Thrillers generally are fast-paced movies full of conflict, tension, suspense, unexpected twists, and high stakes....
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Thriller film, also known as suspense film or suspense thriller, is a broad film genre that evokes excitement and suspense in the audience. The aim for thrillers is to keep the audience on high alert and on the edge of their seats. The protagonist in these films is set against a problem – an escape, a mission, or a mystery. Thrillers generally are fast-paced movies full of conflict, tension, suspense, unexpected twists, and high stakes.
Recently, renowned filmmaker Zarrar Kahn has released his globally recognised psychological thriller masterpiece, In Flames in Karachi. The film aims to explore the consequences of living in the confines of a fiercely patriarchal society. It seeks to illuminate the psychological impact of oppression and the complexities of young love in Pakistan. “The film intends to immerse you in the dusty beauty of Karachi, allowing you to witness the difficult choices that must be made to survive another day. It tells a captivating story centered around the struggles faced by a mother and daughter in the wake of the patriarch’s untimely demise,” tells Zarrar Kahn, who is also the writer and director of this thriller.
Anam Abbas, the film’s producer, whose earlier film Dagh Dagh Ujala is about Pakistan’s contemporary activists, believes that the Karachi-set In Flames advocates for a compelling, revolutionary narrative in the Pakistan film industry. “This is a truly trailblazing film, carving out a new space in Pakistan,” says Abbas.
Allan Hunter of Screen Daily wrote that “In Flames is well-crafted, the sound design capturing the jarring sounds of the city at night which seem designed to set everyone on edge. Production designer, Matti Malik fills Mariam’s home with rich red earth and terracotta colours, lending it the warmth of a sanctuary – albeit one that is increasingly under threat. What lends this film distinction is the way it evolves into a story of female empowerment, and the bond between mother and daughter as they combat the pernicious evils of a patriarchal society.”
The cast of ‘In Flames’ consists of Ramesha Nawal, Bakhtawar Mazhar, Mohammad Ali Hashmi, Adnan Shah Tipu and Omar Javaid. The film’s executive producer is Shant Joshi, who is an award-winning producer and president of Fae Pictures, based in Los Angeles and Toronto.
This emotionally charged narrative resonates deeply with audiences, capturing their hearts with its raw authenticity.
It has garnered global appreciation and recognition at prestigious international film festivals such as the 76th Cannes Film Festival. (The film had its world premiere at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival). It later had its North American premiere at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival.
The film was also shown at the Busan International Film Festival. This is a truly revolutionary film, opening up new horizons in Pakistan.
- You! desk
The film is being shown at Atrium Cinemas, Karachi, till 31st of October.
