After a chunk of Pakistani films that released earlier this year, this weekend will see the release of two more films that are in sharp contrast with each other in terms of themes and storyline.
Instep rounds up this weekend’s hot and happening activities.
CINE WATCH
It’s a Lollywood affair
After a chunk of Pakistani films that released earlier this year, this weekend will see the release of two more films that are in sharp contrast with each other in terms of themes and storyline. Hitting cinemas across the country today is Jamal Shah’s action drama Revenge of the Worthless that stars the Shah himself as Zarak Khan and marks his directorial debut. Revenge of the Worthless is based on a true story and depicts a brutally disfigured cultural narrative. It highlights the heroic struggles of a few unsung heroes during the 2009 Swat Insurgency. Produced by Amna Shah, the film also features Ayub Khoso, Firdous Jamal, Shamil Khan, and others including Noor Bukhari who will appear in a cameo.
Another local film to release this weekend is Noor Bukhari’s directorial debut Ishq Positive. Starring Bukhari herself and singer-turned-actor Wali Hamid Khan in lead roles, Ishq Positive is a rom-com that also stars Indian actor Sonu Sood in a cameo. It is a love triangle between Bukhari, Khan and Saud (the antagonist). Adding soul to the film is the soundtrack that is composed by a few Pakistani as well as Indian musicians. Ishq Positive revolves around Bukhari’s “quirky and fun-loving character” and is said to be a fun filled journey of love. It also features Durdana Butt, Saim Ali, Ahmed Abdul Rehman and a few debutants in supporting roles.
Star Trek Beyond, opening this weekend worldwide, has a lot going for it. Justin Lin, who directed the last few Fast and the Furious films, joins the team as director while J.J. Abrams has taken on the role of producer. Chris Pine, meanwhile, finally gets a chance to truly lead the team as Captain Kirk. This time around, the story takes place in a mysterious world where the Enterprise crash lands. The hostile environment is made worse by the villain Krall, a menacing Idris Elba, who “derives his energy by sucking the life out of his victims”. Stranded, Kirk, Spock and crew must find their way off this planet while battling a deadly race.
In its review, Toronto Sun noted, “Though the action-packed trailers might suggest he simply launched that manic vibe into space, Lin and scriptwriters Simon Pegg and Doug Jung made a clever plot move that gives Beyond the most breathing room for its characters in years.” With the film cheered on by fans at this year’s Comic Con in San Diego, rest assured this is one sci-fi adventure you don’t want to miss.
THEATRE
Big names come together
While NAPA International Theatre Festival has become a permanent fixture on the theatre calendar for the past few years, this year marks the birth of another theatre initiative taken by Arts Council. All set to begin from today, July 22, the Arts Council Theatre Festival brings together theatre’s biggest names including the likes of Zia Mohyeddin, Anwar Maqsood, Khalid Ahmed and Zain Ahmed (from NAPA), Sheema Kermani, Sunil Shankar and Sajid Hasan. In addition, a handful of promising directors will also be presenting their plays at the festival.
The festival will begin with Zia Mohyeddin’s play, Khwabon Ke Musafir - written by the late Urdu literature master, Intizar Hussain and will end with Anwar Maqsood’s ever popular Siachen that revolves around the lives of soldiers and their sacrifices. The festival will run for 17 days, beginning from today.
COMEDY
Women taking centre stage
Pakistan’s first all-girls comedy troupe ‘The Khawatoons’ that performed to a packed house a few weeks back and received all around applause is all set to entertain you with their first ever improv show which is scheduled to take place this weekend. The troupe features Faiza Saleem, Amafah Mubashir, Rabiya Hamid, Sana Ahmed Khan, Natalia Gul Jillani, Jay Kay and Laraib Asdaf.
However, only the top five will be performing at the event. It will take place on Saturday July 23, at Thotspot and will begin at 8:00 pm. sharp. Tickets worth PKR 400 will be available at the venue so check them out and laugh off all your worries.
