Wakhri (film)

Last updated
Wakhri
Directed by Iram Parveen Bilal
Produced by
  • Abid Aziz Merchant [1]
  • Apoorva Bakshi
  • Iram Parveen Bilal
Starring
Edited by Aarti Bajaj
Music by Abdullah Siddiqui
Distributed byMandiviwala Entertainment
Release date
  • 5 January 2024 (2024-01-05)
CountryPakistan
LanguageUrdu

Wakhri is a Pakistani film directed by Iram Parveen Bilal who co-produced it as well, and starring Faryal Mehmood in her debut film lead as a widowed school teacher who gets viral on social media. The film is inspired by the late social media celebrity Qandeel Baloch, who was murdered in 2016. [1] The film had its world premiere in Red Sea International Film Festival in December 2023. It was later theatrically released on 5 January 2024 nationwide.

Contents

Cast

Production

In December 2022, it reported that Pakistani-USA director Iram Parveen Bilal has wrapped the principal photography of her upcoming film which is inspired by Qandeel Baloch. [3] Faryal Mehmood was selected to portray the title character who was finalised after giving an audition and it took over two months to confirm her. [4] While talking about her casting, Bilal stated about her social media trolling, which is also severely faced by the protagonist in the film. [5] [6] Mehmood dedicates the film to her ex-husband Daniyal Raheal. [7] The film was edited by Aarti Bajaj and the production was designed by Kanwal Khoosat. [4]

The film's trailer was released on 7 November 2023. [1] The film was debuted on Red Sea International Film Festival in December 2023. [2] On 4 December 2023, the film was cleared by Central Board of Film Censors for a nationwide release. [8] The film was distributed by Mandiviwalla Entertainment, and released on 5 January 2024 in Pakistan. [7]

Reception

Critical reception

In a review by Trending In Social, [9] Bilal's directorial brilliance was praised by the author who wrote, "Credit for the film’s success also goes to director Iram Parveen Bilal, who skillfully navigates the blend of masala-style and art-house elements. Bilal’s direction brings out the activist streak in the second half, adding layers to the narrative and elevating the film beyond conventional storytelling."

Sara Danial of Dawn Images heavily praised the Mehmood's performance and wrote, "Mehmood’s portrayal of Noor is nothing short of brilliance, seamlessly encapsulating the nuances of her character, resonating with authenticity and depth." [10]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 Naman Ramachandran (November 6, 2023). "'Wakhri': Red Sea Film Inspired by Slain Pakistan Social Media Star Unveils First Trailer (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Wakhri premieres at Red Sea International Film Festival 2023". The News International. December 10, 2023.
  3. ↑ "Iram Parveen Bilal Wraps Pakistan Shoot on Social Media Themed Film 'One of a Kind' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. December 5, 2022. Retrieved January 6, 2024.
  4. 1 2 Rida Lodhi (January 3, 2024). "Gave it all for 'Wakhri': Faryal Mehmood says film is a tribute to Qandeel Baloch". The Express Tribune.
  5. ↑ "No one could have played this better than Faryal Mehmood: Iram Parveen talks 'Wakhri' casting". The Express Tribune. 8 December 2023.
  6. ↑ Liz Shackleton (December 3, 2023). "'One Of A Kind' Director Iram Parveen Bilal & Actor Gulshan Majeed On Current Pakistan Wave & How Qandeel Baloch Inspired Their Film – Red Sea Studio".
  7. 1 2 "My ex-husband is my lucky charm, says Faryal Mehmood, dedicates 'Wakhri' to Daniyal Raheal". The Express Tribune. January 4, 2024.
  8. ↑ Nick Holdsworth (December 4, 2023). "'Wakhri,' Inspired by 'Brave Spirits' Like Murdered Social Media Star Qandeel Baloch, Cleared by Censors for Release in Pakistan". Variety.
  9. ↑ Fahad. "Wakhri: A Riveting Blend of Boldness and Brilliance". Trendinginsocial.com: Latest Entertainment, Fashion, Technology, Business, Travel & Sports News. Retrieved 2024-01-30.
  10. ↑ Sara Danial (January 6, 2023). "Review: Wakhri is a bold tale of courage, struggle and societal rebellion". Dawn Images. Retrieved January 6, 2023.
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