Category: Entertainment

  • Advance booking for ‘Meray Paas Tum Ho’ finale sets new record at the box-office

    Advance booking for ‘Meray Paas Tum Ho’ finale sets new record at the box-office

    Advance bookings for the finale of Meray Paas Tum Ho have hit a record high. Tickets for the the last mega episode of the drama which will be screened in cinemas across the country on January 25 are selling out fast as fans purchase them in large numbers.

    According to reports, advance sales hit a phenomenal 3.6 million (36 lakh) rupees till the close of business on Saturday.

    Given the response to the drama, cinemas are hosting multiple shows of the finale to cash on the drama as much as possible.

    It is also being reported that the episode will not be uploaded on YouTube as per the norm. This is likely to push the sales even more as people rush to book their tickets so that they do not miss out.

    Starring Ayeza Khan, Humayun Saeed, Adnan Siddiqui and Hira Mani, Meray Paas Tum Ho has been directed by Nadeem Baig and written by the critically acclaimed Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar. It follows the story of a married couple whose life falls apart after the woman has an affair.

  • Pakistani movies releasing in 2020

    Pakistani movies releasing in 2020

    2019 was not a very lucrative year for the Pakistan film industry. Films were few and not entirely up to the mark. The highest-grossing film of the year, Superstar, made only PKR 30 crores at the box-office.

    2020 looks promising in terms of the film industry with more than a handful of releases expected to release this year. Moreso, a lot of favourite TV actors including Imran Ashraf and Junaid Khan will also be making their debut this year. Here is a list of all the film that have been announced.

    Zindagi Tamasha

    Sarmad Khoosat’s controversial film Zindagi Tamasha is the first release of 2020. The film is expected to tackle some serious issues regarding religion and societal stigmas.

    Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad

    Mahira Khan and Fahad Mustafa’s first project together has fans excited. Given that the duo behind Load Wedding and Actor in Law, Nabeel Qureshi and Fizza Ali Meerza, are helming this project, anticipation levels are high. The film is expected to release around Eid.

    WATCH: Fahad Mustafa practices his action stunts for ‘Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad’

    Fatman

    Nabeel Qureshi and Fizza Ali Meerza’s other project is a superhero film titled Fatman with Ahmed Ali Butt in the lead role.

    Speaking exclusively about the film to The Current, Ahmad had said, “It’s a different and bold take on superhero films but at the core, it is a story about a father-son relationship.”

    He added, “It also addresses body shaming, yet keeps the family entering factors in mind.”

    Kamli

    Saba Qamar is returning to the silver screen with Sarmad Khoosat’s Kamli. Though there is not much known about the film as yet, we are sure it’ll be a must-watch. Shooting has wrapped up and the film is currently in its post-processing stage. It is expected to release on Eid-ul-Fitr.

    PICTURES: From the sets of Saba Qamar, Sarmad Khoosat’s ‘Kamli’

    London Nahi Jaungi

    Humayun Saeed and Nadeem Baig are coming back with a new film titled London Nahi Jaunga. Not much is known about the film, except that it has nothing to do with Punjab Nahi Jaungi. Mehwish Hayat and Kubra Khan are also reported to be part of the project.

    Money Back Guarantee (MBG)

    Faisal Qureshi’s star-studded film MBG is expected to be a mad comic caper. It starres Fawad Khan, Mikaal Zulfiqar, Wasim Akram and Gohar Rasheed among others. Given that Faysal is directing the film, we’re sure it’ll be a laughing riot.

    The Legend of Maula Jatt

    Just hoping it comes out this year.

    Patakh De

    Azaan Sami Khan will be making his film debut opposite Hania Aamir in this film which will be produced by Momina Duraid Productions. Shamoon Abbasi will also be part of the film.

    Tich Button

    Urwa Hocane production Tich Button starring Farhan Saeed, Iman Aly, Sonya Hussayn and Feroze Khan is expected to release this year also. It is being directed by Qasim Ali Mureed and has been written by Faiza Iftikhar. According to Urwa, the film is a fun-filled one about love and friendship.

    Dum Mustam

    Imran Ashraf will be debuting on the big screen with Dam Mastam. Amar Khan, who has written the script, will also be part of the film as will social media sensation Momin Saqib. The film is being directed by Mohammed Ehteshamuddin and produced by Adnan Siddiqui.

    Ishrat made in China

    Ishrat Made in China will mark the directorial debut of Mohib Mirza. It will star Sanam Saeed and Shamoon Abbasi among others. While no further details about the project are known, Mohib has been kept his fans updated with pictures from the sets.

    Dhai Chaal

    Dhai Chaal starring Ayesha Omar and Shamoon Abbasi is an action film inspired by story of Indian spy convicted in Pakistan Khulbushan Yadhav. The film has gone on floors and shooting has commenced.

    Delhi Gate

    Looks like 2020 is going to be Shamoon Abbasi’s year because his nth venture for the year is Delhi Gate. According to the actor, the film is a romantic thriller where he will be playing the role of ‘Malik Gold’, the main antagonist in the film. The film will be related to one of the 13 gates of the old walled city of Lahore.

    Gawah Rehana

    Emaad Irfani and Ghana Ali’s film based on the Khilafat Movement is currently under production and is expected to release in 2020. The film is written and directed by Tahir Mahmood who has served as an official of the Foreign Service in Turkey. It will be released in Pakistan and Turkey both. Veteran actor Qavi Khan is also an integral part of the film.

    Half Fry

    Real-life couple Yasir Hussain and Iqra Aziz will be coming together for this action-comedy by writer/director Abu Aleeha. Faizan Khawaja, Faryal Mehmood, Saleem Meraj, Sana Fakhar, Ismail Tara, Danish Nawaz and Iffat Omer make up the supporting cast of the film.

    Kahay Dil Jidhar

    Junaid Khan is debuting on the big screen opposite Mansha Pasha in Kahay Dil Jidhar. The film is being directed by Jalal Rumi. Popular RJ turned actor Dino Ali will also be debuting in the film.

    Zarrar

    Shaan has been teasing us with this film for a long time now. Hoping it releases this year.

    Rehbra

    Described as a ‘love story with a twist’ Rehbara, starres Ayesha Omar and Ahsan Khan in the lead and has been directed by Amin Iqbal. Ghulam Mohiyuddin and Saba Hameed will also be part of the film.

    Qulfee

    Crime-caper Qulfee has an ensemble cast which includes Shahroze Sabzwari, Moamar Rana, Saeeda Imtiaz, Sana Fakhar and Wali Hamid. It is being directed by cinematographer Salim Karim Daad, whose previous works include Jawani Phir Nahi Ani, Balu Mahi and Sherdil.

    Sorry: A Love Story

    Produced by Faysal Qureshi, Sorry will mark the actor’s comeback on the big screen. Directed by Sohail Javed, the film stars Faryal Mahmood, Aamina Sheikh and Zahid Ahmed in the cast.

    A lot of other films are also supposedly in the works but details on them are limited which is why they haven’t been included on the list. In a lot of cases, films are announced and later shelved.

    Here’s to hoping that 2020 is the year Pakistani cinema grows even bigger and audiences have plenty of movies (good ones of course) to watch on the big screen.

  • Afridi, Reema, Humayun Saeed thank former DG ISPR Gen Asif Ghafoor for his services

    Afridi, Reema, Humayun Saeed thank former DG ISPR Gen Asif Ghafoor for his services

    Former DG ISPR, Major General Asif Ghafoor, who was a key figure in the liasons between the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) and the entertainment industry has bid goodbye to his post. He has been transferred to the 40th Infantry Division (Okara), where he will serve as the general officer commanding (GOC). Gen Asif Ghafoor has been replaced by Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar.

    “Thanks to everyone I have remained associated with during the tenure,” Maj Gen Ghafoor wrote on Twitter as news of his transfer broke.

    Following his transfer, members of the film and sports fraternity including Humayun Saeed, Shahid Afridi, Reema and Shaan took to social media to appreciate the officer and his services.

    https://twitter.com/SAfridiOfficial/status/1217872486336847873?s=20
    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7bnPASBS2g/
  • Mahira Khan, Hira Mani share words of wisdom for a successful life

    Mahira Khan, Hira Mani share words of wisdom for a successful life

    Mahira Khan and Hira Mani shared golden words by Pakistani educationist Dr Arfa Saeyda Zehra for a successful life.

    The actors shared the clip of the interview of renowned Pakistani educationist and Urdu language expert Dr Arfa Sayeda Zehra with Samina Peerzada.

    Quoting Dr Arfa, Hira further wrote, “Kaamiyabi khush ikhalqi main hai Acha bolnay main hai Acha Sochnay main hai. kamiyabi ilm main hai or ilm paise Se nahi ilm mohabbat main hai (success is hidden in education that will come from love and not from money) 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7awG12nEyb/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    In the interview, Dr Arfa said that education is necessary for life but not just to get a job.

    “Life needs a job but the job doesn’t need life,” she said.

  • Veteran Bollywood actor Shabana Azmi injured in road accident

    Veteran Bollywood actor Shabana Azmi injured in road accident

    Veteran Bollywood actor Shabana Azmi on Saturday sustained serious injuries after meeting with a car accident on Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Press Trust of India tweeted.

    Reportedly, her car hit a truck from behind near Khalapur toll plaza. The actor has been admitted to MGM Hospital Panvel, Maharashtra.

    According to hospital staff, Azmi sustained injuries on her nose. “No other visible injuries till now. She is right now in state of shock. Treatment going on. Condition stable,” read a statement issued by the hospital.

    Police officials say the actor with her husband and renowned lyricist, Javed Akhtar, and her driver was travelling from Pune to Mumbai when the accident took place.

    Her husband remained safe in the accident.

  • Five episodes in, ‘Ghalti’ is a big mistake

    Five episodes in, ‘Ghalti’ is a big mistake

    Ghalti will make you cringe and even feel a little angry. Typical, typical, typical Pakistani drama re-enforcing the stereotypes we are trying to change in our society push through in the first five episodes of ARY Digital’s Ghalti.

    The drama is full of the more than typical saas-bahu drama, the word talaaq thrown in for good affect and the jealous nunday, Ghalti left nothing behind. All that’s left now is someone planning kaala jadu and all the ills of our society will be complete. What’s more shocking is that someone as brilliant an actress as Saba Hamid is acting and directing this incredibly regressive drama. Even if the moral of the story is for the good, the fact that the drama indulges in such barbaric stereotypes is disturbing in itself.

    Brilliantly regressive acting by the incredibly progressive Saba Hamid

    The story revolves around Zaira (Hira Mani), a happy, single daughter belonging to a wealthy family and nikkahed to her cousin Saad (Affan Waheed). Saad’s family, including his widowed mother Zaitoon (Saba Hamid) and sisters live in a house provided by Zaira’s father. Zaira’s father faces some financial issues and asks Zaitoon to vacate the house that belongs to him so he can pay off his debts. Zaitoon is enraged that she now has to return to her small little house (which is not in Defence) and plots revenge. Revenge plotting includes trying to break off Zaira’s marriage to her son, accepting the marriage and hoping that once Zaira is ruksatied her father will give them another house and when that doesn’t happen, plotting and scheming to make Zaira’s life miserable.

    This is how Hira Mani looks in almost every scene of the drama

    Only someone who has as blank an expression as Hira Mani could play the helpless, sad, little Zaira. So helpless that the viewer doesn’t get angry at Zaitoon for treating her daughter-in-law like trash, but more at this Zaira; an educated girl who should be able to stand up for herself but oh ho, her love for her incredibly mediocre husband Saad drives her to cook, clean, be treated like trash by her in laws because she must live with what’s been handed to her and suffer because she loves her husband.

    Cleaning when her cool mother walks in to find her daughter suffering and blubbering

    Woh bhi choro, Saad’s big ghalti is that he divorces Zaira once in a fit of anger and it’s like the worst thing that could happen, right? Wrong. Zaira is perfectly fine with Saad once he gets her imported flowers and they get on with their happy lives.

    Listen up ladies, if you get divorced, Ghalti says these flowers and a card should make it all okay

    People need to be educated that this concept of uttering talaaq once and the process that has to be followed by law is completely different than what is shown in our dramas. Talaaq at three different times, with proper methods to reconcile, are done to protect the woman and the couple and the way they are thrown around in our dramas, especially this one, is irresponsible and criminal.

    Hira Mani looking the same at the moment she is divorced

    What’s worse is the way the word talaaq is treated like a joke and reason to gossip. The defence of this drama would be that aisa tou hota hai and women can relate to their lives being as terrible as Zaira’s but really? Is that what we want people to watch and feel? That this happens to everyone, so it’s perfectly fine if it’s happening to them? Why do we constantly push this terrible narrative of saas bahu dramas to gain ratings?

    Because it gets ratings. The five episodes on YouTube have more than a million views each so we can keep expecting that such dramas will be created and actors like Hira Mani and Affan Waheed and director Saba Hamid will keep doing such roles.

  • Mahira Khan, Humayun Saeed demand the release of Sarmad Khoosat’s ‘Zindagi Tamasha’

    Mahira Khan, Humayun Saeed demand the release of Sarmad Khoosat’s ‘Zindagi Tamasha’

    After Sarmad Khoosat came forward and revealed that “a few troublemakers” were creating hurdles “for their political ends” in the release of his film Zindagi Tamasha, several industry A-listers have stepped forward to support the filmmaker and demanded the government to facilitate the release of the film. Sarmad had also appealed to the Prime Minister, President and Chief Justice of Pakistan to help release his film.

    Read more – Sarmad Khoosat appeals to PM, President to facilitate his film’s release

    Mahira Khan, Humayun Saeed and Ali Zafar were among those who requested the government to facilitate filmmakers and make things easier for them.

    In an open letter addressed to Prime Minister Imran Khan, President Dr Arif Alvi, Chief Justice of Pakistan, Chief of the Army Staff and Minister for Information, Khoosat detailed the problems his film was facing in its release.

    Along with that, he clarified that “As a law-abiding citizen and with full conviction that there is nothing offensive or malicious in the film, in response I submitted the film for another review to the censor board. It was cleared once again with a few cuts to appease the complainants.”

    Meesha Shafi, Mira Sethi and Ali Gul Pir had also extended their support to the film and its team.

    Written by Nirmal Bano and directed by Sarmad Khoosat, Zindagi Tamasha starres Arif Hassan, Samiya Mumtaz, Eman Suleman and Ali Qureshi in the lead. The film is centered around a naat khwan Rahat Khawaja (played by Hassan) and his family who are outcast from the society when a secret of Khawaja’s is leaked.

    The official synopsis states: “The film is an intimate portrait of a family as well as a scorching political commentary on little gods on this earth who police our private passions.”

    The film premiered at the Busan International Film Festival held in October 2019 where it also won the prestigious Kim Ji Seok Award.

  • Shaan’s spy thriller ‘Zarrar’ to finally release this year?

    Shaan’s spy thriller ‘Zarrar’ to finally release this year?

    After teasing us for like forever, Shaan has revealed that his action-thriller Zarrar will finally hit the screens in 2020. According to our research, the film was supposed to hit the screens in 2017 and then August 2019 but kept delaying for one reason or another.

    The film has been written and directed by Shaan, who also plays the lead role in the film. The action-thriller also features Kiran Malik, Nadeem Baig and Adnan Butt among others.

    In an earlier interview, speaking about the film, Shaan has shared that “Zarrar is an action-drama which shows the current circumstances of the country.”

    According to Shaan, Zarrar is based on 90% true events and captures fifth generation warfare and other threats that should be highlighted in mainstream media but are ignored.

    He also added that Zarrar shows a patriotic man who loves his country and wants to eliminate those elements which facilitate terrorists and terrorism in the country.

    “It’s like a Bond Film with a true story. Not a fauji sort like we have been seeing on our screens in past. It’s not like Waar or Yalghar. It’s a new breed of a spy thriller action genre, and we are planning sequels and prequel to the film in the future if things go well,” Shaan had further shared.

    Meanwhile, here’s is a look back at Zarrar’s shoot diaries.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BskhD9plVxR/

    Shaan was last seen in Arth 2, opposite Humaima Malick in 2017.

    While a new release date has not yet been announced, we’re keeping our fingers crossed and hoping it finally sees the light of the day in 2020.

  • PTA files written request with TikTok to remove Hareem Shah’s videos

    PTA files written request with TikTok to remove Hareem Shah’s videos

    Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), in a written complaint, has requested TikTok to remove Hareem Shah and Sundal Khattak’s videos from the app.

    According to reports, the government has requested TikTok to remove videos posted by Shah and Khattak after they received complaints regarding their videos. A PTA spokesperson shared that they have written to TikTok to remove videos posted by the two women, though he denied receiving a request to suspend or delete Shah and Khattak’s accounts.

    The spokesperson explained that PTA wants TikTok to “defuse” the videos.

    Shah and Khattak became popular after they shared videos of themselves with high-profile people, including ministers and politicians, on the app. Those videos were widely shared on other social media apps as well. However, the two were thrust into the public eye after Shah shared a video of herself walking around a conference room at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA). The video sparked a controversy prompting the government to order an inquiry into the matter.

    Read more – Everything you need to know about Tiktok star Hareem Shah

    Other videos of Hareem — featuring Federal Minister for Railways Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed and Punjab Information Minister Fayazul Hasan Chohan — had also gone viral on the internet with the claim that Rasheed had “also sent Hareem inappropriate videos”.

    “What about all those naked videos you used to send me have you forgotten about them?” Hareem can be heard as saying to the federal minister in one of the videos of their telephonic conversation, following which Rasheed abruptly disconnected the call.

    While the videos were removed by Hareem, it wasn’t later that they went viral over the internet, drawing mixed reactions. Amid all the criticism facing the internet star, Hareem on December 31 was reported to have left the country and applied for Canadian citizenship.

  • Ahad Raza Mir has the cutest wish for fiancé Sajal Aly

    Ahad Raza Mir has the cutest wish for fiancé Sajal Aly

    To say that Ahad Raza Mir and Sajal Aly are couple goals is perhaps an understatement. The two are adorable and leave fans swooning every time they come together.

    Sajal is celebrating her 26th birthday today (January 17) and fiance Ahad has the cutest wish for her.

    Sharing a never-seen-before picture, Ahad wrote, “Happy Birthday Sajal. You’re my favorite today, tomorrow and forever.”

    Awww. We’re not crying, you are!

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7a8kKypr3W/

    Earlier in the day, Sajal’s mother-in-law to be and Ahad’s mother also wished her “best friend” with a cute picture and caption.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7ZDPd1BLVN/?utm_source=ig_embed