A lot depends on Pakistan’s film and cinema industry this Eid al-Fitr. The long holiday weekend arrives as audiences increasingly choose OTT platforms over theatres, convinced that their time and money are better spent watching content on services like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video.
Recent local releases such as Neelofar and Item haven’t helped matters either, as both films failed to generate the excitement or box office numbers needed to bring audiences back to cinemas. However, cinema enthusiasts believe that if even two of the three films releasing this Eid manage to impress viewers, it could give Pakistan’s ever-struggling film industry a much-needed boost.
Traditionally, some of the biggest local releases are reserved for the festive season. Yet unlike the more lucrative Eid-ul-Azha window, Eid-ul-Fitr presents its own challenges. Arriving immediately after the holy month of Ramazan, the festival leaves filmmakers with limited time for promotions and marketing campaigns. Moreover, with Eid-ul-Azha just over two months away, films released on Eid-ul-Fitr often struggle to sustain momentum at the box office unless they are grand spectacles capable of capturing public imagination—like the blockbuster Ghabrana Nahi Hai.
This year, three films—Aag Lagay Basti Main, Bullah, and Delhi Gate—are hoping to do just that. Each targets a distinct audience and belongs to a different genre, offering cinema-goers a varied menu of films. The question remains: will this mix of star-driven spectacle, action-packed storytelling, and romantic drama succeed in bringing audiences back to theatres?
From a chaotic crime comedy set in Karachi to a Punjabi action drama and a romance rooted in Lahore’s historic Walled City, viewers will have plenty of choices this Eid. Here’s a closer look at the contenders.
Aag Lagay Basti Main (Urdu)
Producer: Big Bang Entertainment, ARY Films, Salman Iqbal Films
Director: Bilal Atif Khan
Cast: Fahad Mustafa, Mahira Khan, Javed Sheikh, Tabish Hashmi
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Action
Synopsis: Set against the colourful and unpredictable backdrop of Karachi—much like its inspiration Na Maloom Afraad—Aag Lagay Basti Main follows a married couple struggling to make ends meet. Desperate to improve their financial circumstances, they turn to crime, only to find themselves caught in a chain of chaos and unintended consequences.
Analysis: Aag Lagay Basti Main brings together two of Pakistan’s most popular stars—Fahad Mustafa and Mahira Khan—who reunite on the big screen after their successful outing in Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad. While Fahad played a police officer in their previous collaboration, the duo now finds themselves on the wrong side of the law.
Mahira stepping into such a role adds an interesting dynamic, while Fahad is no stranger to comedic crime narratives. After all, he played one of the central characters in Na Maloom Afraad, the Nabeel Qureshi-directed film widely credited with kickstarting the revival of Pakistani cinema in the mid-2010s.
Thanks to his blockbuster dramas and gameshow Jeeto Pakistan, Fahad’s fan following extends beyond Pakistan to overseas audiences as well, and when combined with Mahira Khan’s star power, the pairing could prove to be a strong draw at the box office.
The trailer not only hints at their chemistry but also highlights the film’s attempt to incorporate social media influencers into meaningful roles. With personalities such as Ali Abdullah, Samra Shehzadi, and Osama Bin Atiq appearing in supporting parts—and comedian Tabish Hashmi making his film debut as the antagonist—the film has generated curiosity among audiences.
The Hasna Mana Hai host may not have previously acted in TV dramas or films, but that unpredictability could work in his favor. Audiences know his sharp wit and comic timing from talk shows, yet it remains to be seen how he will translate that persona onto the big screen.
Add to this the energetic presence of veteran actor Javed Sheikh as a gangster, and the film appears to offer a lively blend of crime and comedy aimed squarely at mainstream audiences. The challenge, however, lies in expanding beyond Karachi’s urban audience. For the film to achieve real commercial success, it will need to penetrate the cinema-heavy Punjab circuit as well.
Much will depend on debut director Bilal Atif Khan, who has previously assisted filmmaker Nabeel Qureshi. If he has absorbed even a fraction of his mentor’s knack for fast-paced storytelling, socially relevant undertones, and relatable humor, Aag Lagay Basti Main could emerge as one of the stronger Eid offerings.
Bullah (Punjabi)
Producer: Shakeel Khan
Director: Shoaib Khan
Cast: Shaan Shahid, Sara Loren, Saleem Sheikh, Naeema Butt, Adnan Butt, Ali Josh
Genre: Action, Romance
Synopsis: The story centres on Bullah, a man who rises up against oppression and injustice in modern-day Punjab. As he confronts powerful adversaries, his journey intertwines with themes of faith, identity, and resistance.
Analysis: Bullah marks the return of Shaan Shahid to Punjabi cinema in a full-fledged action role after a long time. Written by veteran screenwriter Nasir Adeeb and directed by Shoaib Khan, the film aims to carry forward the legacy of modern Punjabi action cinema established by the blockbuster The Legend of Maula Jatt.
From the trailer, Bullah appears to echo the spirit of classic Punjabi action films popularised by the late Sultan Rahi in the 1980s and 1990s. Yet the filmmakers seem determined to give the traditional revenge narrative a modern twist. Director Shoaib Khan has reportedly infused the story with stylistic elements reminiscent of the John Wick franchise, in which a determined individual takes on a powerful system.
In this case, Shaan Shahid plays that lone avenger, standing up for justice and confronting the forces of oppression. Seeing him in an action role is nothing new; he has built much of his career on the genre. What makes Bullah intriguing is that he appears under another director’s vision rather than his own. Having spent over three decades in the industry, Shaan remains remarkably youthful and continues to command a strong screen presence. If the film succeeds, it could not only rejuvenate Shaan’s acting career but also strengthen the market for Punjabi-language cinema in Pakistan.
Of course, there are concerns about whether the film will perform equally well across all regions, particularly in Karachi, where Punjabi films have historically faced challenges. Yet similar doubts surrounded The Legend of Maula Jatt, which went on to become a record-breaking success both domestically and internationally.
Another highlight of Bullah is its cast of antagonists. The film reunites Shaan Shahid with fellow 1990s star Saleem Sheikh after decades, while actors such as Naeema Butt, Adnan Butt, and Ali Josh appear to have substantial villainous roles. Meanwhile, Sara Loren plays the leading lady, bringing both grace and charisma to the screen—qualities that have sometimes been missing from contemporary Pakistani films.
Delhi Gate (Urdu)
Producer: Sky Films
Director: Nadeem Cheema
Cast: Yasir Khan (YSK), Suzain Fatima, Shamoon Abbasi, Javed Sheikh, Shafqat Cheema
Genre: Action, Romance
Synopsis: Set in Lahore’s historic Walled City, Delhi Gate follows a young man who finds himself confronting a powerful criminal figure while trying to protect the woman he loves. The story unfolds amid the vibrant culture and traditions of old Lahore.
Analysis: Director Nadeem Cheema is known for blending romance with action, and Delhi Gate follows that familiar template. What sets his films apart is his love for Lahore, which he often treats as a character in its own right.
In Delhi Gate, the city’s historic Walled City, the nostalgic backdrop evokes the 1990s, when cinema in Pakistan frequently relied on dramatic storytelling and emotionally charged narratives. Through newcomers Yasir Khan and Suzain Fatima, Cheema attempts to recreate a classic love story that gradually spirals into conflict and danger.
At first glance, Delhi Gate may seem the weakest of the three Eid releases. Yet it would be unwise to underestimate Nadeem Cheema’s experience. While his films may not always dominate the box office, he has consistently demonstrated an ability to craft engaging narratives that keep audiences invested until the final act. His previous film Dorr lacked a major star cast but still stood out as an Eid release simply because it looked and felt like a proper cinematic production.
Delhi Gate also boasts an impressive supporting cast, including Shamoon Abbasi, Javed Sheikh, Shafqat Cheema, Rashid Mehmood, and Roma Michael. The film also features appearances by late actors Qavi Khan and Khalid Butt, adding an emotional layer for longtime fans of Pakistani cinema.
While the storyline may seem like a conventional hero-versus-villain narrative, Cheema’s storytelling style often delivers unexpected twists. For viewers who still enjoy classic Lollywood-style filmmaking—complete with dramatic confrontations, powerful dialogue, and scenic shots of Lahore—Delhi Gate could prove to be an appealing choice this Eid.
Whether audiences prefer crime comedy, high-octane action, or classic romance, one thing is certain: the box office battle this Eid will be closely watched—not just by filmmakers and exhibitors, but by anyone hoping to see Pakistani cinema thrive once again.
All facts and information are the sole responsibility of the writer
Omair Alavi is a freelance contributor who writes about film, television, and popular culture
