The Glassworker” and “Taxali Gate”. Even 2025 gave us “Sindhu Ji Goonj”(Indus Echoes). However, you can see the decline in numbers here. Luckily 2026 may have multiple artistic treats in store:
Sarmad Khoosat’s Newest
Sarmad Khoosat’s newest feature “Lali” has premiered at the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival (the Berlinale). That, in itself is a huge achievement, as no other Pakistani film in history has debuted at the festival.
The official trailer shows a world where tradition and superstition clash as the spectre of death haunts a new marriage. The film’s tone is darkly comic and several images hint at its surrealist, almost absurdist treatment.
Sarmad Khoosat has shown repeatedly that his films have a niche audience within Pakistan. Going by the trailer, we may have another “Kamli” on our hands this year. And that’s great news for Pakistani Cinema.
Anti-Propaganda
In December 2025, the Bollywood film “Dhurandhar” was released to humongous success. However, it ruffled more than a few feathers here in Pakistan due to its ‘artistic liberties’, chiefly with concern to Lyari.
Barely a week after its release, Sharjeel Memon, the Sindh Minister for Information, Mass Transit and Transportation, announced “Mera Layari”. He framed it as a response to the negative propaganda that Dhurandhar had spread about Lyari; portraying it as an ultra-violent area.
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“Mera Layari” stars Dananeer Mobeen, Ayesha Omar, Samiya Mumtaz, Nayyer Ejaz, Paras Masroor, Shoaib Khan and Adnan Shah Tipu. It is directed by Abu Aleeha, who until now, has been the most prolific director in the new wave. It has been financed by the government of Sindh.
Previously titled “Behnaz”, Mera Layari is the story of a family in Lyari and shines light on life in the infamous Karachi town.
While it was originally scheduled for an Eid Ul Fitr release, Abu Aleeha has confirmed that it will first tour certain international film festivals. In fact, it’s already been submitted for festival screenings. After its festival tour is complete, post June 2026, it will be released nationwide and internationally.
A Superstar Making a Comeback
Shaan Shahid is returning to the big screen in 2026 with the film “Bullah”. Announced for an Eid-Ul-Fitr release, the film is directed by Shoaib Khan and written by the legendary screenwriter Nasir Adeeb. This is Adeeb Sahab’s first release since “The Legend of Maula Jatt”, Shoaib Khan’s first since 2018’s “Jackpot”, and Shaan’s first since 2022’s “Zarrar”.
The film was originally scheduled for an Eid-Ul-Azha release, but has been preponed . The motion poster, released on Sunday, January 25th, 2026 shows Shaan in a new avatar, sitting atop a leather chair, toting guns and smoking a cigarette, resting his feet on a corpse.
The tagline reads, “Silence breaks. Darkness trembles. The legacy of BULLAH begins now.”
While the visual is reminiscent of several action flicks, very little about the plot of the film is known right now. Shoaib Khan did however say this about the film:
“This film is like the rebirth of Punjabi Sufi saint and poet Bulleh Shah in the modern world through the protagonist Bullah, played by Shaan Shahid. I’m hoping to make an impact through this film – to make even one soul watching the film feel a shift, a question, or a spark within. Bullah is a mirror, and I just hope people see their own truth in it.”
An official teaser has also been released and it shows Shaan fighting against what appears to be a crime syndicate. It looks bloody and intense and perhaps Shaan’s most action packed role yet.
Shaan Shahid hasn’t had a bona fide box office hit since “Waar” in 2013, which kickstarted the new wave. Hopefully, “Bullah” can bring back audiences to cinemas.
Movies Exiting Development Hell
Development hell is a term used to describe the problems that some films find themselves stuck in for years. Sometimes they don’t escape at all. For Pakistan’s film scene, this is unfortunately a feature, not a bug. However, in 2026, a few films have been scheduled for release that may finally escape development hell.
Nadeem Cheema’s Relentless Crusade
First up is Nadeem Cheema. Like Abu Aleeha, he’s a relentless director who keeps making movies like his life depended on it. While not as prolific as Abu Aleeha, Nadeem Cheema has made several low budget films in the action genre including “Geo Sar Utha Kay”, “Dorr”, and “Baap: First Love of a Daughter”.
His film “Delhi Gate” has been stuck in development hell since 2019. Starring Yasir Khan, Shamoon Abbasi and Roma Michael, the film has been delayed several times, even though its trailer has been released twice.
An update in September of 2025 featured plans of an Eid Ul Fitr 2026 release, and a new trailer and music release date of January 2026.
Finally, on February 16th 2026, the official trailer for the film was released. It featured a lot of action packed sequences, clearly a much improved quality of action choreography than Nadeem Cheema’s previous endeavours, and an unexpected multi-language release.
Sindhi and Pashto versions of the trailer also dropped simultaneously. The description clearly reads that it is going to be a multi-lingual release. While multi-lingual releases are not uncommon in Pakistan, they usually resort to subtitles rather than dubbing. This is something of an experiment in Pakistan. Who knows what it will yield?
Farhan Saeed’s Return to the Big Screen
“Luv Di Saun”, starring Farhan Saeed was announced in September of 2020. It was Imran Malik’s next venture after “Azaadi” in 2018. YouTuber Rana Ejaz had also been roped in to play a comic relief character. Mamya Shajaffar was cast as the female lead. She had previously worked with Farhan Saeed in the TV serial ‘Jhok Sarkar’.
After going through several delays, it’s finally slated for an Eid-Ul-Azha release this year. Two AI-generated motion posters have been released which show Farhan Saeed and Mamya Shajaffar’s avatars in the streets of Old Lahore.
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Details about the film are scarce, but director Imran Malik previously said that the film was an “homage to women”.
The Return of the Jatt
2026 will see the return of the Jatt in Pakistani cinema. No, it’s not another Maula Jatt film. This is “Mango Jatt”. Directed by Abu Aleeha, and starring Faisal Qureishi and Hareem Farooq, the comedy flick has been languishing; waiting for a release date for nearly 2 years now.
There haven’t been any posters, teasers, first looks, or updates since then. However, industry buzz says that “Mango Jatt” will be released in the second half of 2026, but there is no official confirmation yet. For a film that was announced as completed in 2024, it’s spent a lot of time just waiting for the right moment. Maybe 2026 is it.
An Unexpected Re-Release??
Whatever else you may have anticipated in 2026, we’re sure this wasn’t on your list. Sahir Lodhi has announced that he’ll be re-releasing his debut film “Raasta” after re-editing it.
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Why the famous talk show host is doing this, is not clear. “Raasta” was not a success when it was first released. Perhaps there is previously unreleased footage that adds to the film, or perhaps some new footage has been shot.
This is not out of the ordinary at all when one considers the history of film. Multiple edits of several films exist and film circles continuously debate about which one is superior. Examples include the sci-fi masterpiece “Blade Runner”, the cult classic “Donnie Darko”, and the graphic novel adaptation “Watchmen”.
However, Raasta differs from all those films in one respect. Those films actually had an audience.
Abu Aleeha Never Says Never
Abu Aleeha’s been mentioned twice in this piece already, but he’s not done. Insider sources say that he’ll be releasing a few more films this year. He’s the only filmmaker who’s cracked the formula of delivering low budget films on time consistently, over and over again.
There’s perhaps no film he has announced that hasn’t been released. Whatever you may think of his work, there’s no denying his consistency. While we can’t comment on which of his films will make it to cinemas this year, we do know two films he has in the pipeline:
Action Returns to Punjab
The first is “Seylum”, starring Amna Ilyas, Muneeb Butt, Iftikhar Thakur and Adnan Shah Tipu. It’s the first Punjabi film for Amna Ilyas and Muneeb Butt and has been shot in Lahore, Kallar Kahar, Cholistan, Bahawalpur and Nathia Gali.
Initial details also touted it as the second most expensive Punjabi film after “The Legend of Maula Jatt”. If nothing else, that may pique your interest.
A Full Fledged Comedy Troupe
The other film in the pipeline is “Laddu”. Starring Farhan Saeed and Kinza Hashmi, this is a romantic comedy with a huge cast.
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When announced, the supporting cast included Nayyer Ijaz, Adnan Shah Tipu, Noor ul Hassan, Irfan Motiwala, Raza Samo and Areej Chaudhary. In January 2026, the film also added Shamoon Abbasi, Saleem Meiraj and Saima Baloch.
While poles apart, the two Abu Aleeha ventures will diversify this year’s film releases if they hit theaters. Will they make a bundle? Here’s hoping. And speaking of hope…
Hoping Against Hope
This is nothing but a fool’s hope, but we’ve still not given up on “Aasmaan Bolay Ga”. The thought of a Shoaib Mansoor project going unreleased is still too crazy to fathom.
The man with the midas touch as he’s known in Pakistan, has delivered year after year, time after time, in almost every arena imaginable. From Fifty-Fifty to the Vital Signs to Music ‘89 to “Ankahi” to “Alpha Bravo Charlie” to “Khuda Kay Liye” and “Bol”, it’s been hit after hit.
However, he did hit a roadblock with “Verna” which didn’t make much of an impression. Yet, he was all set to make a comeback with “Aasmaan Bolay Ga” starring Emmad Irfani and Maya Ali. The film was centered on the Balakot Airstrikes and the PAF’s Operation Swift Retort. However, nothing but an announcement teaser and a few posters exist ever since the film was announced back in 2023.
During the May 2025 Pakistani-India conflict, Maya Ali posted about the film, saying it showed a different way forward which signaled for peace.
One can only hope that the film hasn’t been permanently shelved and that it makes an appearance during 2026.
The Pakistani film slate for 2026 is full. While not all release dates have been locked yet.
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