KARACHI, Pakistan: The new Pakistani film “Wakhri” draws inspiration from the life of the murdered social media celebrity Qandeel Baloch and sheds light on the challenges faced by women in the South Asian country. The director of the film highlighted the production’s aim to authentically depict the ground realities of women in Pakistan.
The film delves into the real-life tragedy of Qandeel Baloch, who was killed by her brother in 2016 due to her bold social media presence, which he believed brought disrepute to the family. “Wakhri” portrays a widowed schoolteacher named Noor and is set in rural Pakistan, using her story of social media fame to explore the broader struggles of Pakistani women.
Recently premiered at the Red Sea International Film Festival, “Wakhri” has also been released in Pakistan and is currently showing in cinemas across the country. The film has sparked mixed responses from viewers, serving as a social commentary and shedding light on the realistic struggles faced by women in the country.
The writer, director, and co-producer of “Wakhri,” Iram Parveen Bilal, shared her personal sentiments about the film and the broader issue of violence against brave women. She emphasized the realistic portrayal of the film and its reflection of the challenges faced by women in Pakistani society. The film’s lead actress, Faryal Mehmood, also expressed her commitment to portraying the truth, honesty, and reality of Pakistani society through her role in the film.
The film has not been finalized for international release, but its impact on local audiences has been notable. Mehmood observed a positive change in the perceptions of women and young girls in Pakistan after watching the film, indicating an evolving mindset in the country.
In summary, “Wakhri,” inspired by the life of Qandeel Baloch, provides an insight into the challenges faced by women in Pakistan, portraying a narrative that reflects the broader struggles of Pakistani women. The film has sparked discussions and evoked mixed reactions from audiences, serving as a social commentary on the reality of women’s lives in the country.