Latest news with #KarimAbdelAziz
Daily News Egypt
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily News Egypt
Eid al-Adha 2025: Big stars return—between blockbuster buzz, fears of formula fatigue
Egyptian cinemas are gearing up for one of their strongest Eid al-Adha seasons in recent years, as major stars make a high-profile return to the big screen. This comes in contrast to the more experimental Eid al-Fitr season earlier in 2025, which leaned heavily on new faces and youthful risks. The films officially hit theaters on 6 June, coinciding with the first day of Eid al-Adha. While diverse in genre and storylines, this year's lineup shares two key traits: hefty production budgets and a deep reliance on familiar A-list names. Amid the buzz, however, critics and audiences alike are asking: can these films break free from the repetitive moulds of past seasons and genuinely refresh the language of popular Egyptian cinema? Spotlight on the New Releases Al Mashroa X: Karim Abdel Aziz's Pharaonic Return Leading the charge is 'Al Mashroa X,' Karim Abdel Aziz's long-awaited comeback in a visually ambitious historical thriller. Playing Egyptologist Youssef El Gamal, he embarks on a mysterious journey through Giza's tombs and the Egyptian Museum to unravel secrets behind the Great Pyramid's construction. Directed by Peter Mimi and enhanced by IMAX visuals, the film aims to blend historical intrigue with blockbuster spectacle. The cast includes Engy Al-Moqaddem, Mahmoud El Bezaawy, and Nidal El Shafie. Ahmed w Ahmed: Comedy in Double Trouble Ahmed El Sakka and Ahmed Fahmy team up for the buddy comedy 'Ahmed w Ahmed,' where mistaken identities between uncle and nephew spark a series of chaotic, action-filled encounters with a criminal gang. Directed by Ahmed Nader Galal and written by Ahmed Darwish and Mohamed Abdallah, the film also stars Hana El Zahed, Engy Al-Moqaddem, Mohamed Gomaa, and Mostafa Gharib. Restart: Tamer Hosny Reboots Romance Tamer Hosny returns with 'Restart,' a romantic comedy about a man trying to reboot his love life after repeated failures. It's classic Hosny fare—emotional yet breezy. Directed by Sarah Wafik and written by Ayman Bahgat Kamar, the film co-stars Hana El Zahed, Basem Samra, Engy Ali, and Mai Kassab. Asad: Mohamed Ramadan's Mamluk Rebellion Breaking from his modern tough-guy persona, Mohamed Ramadan stars in 'Asad,' a historical epic set in the Mamluk era. Playing Abdul Thaer, he leads a popular uprising against the ruling elite. Written and directed by Mohamed Diab, the cast includes Majed El Kedwany, Razan Gamal, and Ali Kassem. The film promises a socially resonant historical vision. Darwish: Amr Youssef's High-Stakes Hustle In 'Darwish,' Amr Youssef plays a slick conman whose carefully constructed scam unravels when ghosts from his past resurface. The film blends psychological drama with dark comedy. Directed by Walid El Halfawy and written by Wissam Sabry, the film features Dina El Sherbiny, Tara Emad, and Asmaa Abu El Yazeed. Ferket El Moot: Action with Ezz and Yassin Action fans get their fix in 'Ferket El Moot,' starring Ahmed Ezz and Asser Yassin as elite operatives tackling a major national security threat. Directed by Ahmed Alla and written by Salah El Gahiny, the film co-stars Menna Shalaby, Mahmoud Hemida, and Mohamed El Sharnouby. The dynamic between Ezz and Yassin anchors this high-octane thriller. El Shater: Karara's Tale of Revenge 'El Shater' sees Amir Karara playing a man from Cairo's working-class neighbourhoods, seeking revenge on those who wrecked his life. A gritty story of redemption and retribution. Directed by Ahmed El Gendy and written by Mohamed Abdel Muti, the film also stars Mohamed Abdel Rahman (Tota), Asmaa Galal, and Bayoumi Fouad. Rocky El-Ghalaba: Donia Samir Ghanem Steps into the Ring Donia Samir Ghanem returns in Rocky El-Ghalaba, a story of an underdog female boxer fighting against social and economic odds to reach the top. Written by Sherif Naguib and directed by Khaled El Halfawy, the cast includes Mohamed Mamdouh, Bayoumi Fouad, and Mohamed Tharwat. The film balances humour with powerful social commentary. Zawget Ragl Msh Mohem: Yasmin Abdulaziz Finds Her Voice In 'Zawget Ragl Msh Mohem,' Yasmin Abdulaziz stars as a woman discovering her husband's betrayal and reclaiming her identity. The film explores feminist themes in a modern, emotional context. Written by Sherine Diab and directed by Sameh Abdel Aziz, it features Ahmed Salah Hosny, Salwa Khattab, and Ahmed Malik. El Gawahergy: Henedy and Mona Zaki Reunite Comedy veterans Mohamed Henedy and Mona Zaki reunite in 'El Gawahergy,' a nostalgic marital comedy full of misunderstandings and comic twists. Directed by Islam Khairy, the film also stars Lebleba, Ahmed Halawa, Tara Emad, and Reem Mostafa. From Eid al-Fitr to Eid al-Adha: A Seasonal Shift While Eid al-Fitr 2025 celebrated youthful experimentation—seen in titles like 'Siko Siko' with Karim Mahmoud Abdel Aziz, Wegz, and Mohamed Taher—Eid al-Adha doubles down on star power. It's a season shaped by high production values, tried-and-true formulas, and a push to reignite mass appeal. Yet with this return to familiar faces comes a familiar concern: repetition. Will these films deliver fresh narratives and cinematic innovation, or simply repackage past successes under glossier packaging? What's at Stake for Egyptian Cinema? The Eid al-Adha season marks a pivotal moment for Egyptian cinema. Can it harness the drawing power of its stars to meaningfully evolve its storytelling? Or will it retreat into formulaic safety nets that prioritize names over nuance? The audience, as always, will cast the final vote at the box office. But the deeper question remains: is the industry's revival found in glittering casts, or in the courage to write new stories, take creative risks, and invest in fresh cinematic voices?
The National
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The National
Eid Al Adha 2025: The biggest movies coming to Middle East cinemas
With Eid Al Adha approaching, anticipation is growing for the films set to be released during the holiday. This year, Eid Al Adha is expected to fall on June 6. While many of the summer's biggest blockbusters will be released later in June and July, there's a nice selection of films coming out this Eid for fans of action and horror. Here are the major releases coming to cinemas in the UAE for Eid Al Adha 2025. The John Wick films have grown in popularity with each instalment. As a result, the Keanu Reeves-fronted film series about a skilled assassin has now spawned a cinematic universe. The first spin-off from the series was a television show titled The Continental: From the World of John Wick, which was released in 2023. The second spin-off is a film titled Ballerina, starring Ana De Armas. Reeves also appears in the film, but the focus is expected to be on De Armas and her character's journey. Ballerina is directed by Len Wiseman, who previously directed Underworld. The film also stars Ian McShane, Anjelica Huston and Gabriel Byrne. Karim Abdel Aziz stars in Project X, an Egyptian action film directed by medical doctor-turned-filmmaker, Peter Mimi. The film follows a police officer fighting an antiquity smuggling gang in Europe. Mimi previously directed Abdel Aziz in the 2024 Ramadan series The Assassins. Project X also features other talented Egyptian actors, including Essam El Sakka, Mariam El Gendy, Eyad Nassar and Yasmine Sabri. Mani Ratnam, considered one of the greatest living directors in India, directs the South Indian film Thug Life. The film stars Kamal Haasan, Pankaj Tripathi, Trisha Krishnan and Sanya Malhotra. Ratnam, who previously directed the popular Shah Rukh Khan film Dil Se.. in 1998, is known for his profound storytelling and socially relevant themes. Haasan and Ratnam reunite for the first time since their last collaboration in 1987's Nayakan. Ratnam collaborator A R Rahman also returns to score the film write the songs. The Bitter Taste, directed by Guido Tolke, is a horror-action film that follows a retired pentathlete who is captured by the undead Countess Badesky and her cursed followers. The pentathlete must revive her athletic skills to survive a deadly hunt. The film pays homage to 1980s horror and adventure classics, drawing inspiration from The Evil Dead, The Thing and From Dusk Till Dawn. The Bitter Taste stars Julia Dordel, Nicolo Pasetti, Anne Alexander-Sieder and John Keogh. Survival horror film Dangerous Animals, directed by Australian filmmaker Sean Byrne, debuted at the Cannes Film Festival's Directors' Fortnight on May 17. The film, which stars Hassie Harrison, Jai Courtney and Josh Heuston, follows a surfer with a troubled past who is abducted by a shark-obsessed serial killer, who films his victims being fed to sharks. Directed by Sophie Osbourne, The Monster Beneath Us is a Gothic horror film set in 1898 Yorkshire, England. The story follows a grieving widow, who returns to her late husband's ancestral home, Doloridge Manor, with her young son. As they settle into the eerie mansion, the son discovers a mysterious creature lurking in the basement, forming an unsettling bond with it. The mother, unaware of the creature's presence, begins to experience strange occurrences that heighten her anxiety and fear. The Monster Beneath Us stars Becca Hirani, Marshall Hawkes, Nicola Wright and Jennifer Lim.
CairoScene
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
‘Project X' is Screening Across Seven Governorates With EGP 40 Tickets
Karim Abdel Aziz's new film will show across Egypt as part of the Ministry of Culture's 'Cinema for the People' initiative. May 24, 2025 The Ministry of Culture's General Authority for Cultural Palaces is bringing the blockbuster film 'Project X', starring Karim Abdel Aziz, to audiences across seven governorates as part of the national 'Cinema for the People' programme. Directed by Peter Mimi ('Moussa', 'Beit El Ruby'), 'Project X' follows an Egyptian archaeologist who uncovers a mysterious map linked to an ancient secret buried beneath the sands of Egypt. As he sets off on a globe-trotting expedition across Egypt, Turkey, Spain, and Italy, he finds himself caught in a web of rival treasure hunters, cryptic codes, and buried truths that could reshape the historical narrative. The cast includes Yasmin Sabri, Eyad Nassar, Ahmed Ghozzi, and Mariam Elgendy, with guest appearances by Maged El Kedwany, Essam El Sakka, and Hana El Zahed. Screenings will take place daily from 10 AM until midnight at the following locations: Cinema Palace in Garden City (Cairo), Qanater Cultural Palace (Qalyubia), Abu El Matamir and Damanhour Cultural Palaces (Beheira), Zagazig Cultural Palace (Sharqia), Ismailia Cultural Palace, Arish Cultural Palace (North Sinai), and Sadat Cinema (Menoufia). Tickets will be priced at a standard rate of EGP 40, including weekends and public holidays.
CairoScene
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Karim Abdel Aziz's Comedy Play ‘El Basha' Comes to Jeddah This May
Following a sold-out Riyadh debut, Karim Abdel Aziz brings his theatrical hit 'El Basha' to Jeddah's City Walk for three nights only, alongside Hana El-Zahed, Wizo, and director Ramy Emam. After premiering during Riyadh Season in December 2024, Karim Abdel Aziz's hit stage comedy 'El Basha' is headed to Jeddah for a limited three-night run at City Walk from May 21st to the 23rd. Directed by renowned filmmaker Ramy Emam, the play also stars Hana El-Zahed, Heidi Karam, Wizo, and Hatem Salah, with original songs by lyricist Tamer Hussein and composer Aziz El Shafaei. 'El Basha' tells the story of Abo El-Maaty El-Basha, a working-class man whose life turns upside down when his family suddenly relocates from the rooftop of an old building to the lavish mansion of billionaire Layla El-Sayyad. Tickets for the Jeddah performances are available via the Saudi Theatre Authority's ticketing platform.
Identity
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Identity
4 Reasons Why We're Already Excited About ‘El Mashro3 X'
Since the announcement that this movie is in the works, curiosity has been building around how it will turn out. El Mashro3 X (or Project X) already feels like one of those productions destined for success, and that impression comes backed by a solid list of reasons. Here are four key elements fueling our excitement and making this one of the most anticipated releases. The Power Duo of Karim Abdel Aziz & Peter Mimi You always hear about powerful on-screen duos between actors, but what sometimes feels even stronger is the kind of chemistry that builds between an actor and a director. The duo of Karim Abdel Aziz and Peter Mimi already proved its magic in Al Hashashin, which makes us all the more excited to see what they're cooking up this time around. A Spot-On Cast Al Mashro3 X brings together a stellar cast that raises the bar and doubles our expectations. With names like Karim Abdel Aziz, Eyad Nassar, Yasmine Sabri, Ahmed Ghozzi, and more, what else do you need to call it a spot-on lineup? A Gripping Plot The teaser hints at a story brimming with depth, twists, and tension. The discovery of a secret room inside the Great Pyramid is already gripping, but where will it lead? We'll have to watch and find out. Rich & Varied Visuals It's not just one or two locations, filming across nearly five countries promises a rich and visually diverse experience, setting the stage for a truly cinematic journey worth exploring. On a scale from 1 to 10, how excited are you about this movie?
