The official trailer for the upcoming film ‘Gunjal’ set the social media ablaze with anticipation, promising a riveting narrative on one of Pakistan’s darkest cases. The film marks a notable shift in the Pakistani film industry towards addressing complex social issues. Here are some compelling reasons why we are eagerly anticipating ‘Gunjal’:
- Uncovering the Investigation into the Murder of Iqbal Masih, a Renowned Children’s Rights Activist:
For those unfamiliar with Iqbal Masih, he was a vocal advocate against child labor abuse in Pakistan. Escaping forced labor at the age of 10, Iqbal led efforts that freed more than 3000 children from slavery. He took his cause internationally, advocating for an end to bonded labor in countries like the US and Sweden. Tragically, Iqbal was fatally shot at the age of 12 by unidentified assailants. However, his tireless work against bonded labor was recognized posthumously when he received the World’s Children’s Prize for the Rights of the Child in 2000 and, in 2022, the Sitara-e-Shujaat from President Arif Alvi.
- A Stellar Cast Including Resham and Ahmed Ali Akbar:
Following the success of dramas like ‘Gunah’ and ‘Churails’ and Sarmad Khoosat’s ‘Zindagi Tamasha,’ it’s evident that Pakistani audiences are craving content beyond the traditional saas-bahu narratives. ‘Gunjal’ promises to capture the audience’s imagination and draw them back to the theaters, presenting an opportunity to showcase a more diverse range of stories.
- Filling the Need for Crime Thrillers in Pakistan:
Given the popularity of dramas like ‘Gunah’ and ‘Churails,’ as well as Sarmad Khoosat’s ‘Zindagi Tamasha,’ it’s clear that Pakistani audiences are seeking content that deviates from conventional soap operas. ‘Gunjal’ is expected to pique the audience’s interest and encourage them to experience the film in theaters, ushering in an era of diverse storytelling.
‘Gunjal’ is directed by Shoaib Sultan, with a screenplay by Nirmal Bano and Ali Kazmi. The film is scheduled for release in theaters across Pakistan on December 8.
