Pakistani cinema is set to establish a new benchmark on a global platform in romantic comedy, Janaan, releasing on 9th September, for Eid ul Azha
The rich hues of Pakistani culture come to life on one Cinematic Canvas in Romantic Comedy, Janaan
Pakistani cinema is set to establish a new benchmark on a global platform in romantic comedy, Janaan, releasing on 9th September, for Eid ul Azha, presented by IRK Films, Munir Hussain Films – UK (Pepe’s Piri Piri Group) and ARY Films and distributed by B4U Motion Pictures.
Honouring Pakistan’s rich heritage in film, the arts and storytelling, Janaan (‘Beloved’ in Pashto) presents a stylish, witty and often emotional observation of contemporary Pakistan that will resonate globally. The film is helmed by a fresh team of young creatives, directed by Azfar Jafri and written by Osman Khalid Butt. Rising stars of Pakistani cinema, Bilal Ashraf, Armeena Rana Khan and Ali Rehman Khan, create screen magic in the lead roles in a film that is emblematic of a burgeoning Pakistani film industry that is consistently making waves internationally. The kaleidoscopic mise-en-scene is harmonised by a melodious soundtrack courtesy of Ahmed Ali, Taha Malik and Bollywood composers, Salim-Sulaiman. Already dominating the airwaves is the addictive title track rendered by Bollywood singing sensation, Armaan Malik, with a sublime, unplugged version performed by popular female vocalist, Shreya Ghosal.
Janaan reflects the universal themes of family, relationships, love, identity and belonging, woven together in a breezy rom-com for a new generation. The film traces the journey of a young woman returning to her roots and reevaluating her sense of self, identity and connection. Combining several strands of Pakistani culture including Pashto, the poetic backdrop of the film includes locations such as the breathtaking Swat Valley region, with its visually arresting landscape and tangible sense of community and connection. Translated on-set, art indeed imitated life as the cast and crew were welcomed with open arms by the local community, who became an integral part of the filmic process.
Munir Hussain, CEO MH Film UK says, “Janaan has been an amazing journey and I am excited for the release this Eid. The energy, creativity and passion of the team have shone through and I believe Pakistani cinema is entering a new & exciting era. Our distribution partners B4U Motion pictures & ARY Films have raised the bar with Janaan and opened new markets across the world”.
Imran Kazmi, IRK Films says, “Janaan is a complete family movie, filled with joy, happiness, drama and a journey of self discovery. The Pakistani film industry is evolving and my passion is to support and grow the young talent of the industry. Janaan was my dream and I feel very lucky to have this opportunity to share my vision with so many people all over the world.”
Ali Rehman Khan, Armeena Rana Khan & Bilal Ashraf
Sunil Shah, Head of Film Division, B4U says, “B4U Motion Pictures is very proud to take Pakistani Cinema to unexpected heights in distributing Janaan to the international market. I am also very proud of Munir Hussain (Pepe’s Piri Piri Group) for supporting young producers like Imran Kazmi and Hareem Farooq along with B4U for taking a very keen interest in promoting Pakistan cinema and giving it the well-deserved exposure for it to receive the same amount of recognition as other world cinema. There is a lot of young talented actors in Pakistan, Janaan will open up doors for them.”
Synopsis:
Janaan is a romantic comedy that tells the story of Meena (Armeena Rana Khan) who, having lived in Canada for 11 years following the death of her mother, returns to her homeland in Swat, Pakistan for her cousin’s wedding. Meena is initially apprehensive about the trip but simultaneously finds herself missing the family dynamics and unbridled love she had left behind. On reaching Swat, trying to adapt to her ethnic roots leads her into often-hilarious situations.
Meena soon realises that her family is secretly setting her up to marry either one of her cousins: Daniyal (Ali Rehman Khan), a cool Islamabadi boy and mischievous but irresistible charmer; or Asfandyar (Bilal Ashraf), an arrogant Pathan with whom she shares a love-hate relationship. Meena’s family further comprises an assortment of entertaining and colorful characters.
Watch the Official Trailer of Janaan (subtitled) here:
Janaan, releases on 9th September Eid ul Azha, presented by IRK Films, Munir Hussain Films – UK (Pepe’s Piri Piri Group) and ARY Films and Distributed by B4U Motion Pictures