Following the ban on Bollywood films, local cinema houses have been screening some of the best Pakistani films (released earlier) for the past few weeks. Adding to that list are some new films including Hashim Nadeem’s Abdullah that released on October 28.
Instep rounds up this weekend’s hot and happening activities.
CINE WATCH
Local films to rule cinema houses
Following the ban on Bollywood films, local cinema houses have been screening some of the best Pakistani films (released earlier) for the past few weeks. Adding to that list are some new films including Hashim Nadeem’s Abdullah that released on October 28. Starring Imran Abbas and Sadia Khan, the film is based on a real life incident that took place in Quetta in 2011. Other than Abbas and Khan, the film also features Hameed Sheikh of Moor fame and one Sajid Hassan. Abdullah has been showcased at various international film festivals including the Cannes Film Festival.
Releasing this weekend, November 4, is Jeewan Hathi directed by Farjad Nabi and Meenu Gaur of Zinda Bhaag fame. The film tackles the issue of media’s obsession with ratings and takes into account the story of a married couple who appear on a morning show. The film has an ensemble cast including the likes of veteran Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah, Samiya Mumtaz, Hina Dilpazeer, among others.
Aside from local films, this week will also see the release of Marvel’s Doctor Strange. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch in the titular role, the film traces the story of Stephen Strange, an arrogant but brilliant surgeon whose life changes after a deadly car accident renders him unable to perform surgery. His meeting with the Ancient One leads to a mystical world and so goes the circle. Directed by Scott Derrickson, the film has an all-star cast that also includes names like Chiwetel Ejiofor, Tilda Swinton and Rachel McAdams.
FASHION
Sania Maskatiya at the Nishat Emporium, Lahore
Hot on the heels of successfully showing at the PFDC L’Oreal Bridal Couture Week, acclaimed designer Sania Maskatiya will be opening her first outlet at the Nishat Emporium Mall in Johar Town, Lahore. The store will open today although Mahira Khan was spotted there earlier, checking it out.
The Bridal Expo, Lahore
The Dolce Vita Bridal Expo, on Saturday November 5, will bring together a variety of wedding specialists in Pakistan under one roof. From décor to jewelry, the expo will be a one stop shop for anyone about to plan a wedding. A one hour fashion show will also be held, showcasing some of the biggest names of Pakistani fashion such as HSY, Rizwan Beyg, The House of Kamiar Rokni, Shamsha Hashwani, Sania Maskatiya, Ali Xeeshan Theatre Studio and others. The exhibition will start at 12 pm till 9pm and will be held at the Park Lane Marquee, Ghalib Road.
MUSIC
First Fridays: Open Mic Night, Karachi
T2F continues its tradition of hosting a free for all Open Mic Night on the first friday of every month. Musicians, comedians, and poets can all have a chance to perform to an audience in a relaxed setting, where all one has to do is get their name on the list, which can be done an hour before the show starts. Nadir Shehzad Khan from Lussun TV will be hosting the show.
Loot and Liar, Karachi
Pakistan’s first freestyle rap and music show is about to take floor today at the Mad School, from 8pm to 9pm. Comedians Akbar Shahzad and Hassaan Bin Shaheen will be emceeing the evening while the music will be created by Omer Chaudhary, Saif Rehman, Sohaib Ali Khan and Kazi Haseeb . The idea behind the show is improvised music and according to the show organizers, “if you are coming in as an audience member you will probably have a song made about you.” Tickets are priced at Rs.400.
THEATRE
Karachi Theatre Festival
Starting from November 3 till the 21st, the Karachi Theatre Festival will be bringing theatre to life as new and old directors and playwrights present their plays on stage every day. The festival will open with Zia Mohiuddin’s Khwabon Ke Musafir and will go on to feature more directors, such as Sunil Shankar, Sheema Kirmani and Akbar Islam. The plays will begin at 8 pm daily.
CULTURE
Sindh Literature Festival, Karachi
The first ever Sindh Literature Festival will be a three day festival celebrating Sindhi literature and art, starting from 4th November till 6th November at Beach Luxury. The festival will offer literature sessions, book launches, art exhibitions and musical performances amongst many other things.
