Kukri, originally titled Javed Iqbal: The Untold Story of A Serial Killer, is a 2023 Pakistani film, that is based on the life of the notorious Pakistani serial killer and sex offender, Javed Iqbal. Directed by Abu Aleeha with a screenplay also by Aleeha, and produced by Javed Ahmed under K K films, the film is based on Javid Iqbal’s trial when he was arrested for committing crimes against 100 boys. The film stars Yasir Hussain in the title role and Ayesha Omar as Zara, a police officer.[1] The title of the film, Kukri, is another name of the notorious serial killer.
| Kukri | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Abu Aleeha |
| Written by | Abu Aleeha |
| Produced by | Javed Ahmed |
| Starring | Yasir Hussain Ayesha Omar |
Production company | K K films |
| Distributed by | Metro Live Movies |
Release date |
|
| Country | Pakistan |
The trailer of the film was released on 8 December 2021 with the film earlier scheduled to be released on 24 December 2021.[2] However it was postponed until January 2022. The film was scheduled to release in the theatres on 28 January 2022 after a premiere in Karachi.[3]
However the film was banned by the Punjab government and the Central Board of Film Censors before its release.[4] The film was selected for Berlin Film Festival.[5]
After the ban had been lifted, the filmmakers made the decision to revise the film, and shorten the title to "Kukri" (another name for the serial killer). The film finally was released on June 2, 2023.[6]
Synopsis
editThe movie depicts the inception and apprehension of Javed Iqbal, a notorious Pakistani serial killer and sex offender.
Cast
edit- Yasir Hussain as Javed Iqbal[1]
- Ayesha Omar as Zara [1]
- Kaleem Ghori
- Rabya Kulsoom
- Paras Masroor
- Khalid Bin Shaheen
- Aamir Yamin
Ban
editThe film was pulled out of theatres a day before its release, owing to the ban by the Punjab government and the Central Board of Film Censors.[4][7] Pakistani celebrities such as Iqra Aziz, Ali Rehman Khan and Osman Khalid Butt came out in the support of the makers and protested against the ban.[8]
References
edit- ^ a b c Salman, Peerzada (2 June 2023). "Yasir Hussain and Ayesha Omar's Javed Iqbal: The Untold Story of a Serial Killer premieres in Karachi". Images.dawn.com. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
- ^ "'Javed Iqbal: The Untold Story of A Serial Killer' trailer is out, film releases on Dec. 24". Geo.tv. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
- ^ "Yasir Hussain starrer 'Javed Iqbal' biopic gets a new release date". Geo.tv. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
- ^ a b "Decision to halt Javed Iqbal release disappoints Pakistanis". The Express Tribune. 28 January 2022. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
- ^ "'Javed Iqbal' selected for Berlin Film Festival". Daily Times. 15 June 2022. Retrieved 21 June 2022.
- ^ Patrick, Julia (2023-05-24). "Kukri Movie Set for Release on 2nd June 2023 Following Ban". Retrieved 2023-05-25.
- ^ "Serial killer film 'Javed Iqbal: The Untold Story' banned in Pakistan". Bizasialive.com. 1 February 2022. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
- ^ "Celebs join 'Javed Iqbal' cast in protest of ban on film". The Express Tribune. 30 January 2022. Retrieved 7 February 2022.