After being released all over Pakistan last week, the Karachi premiere of the much-awaited revenge-thriller/courtroom-drama ‘Taxali Gate’ took place at Nueplex Cinemas, DHA Phase VIII, Karachi on Saturday 24th February 2024.
The one-hour fifty-one minute movie which has been heralded as anticipated as the box-smashing ‘Maula Jutt’ is helmed by visionary maestro Ali Sajjad Shah aka Abu Aleeha whotook on the dual role of director and screenwriter and is produced by Executive Producer Shabbir Shah, Waqas Hassan Rizvi andAyesha Omar in her debut as a first-time producer under the aegis of the Distribution Club banner. HUM TV is the official media partner for the movie.
The ensemble studded cast includes Ayesha Omar, Yasir Hussain and Mehar Bano in the lead titular roles supported by equally stellar performances by seasoned actors Nayyer Ejaz, Iftikar Thakur, Babar Ali, Alyy Khan, Iffat Omar and Umer Aalam each of them bringing their unique talents to the big screen.
The red-carpet of the movie premiere was well attended by cast-members, crew-members, socialites, family members and members of both extensive print and electronic media.
‘Taxali Gate’ begins with a brief history lesson about Lahore and the inconspicuous lower class red-light area once infamously called Heera Mandi, now renamed Taxali. The title is thus a reference to the gate leading into the locality, and in a broader metaphorical context serves as the audience’s entry into the lives of the characters in the movie.
‘Taxali Gate’ revolves around the murder of two youngsters and their perpetrators and focuses on such themes as sexual consent; social injustice and law enforcement all set against the historical backdrop of Lahore’s walled City.
The movie is an immersive cinematic experience poised to leave an indelible mark on the landscape of Pakistani cinema, transfixing hearts and minds alike with its compelling narrative and stellar performances.
Ayesha Omar disclosed that the premiere of the movie coincided on the birthday of her late father and was a birthday gift to him and said about the movie; “it’s a great film with an amazing story and all the actors gave powerful performances. It’s been an amazing journey as my first effort as a producer. We produced the film on a limited budget and it was challenging to film in the outside location but the result was amazing”.
Co-star Yasir Hussain added; “Taxali Gate deals with themes such as social injustice and consent and the film has an international cinema feel to it. My character was very challenging to play but the movie will leave an indelible mark in Pakistani cinema for many years to come”.
Public Relations for ‘Taxali Gate’ was managed by Catwalk Event Management & Productions Pvt. Limited under the helm of Frieha Altaf.
Kamran Hashim's Blog 