Ishrat Made in China has the industry buzzing again

KARACHI: It’s encouraging to see a major production hit the big screen because since the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, the film industry has taken an unfortunate back seat. Because of the cinema shut downs in lockdowns, films could not release as per schedule and we have it from good sources that around 22 titles are waiting for the right release date.

Ishrat Made In China is the first big banner film to release in 2022. Directed by Mohib Mirza, who also features as titular character, Ishrat premiered in Karachi yesterday, with the film fraternity flocking to Nueplex to show its support.

The cast of the film, including Mohib Mirza and Sanam Saeed, Mani, Hasan Sheheryar Yasin, Shamoon Abbasi, Mustafa Chaudhary, Ali Kazmi and Sora Loren could be seen walking the red carpet with other celebrities joining them.

We also saw Feroze Khan, Wajahat Rauf, Hira Mani, Hira Tareen, Ali Safina, Nadia Hussain, Rubya Chaudhry, Faizan Khawaja and Sonia Nazir, amongst many others. The excitement (of filmmakers as well as fans) could be felt in the air because Nueplex was buzzing with hopeful faces, looking forward to the return of cinema.

What was also heartening about the launch is that the proceedings were fairly punctual. By 8.30, the main cast was already working the red carpet and dot at 9pm, they were ushered off to the cinema halls, which is unlike what usually happens because stars are never on time. Perhaps Mohib Mirza’s film will set a new precedent for punctuality (or at least, one can hope!)

 

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The film is based on Mohib Mirza’s cult-classic comedy series Ishrat Baji, a show that had people’s attention in 2006 for its comedic timing and stellar performance by Mirza himself.