Latest news with #Deemak
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Faysal defends Fawad, Hania
Faysal Quraishi, currently promoting his upcoming film Deemak, recently addressed the backlash that fellow actors Fawad Khan and Hania Aamir have faced in recent weeks. In a candid interview with journalist Ambreen Fatima at a promotional event for the film held on last week, Quraishi expressed his disapproval of the way fans and critics have attacked the two stars, urging the public to avoid vilifying their own artists. "Who chose to speak, who didn't, and who delayed speaking out against India ... We shouldn't bash our own people. That's not our job," said Faysal, referring to the online scrutiny Pakistani celebrities have faced regarding their responses, or lack thereof, on the recent political tensions between Pakistan and India. He emphasised that calls for unity should also extend to public behaviour online. "We talk about unity, so why should I expect others to speak? I will do my part," he said. Using Fawad and Hania as examples, Faysal pointed out that while fans may have expected a faster or louder reaction from them, attacking them publicly was unnecessary and potentially harmful. "Okay, let's talk about Fawad Khan and Hania Aamir - why are people going after them? I didn't like the bashing they received," he said. Acknowledging the criticism Fawad received for not immediately speaking up, Faysal offered a more empathetic perspective. "Yes, we admit that Fawad tweeted (for Pahalgam) and he wasn't vocal otherwise but he tried to save his film (Abir Gulaal), a project he worked on for six months," he explained. "After whatever happened, he did speak out." Fawad had remained relatively silent during the initial wave of protests and statements in support of Kashmir and Palestine, prompting criticism from fans who expected him to take a firmer public stand. However, Faysal urged people to consider the pressures artists face, especially when involved in international projects. "Hania tweeted and Mahira has been vocal from day one," Quraishi added, noting that Mahira Khan's stance was appreciated by many. "But still, it wasn't appropriate to attack Fawad and Hania." He further suggested that Fawad's silence might not have come from indifference, but from fear of damaging a career milestone. "Fawad just tried to protect his film. Maybe he realised later that he was wrong," Faysal said. "Nowadays, people get angry and lash out at artists which puts them in danger." Learning from the past In a pointed reminder of how public outrage can escalate dangerously, Faysal recalled a past incident involving late singer Junaid Jamshed. "The same thing once happened to Junaid Jamshed. People spread hate about him, and he was physically attacked," he reminded viewers. "Is this what people want?" Commenting on how fellow host Nadia Khan had been vocal about her stance, he added that he had cautioned her from the beginning. "Nadia is a very good friend of mine, and I had personally warned her that it wasn't our concern and we shouldn't do this," he noted. Throughout the interview, the actor maintained that while everyone has the right to speak, or not to, public dialogue should not come at the cost of safety or compassion. "Let's not destroy our own people. Let's understand. Everyone has a reason, everyone has pressure," he said. Set to hit cinemas this Eidul Azha, Deemak offers a chilling departure from the season's typical romantic releases. Directed by Rafay Rashdi and written by debut screenwriter Ayesha Muzaffar, the film blends psychological horror with haunting family drama. The trailer hints at a tense power struggle between Faysal's character, his new wife (Sonya Hussyn), and his domineering mother (Samina Peerzada), layered with elements of possession and dark magic. Through this promotional event held in Lahore, fans got a sneak peek of the cast's onscreen personas, and the buzz has only grown louder since. While the lead trio commands attention, the supporting cast is no less impressive, featuring Bushra Ansari, Javed Sheikh, and Saman Ansari in intriguing roles shrouded in secrecy. With Deemak competing against the star-studded rom-com Love Guru, audiences this Eid will have two wildly different cinematic experiences to choose from: fluff and frights, laughter and lore.
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Hussaiyn behind the camera
At a recent promotional event for the upcoming horror film Deemak held in Lahore, actor Sonya Hussaiyn surprised fans and industry insiders alike by announcing a significant shift in her career trajectory. The celebrated star revealed that she is increasingly moving away from acting to focus on film production and, potentially, direction. "I've gotten into production now," Hussaiyn shared during a media interaction at the event. A video clip of her statement, posted on Tuesday, has since gone viral across social media platforms. "I'm in the directorial team of Shaan, which is a very emotional film," she added. Hussaiyn also disclosed that she's producing another film in the action genre. "I want to do a lot of production and create films that have substance," she said, indicating a desire not just to participate in storytelling but to shape it from the ground up. With this shift comes a noticeable change in how often fans can expect to see her on screen. "I'm probably going to be onscreen a lot less," Hussaiyn stated. However, audiences can still look forward to her lead role in Deemak, the horror-family drama directed by Rafay Rashdi. Speaking about the film, which is slated for release this Eidul Azha, Hussaiyn expressed enthusiasm for both the script and the cast. "Having our industry's biggest stars in the film, like Javed Sheikh, Bushra Ansari, Samina Peerzada, and Faysal Quraishi, encouraged me to sign this film," she said. "If they're in it, to me, it means that the story has substance." Hussaiyn also discussed the challenge of portraying a character under supernatural possession while maintaining a clear distinction from mental illness. "There's a difference between having a mental illness and being possessed that I had to get across to my audience," she explained. One particular scene left a lasting impression on everyone involved. "There is a scene in the film where I am having fits as a jinn possesses me," she recalled. "When I filmed that scene, there was pin-drop silence on set." The crew's reaction confirmed the scene's eerie impact. "I guess even everyone on set was slightly unsettled by it," she added. This turn toward more meaningful storytelling aligns with Hussaiyn's growing interest in production. Last November, she produced her first film, Babli/Babar, a bold project directed by Kamran Faiq and written by Qurbe Abbas.
Express Tribune
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Bollywood dances to war drums
As the divide between Pakistan and India grows irretrievably deeper with the escalating violence in the name of so-called Operation Sindoor, two things have become impossible to ignore. The first is the jingoistic rhetoric spewed by Bollywood celebrities on social media. And the second is the outrage of Pakistani A-listers at this flagrant call to violence in the guise of patriotism. What Bollywood says In the wake of the Indian military attacks that have resulted in the deaths of 31 Pakistani civilians, including a child, Indian stars have made no secret of where they stand. Ajay Devgn, Kajol, Varun Dhawan, Suniel Shetty, Sidharth Malhotra, Kanagana Ranaut, and Adnan Sami, lauded the actions of their armed forces on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), signing off messages with "Zero tolerance for terrorism" or the ever popular "Jai Hind". "Operation Sindoor's success reflects the commitment of our armed forces to protect the nation," posted Sidharth on X. "We show zero tolerance for terrorism. Jai Hind ki Sena!" Meanwhile, keeping her message shorter, Kajol wrote, "Respect and gratitude to our armed forces. Jai Hind." Her husband, Ajay, expressed similar enthusiasm, writing, "Saluting our honourable prime minister and our Indian armed forces. India stands tall and strong. Jai Hind!" This latest congratulatory display of Bollywood fanning the flames of violence forms a diametric contrast to the grief and condolences displayed by Pakistani celebrities in the immediate aftermath of the Pahalgam attacks that formed the prelude to India's deadly military action across the border. 'No one celebrated Pahalgam' Forming a scathing response to their Indian counterparts, Pakistani stars Urwa Hocane, Faysal Quraishi, Hina Altaf and Hasan Raheem took to their respective Instagram handles to clap back at the one-sided nationalistic pride of the Bollywood community. "Literally no one in Pakistan celebrated Pahalgam even though we were wrongly accused for it! And then they are celebrating killing our innocent children and women! Cowards of the highest form!" penned a furious Urwa, pointing to the clear difference in social media presence of stars on both sides of the border. Urging her followers to do whatever they could in their own capacity to boycott Bollywood stars, Urwa continued in Urdu, "To hell with these Indian actors! I don't know what they have done that you are dying to follow them. It's a dead industry now." Signing off on a rousing note, Urwa finished: "Stop watching their sh** films that never existed without a small part [of] maligning Muslims or Pakistanis!" Faysal's reminder about freedom Echoing similar sentiments, actor and host Faysal Quraishi posted a video on his Instagram handle condemning Indian stars for condoning violence and urging his Pakistani followers to exercise caution in whom they support. "All these actors from Hindustan - wow. Well done," began the Deemak star, his voice laced with sarcasm and bitter disappointment. "You all tweeted the same things congratulating your county on their attack. You thought they were doing such a brilliant job ending terrorists." Making allowances for the Bollywood community succumbing to nationalist expectations, Faysal sardonically continued, "I understand. Maybe there is pressure. Maybe they have to say whatever they are being told." Stressing the human cost of war and reminding viewers that the incident at Pahalgam remains shrouded in mystery, the actor added, "But you should find some humanity in yourself before putting them out there for the world to see. A child has died. Whatever happened in Pahalgam has not been established. We do not know who is behind it, and we never will." Paying homage to the betrayal felt by Pakistani civilians who, until now, have supported the Bollywood industry without basing their decision on politics, Faysal noted, "But what you did, we saw it. The world saw it. Children have died. Civilians have died. It is desperately sad. For Muslims, embracing martyrdom is the ultimate reward. But at the end of the day, an innocent child died - and you all are celebrating? It hurt me deeply to see these tweets." Faysal also alluded to the silver lining of Pakistani stars having the freedom to be themselves on social media without being silenced by a government. "We are so free in this country that whatever we want, we say," he noted. "What we do not want, we do not say. No one tells us what to do or say. Whatever we say and do, it comes from our hearts. Pakistanis, wake up. These people that you follow and are crazy about - look at them now. Look at their tweets. And you are still following them? Freedom is a very valuable thing. Remember that." Dichotomy in responses Singer-songwriter Hassan Raheem, too, unconsciously echoed what Urwa and Faysal had taken pains to illustrate: that unlike Indian celebrities endorsing military strikes, Pakistani stars had unanimously condemned the deaths in Pahalgam. "All due respect to my Indian fam, and especially my Pakistani side, I just want to clarify that the problem is not whether or not Pakistan was behind the Pahalgam," began the YOU singer. "We have asked for proof, but we have not received any. But this is not something you or I can get to the bottom of anyway. We cannot find out from our homes. These things are beyond us." Reminding viewers of the clear dichotomy between Indian celebrations and Pakistani empathy, Hasan further addressed his Indian fans, "The problem is that a child died in the middle of the night and civilians died, and I saw your response and your happiness. When the Pahalgam attack happened, everyone in Pakistan condemned it and said it was a terrorist attack, and also denied responsibility for it. We just can't do it. You think we don't have enough atrocities in our own country? That is the problem here." Taking to her Instagram Stories, actor and host Hina Altaf joined the outrage. Posting a screenshot of inflammatory, congratulatory posts by Bollywood stars, the Mehroom actor began, "Pakistan condemns the loss of innocent lives both in our homeland and yours. But it's heartbreaking to see joy and celebration over the pain we're going through." Addressing her fans and followers, Hina urged a widespread boycott of anyone supporting violence, even inadvertently. "All I ask is that we unfollow, unsubscribe, and step back from them and those who choose to live in this county but stay silent when it comes to our soil," she implored. "While some voices across the border promote war, we continue to speak of peace and friendship. But all this can't be one-sided. We don't need to connect with those who can't stand for what's right even in times of grief."
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Pakistani Horror Film ‘Deemak' Set to Haunt Theaters, Trailer Unveiled (EXCLUSIVE)
Pakistani cinema is poised to embrace the horror genre again with 'Deemak' (meaning 'Termite'), a psychological supernatural thriller. The film represents a significant push to elevate local cinema with high production values and compelling storytelling. Directed by Rafay Rashdi ('Badshah Begum,' 'The Java Plum Tree') and written by Ayesha Muzaffar (author of 'Abus Jinns' and 'Jinnistan'), 'Deemak' explores the volatile relationship between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law against a backdrop of escalating paranormal disturbances in a family home. The film is produced under Wah Wah Productions with Syed Murad Ali serving as executive producer. More from Variety 'The Monkey' Trailer: Theo James Faces Deadly Primate in Stephen King Adaptation From 'Longlegs' Director Pakistan Style 'Pride and Prejudice' Film Is English-Language Adaptation of 'Unmarriageable' Bestseller (EXCLUSIVE) 'Terrifier 3' Trailer: Art the Clown Goes on Christmas Murder Spree The film assembles a cast of Pakistani talent including Faysal Quraishi ('Money Back Guarantee'), Sonya Hussyn ('Tich Button'), Samina Peerzada ('Balaa'), Javed Sheikh ('Chand Nagar') and Bushra Ansari ('Tere Bin'). Distribution will be handled by Mandviwalla Entertainment with media partnership from Geo Films. 'Deemak' follows a family whose home becomes the site of increasingly disturbing supernatural phenomena. As paranormal activity intensifies, a psychological battle unfolds between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, with the son caught between the two women he loves most. The synopsis describes a narrative where 'the once-familiar space becomes a maze of dread, where the line between the living and the otherworldly blurs with each passing night.' The filmmakers note the story is inspired by true events. The production aims to blend cultural folklore surrounding Jinns (supernatural beings in Islamic tradition) with psychological horror elements, creating what the team hopes will be a uniquely Pakistani contribution to the genre. Executive producer Ali brings his lifelong passion for horror to the project. 'I've always had a deep fascination with the horror genre — I've watched countless horror films growing up, and the idea of creating one myself has been with me for years,' Ali said. Ali sees the film as more than just entertainment: 'Our film industry has so much untapped talent, but what it needs is support, investment, and high-quality storytelling. I believe 'Deemak' represents exactly that.' Director Rashdi describes the project as the culmination of a long-held ambition. 'I've always been an avid fan of the horror genre. I had attempted a few experimental horror shorts during my early years and had long envisioned working on a horror/supernatural feature,' Rashdi explained. The director revealed that the concept evolved from an earlier project titled 'Yaqeen' ('Belief') that he had announced approximately six years ago. The collaboration with writer Ayesha Muzaffar allowed him to explore the dynamics of family relationships through a supernatural lens. 'We decided to add the emotional anchor of a son caught between the two women, who is also a husband trying to keep peace in a Pakistani household. This layered human drama, when fused with a paranormal twist, opened up exciting possibilities,' Rashdi said. Pakistan's horror cinema has seen sporadic but significant milestones, beginning with the cult classic 'Zinda Laash' (1967), widely regarded as the country's first horror feature and a South Asian take on Dracula. After decades of low-budget productions and TV serials, the genre experienced a modern revival with 'Zibahkhana' (2007), an English-Urdu zombie slasher that became Pakistan's first horror film to screen at several international festivals. This paved the way for titles like 'Maya' (2015) and 'Aksbandh' (2016), both of which explored supernatural horror with local folklore elements. More recently, 'In Flames' (2023), a psychological horror debuting at Cannes' Directors' Fortnight, signaled a shift toward arthouse sensibilities. Though still niche and operating under conservative content constraints, Pakistan's horror genre continues to find footing through hybrid narratives, festival exposure, and indie experimentation. 'Deemak' is due for nationwide release across Pakistan on Eid ul Adha (June 6). Watch the trailer here: Best of Variety What's Coming to Disney+ in April 2025 New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week The Best Celebrity Memoirs to Read This Year: From Chelsea Handler to Anthony Hopkins
