The Martial Artist' to hit North America, UK theatres on April 4

Express Tribune

24-03-2025

After being postponed due to the LA wildfires, Shaz Khan's The Martial Artist has finally locked a global release date. As per Variety, the film is set to hit theatres in North America and the UK on April 4, just after Eid.
Meanwhile, the film is slated for a March 30 release in Pakistan and May 8 in the MENA region, with other global dates yet to be confirmed.
Starring Shaz, Faran Tahir, and Sanam Saeed, the film follows the journey of a Pakistani-American MMA fighter who reconnects with his roots in order to defeat the obstacles weighing him down in his career.
"MMA provided a compelling lens to explore these themes, especially given its global popularity yet relative absence in cinema," Shaz told Variety. "Beyond the familiar hero's journey of self-discovery and redemption, I saw an opportunity to weave in cultural reclamation and Eastern philosophy through the mentor archetype."
Having directed and co-written the script with Michael Ross Albert, the Parwaaz Hai Junoon actor added that the film wishes to highlight that true mastery doesn't come from physical prowess but through self-exploration, be it in fighting or life in general.
"This film is about more than MMA - it's about what happens when we strip everything away and confront who we really are," he said. "It's about honouring the past while forging a new path. It's about redemption, not through victory alone, but through understanding what truly matters."
Shaz announced the film's postponement in January on Instagram. "Due to the tragic fires in Los Angeles and the circumstances surrounding them, The Martial Artist's release date is going to be pushed forward. We will share the new release date when it is locked. Thoughts and prayers to all those who are affected in these trying times," he wrote.
The Moor actor added that he had attached a link to his bio that would redirect his followers to a Go Fund Me campaign for his friend Vince's family. "They suffered an unimaginable loss, losing their entire home and car in the fires. Vince and I have been friends since my Actors Studio days in New York. He was also instrumental in helping us with the edit of The Martial Artist."
He expressed his gratitude to fans for their support towards him and the project. "Thank you all for your understanding and support for the past few months," he concluded.