UK Asian Film Festival (UKAFF) Opens With ‘Banned’ Pakistani Film
Banned Pakistani movie Javed Iqbal: The Untold Story Of A Serial Killer will be UKAFF’s Opening Night Gala this year. The picture is based on the notorious criminal of the same name who sexually abused and murdered more than 100 boys in Lahore between 1998 and 1999. Yasir Hussain and Ayesha Omer star. Directed by Abu Aleeha. It is based on Aleeha’s own novel, Kukri. Festival founder and director, Dr Pushpinder Chowdhry MBE says: “It has always been far too convenient for South-Asian societies to brush such issues under the carpet. But only by creating safe spaces in which to confront these issues and their root causes can we begin to create the meaningful social change we need.” It is among the first films from the country which show a female cop as the lead. Bhutan’s coming-of-age Gangam Girls will be closing this year’s festival. Helmed by Charmi Nemchand Chheda. The 2022 edition is themed ‘Dare To Dream’ marking 75 years since India and Pakistan’s independence.
London Files Secures Streaming Premiere On Voot Select
The investigative thriller series London Files will stream on Voot Select from 21st April 2022. Homicide detective Om Singh (Arjun Rampal) pursues a missing person’s case in London. In the process, he battles his own personal demons. Om is forced to investigate the case of media mogul Amar Roy (Purab Kohli), whose daughter goes missing. Amar is a divisive figure in London due to his support of a draconian anti-immigration bill. As the case gets examined, a darker mystery comes to light, one which threatens to expose Om’s buried past and secrets. Sapna Pabbi and Medha Rana are also cast in pivotal roles. Drishyam‘s assistant director Sachin Pathak helms this show. JAR Pictures produces.
IIFA Awards 2022 Nominations Revealed
Nominations for the 22nd inaugural IIFA Awards are out. Shershaah leads the way. It amasses the highest number of nominations with 12 in total. 83 and Ludo secure 9 and 6 nominations respectively. Thappad and Atrangi Re follow with 5. Mimi with 4 nominations. In addition to these titles, Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior also contests for the ‘Best Picture’ category. Late Irrfan Khan (Angrezi Medium), Vicky Kaushal (Sardar Udham) and Manoj Bajpayee (Bhonsle) are a few names contesting for ‘Best Actor In Leading Role’. Vidya Balan (Sherni) and Sanya Malhotra (Pagglait) are some names in the female equivalent of the same category. Voting to go LIVE on Saturday, 2nd April 2022 and open to everyone here. This year’s ceremony kicks off in Abu Dhabi on May 20th and 21st, 2022.
