Film Fatale: Who will rule the roost on Eidul Azha?

Three names, three ensemble casts, and tons of money in the middle – this is the story of Pakistani cinema’s toughest competition ever unfolding soon — on Eidul Azha to be precise. Whether it’s Fahad Mustafa’s Load Wedding, Humayun Saeed’s Jawani Phir Nahi Aani 2 or Hamza Ali Abbasi’s Parwaaz Hai Junoon, it’s a race to the winner’s circle and clearly, no one wants to be last.

But, this time around, the question isn’t even about being last… It’s about who’s the bigger superstar, who’s the crowd-puller and truly who’s worth the money.

So, which of the three films is the magnum opus to look out for? Let’s have a look!

Load Wedding

With three blockbuster films under his belt, Nabeel Qureshi’s Load Wedding is an effort to target a new territory – given his love for Karachi – and it seems he’s leaving no stones unturned in proving that his khalis Punjabi entertainer is what people should be watching this Eid. Starring Mehwish Hayat and Fahad Mustafa, the story looks at a number of issues spun around the background of wedding-related stress and family drama.

So, will the Punjab-centric film manage to make Pakistan fall in love and learn a lesson or two?

Pros: Strong storytelling, visually appealing.

Cons: Pulling off a perfect Punjabi accent

Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2

Probably one of Pakistan’s most highly-anticipated films, Nadeem Baig’s Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2 has been a project long expected to reach new levels of success and stardom. However, this time, it seems the hopes are a little too high. Starring an ensemble cast featuring Mawra Hocane, Fahad Mustafa, Kubra Khan, Humayun Saeed, Ahmed Ali Butt, Sarwat Gilani, Vasay Chaudhry, Uzma Khan, and Omer Shahzad, the film serpentines through romance set against the Indo-Pak rivalry. But, will it be enough?

Pros: Exotic locations, perfectly timed comedy

Cons: Caricature-ish, too glossy

Parwaaz Hai Junoon

A film mired in controversies due to delays in its release and cast changes early in its days, Parwaaz Hai Junoon is a strong contender this Eid given its Pakistan Air Force inspired narrative, and a star-studded list of actors. Featuring Hamza Ali Abbasi, Ahad Raza Mir, Hania Aamir, Kubra Khan, and Shaz Khan in pivotal roles, the film is expected to be an action-fueled roller coaster ride. However, can all the star power manage to keep the film away from stereotypical Top Gun type action?

Pros: Strong cast, appealing narrative

Cons: Predictable, over-dramatic

So, who do you think will be the winner this Eid? We think it’s the Pakistani entertainment industry!