Gunjal tells the story of Iqbal Masih, murdered 28 years ago in Pakistan Gunjal, directed by Shoaib Sultan for Adur Productions, was screened at the prestigious Ganges Sur Seine film festival in Paris on October 6th, 2023. Produced by Nighat Akbar Shah of Adur Productions, the film stars Ahmed Ali Akbar, Resham, Amna Ilyas, Syed Muhammad Ali, and Ahmed Ali Butt. The screening was well attended by international industry figures including festival director Chayan Sarkar. Renowned journalist Taha Siddiqui commented that the film “has a great message not only for the international audience but also the local Pakistani viewers.”

Gunjal, directed by Shoaib Sultan for Adur Productions, was screened at the prestigious Ganges Sur Seine film festival in Paris on October 6th, 2023. Produced by Nighat Akbar Shah of Adur Productions, the film stars Ahmed Ali Akbar, Resham, Amna Ilyas, Syed Muhammad Ali, and Ahmed Ali Butt.

“Hearing from audience members like actress Sylvia, who said she was deeply moved by Gunjal’s story, is tremendously rewarding as a producer. It validated our goal of using film to draw connections to important real-life issues like Child labor,” shares Nighat Akbar Shah following the experience of the screening

The screening was well attended by international industry figures including festival director Chayan Sarkar. Renowned journalist Taha Siddiqui commented that the film “has a great message not only for the international audience but also the local Pakistani viewers.”

After the screening, award-winning Egyptian director Hisham Abdel Khalik praised director Sultan’s vision and craftsmanship. Festival director Sarkar highlighted Gunjal’s powerful storytelling and ability to bring important social issues to light.

“Hearing from audience members like actress Sylvia, who said she was deeply moved by Gunjal’s story, is tremendously rewarding as a producer. It validated our goal of using film to draw connections to important real-life issues like Child labor,” shares Nighat Akbar Shah following the screening.

Inspired by real events, Gunjal tells the true story of late child activist Iqbal Masih, played impressively by Syed Muhammad Ali, and his fight against forced child labor through the eyes of a journalist seeking justice for his murder. Of the title, Ms. Shah explained “The Urdu word ‘Gunjal’ translates to ‘entangled’, which can be carpet threads — or the truth. I felt it was an apt depiction of the story.”

Filmed on location in the Punjab Region of Pakistan, it is spoken in Urdu, Punjabi, and English, with English subtitles. It features an original soundtrack with music by acclaimed Pakistani musicians Xarb, and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.

Producer Nighat Akbar Shah says the screening success expands Gunjal’s international reach and validates its mission to bring awareness of Iqbal Masih’s story and ongoing fight against child labor worldwide. The team will continue pursuing festival cycles and distribution deals.

The story of Iqbal Masih has been in her vision for some time, as she founded Adur Productions to champion social justice stories through filmmaking. Ms. Shah says “as a mother and as a human rights advocate, this story moved me deeply and begged to be told. Iqbal and his family deserve justice, even now. Sadly, child labor remains an international problem today – even in developed countries!”

More about the Festival: https://filmfreeway.com/GangeSurSeine

More about the Gunjal:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21315862
www.gunjalmovie.com
www.AdurProductions.com

The teaser for the upcoming crime thriller Gunjal, which was just published, has the audience on the edge of their seats since it promises to be based on real events. This film from Adur Productions and Eveready Pictures, produced by Nighat Akbar Shah and directed by Shoaib Sultan, promises to be a suspenseful and emotional roller coaster.

Ahmed Ali Akbar’s excellent portrayal of journalist Shahbaz Bhatti provides the film’s emotional core. To learn what happened to Irfan Masih, a child activist who worked tirelessly against child labor in 1990s Pakistan, Bhatti sets out on a perilous voyage. The movie throws us into a universe full of mysteries and half-revealed information. While watching Bhatti unravel this web of deceit, viewers can rest assured that he will stop at nothing to bring those responsible to justice.

The trailer is an emotional rollercoaster that does a great job of conveying the mystery and anxiety that permeates the film’s plot. It encourages the audience to follow Bhatti on his dogged search for the unattainable truth. The trailer may only give a taste of the flick, but it promises an exciting viewing experience.

Gunjal features an impressive roster of A-list actors, which adds to the film’s appeal. Resham, Amna Ilyas, Syed Muhammad Ali, Sarmed Aftab Jadraan, Razia Malik, Sardar Nabeel, Ali Aftab Saeed, Arham Khan, Ebtisam Mustafa, Habiba Sufyan, Ahsen Murad, Munir Khan, Usman Zia, and Ahmed Ali Butt also give excellent performances in the film.

Gunjal is more than a typical criminal drama; it’s about sticking to your principles even when the odds are stacked against you. The film’s tale is grounded in the brutal reality of child labor and societal injustices, and it features powerful performances and rich storytelling to fascinate audiences. Gunjal, scheduled for release on December 8, 2023, will undoubtedly be a film that you think about long after seeing it. Eveready Pictures welcomes you on this fascinating adventure into the unknown, where the search for truth has no boundaries.

Gunjal, the subject of much anticipation, proves to be an important contribution to Pakistani film by shining a light on pressing societal issues and the resilience of individuals who fight for justice over seemingly insurmountable odds.

The Shahbaz Bhatti Story

“Gunjal” is not just a movie but a powerful portrayal of a true story that deserves to be told. Based on the work of journalist Shahbaz Bhatti, the film will shed light on the powerful perpetrators of Iqbal Masih’s tragic assassination.

Directed by Shoaib Sultan, “Gunjal” is expected to be an empowering narration of how the feudal landlords wield their power and how a simple 12-year-old kid was a threat to their cartels. The movie will take the audience on a journey of Iqbal’s life and his struggles as a child laborer. It will also highlight his unwavering commitment to fight against child labor, which ultimately led to his assassination.

“Gunjal” promises to be a poignant and thought-provoking depiction of the harsh realities faced by children forced into labor and the power dynamics perpetuating such practices. Such movies are necessary to bring awareness to these issues and inspire people to act against them. They remind us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope and that the actions of one individual can bring about great change. “Gunjal” is a testament to Iqbal Masih’s legacy and a tribute to the countless others who continue to fight for justice and equality.

Difficult Stories Like Gunjal are a Must

Movies like “Gunjal” are not just entertainment, but powerful tools for social change. They encourage us to ask difficult questions and to confront uncomfortable truths about our society and ourselves. As nations, we can only strive to be better when we are willing to face our past with honesty and humility. By exploring the past, we can learn from it, grow, and hopefully, create a better future for ourselves and future generations. We at Galaxy Lollywood, cannot wait to view the riveting story on the big screen.

Filmmaker Nighat Akbar Shah announced the completion of her feature drama “Gunjal” (“Entangled”) this week, coinciding with the 28th anniversary of the death of the film’s subject, Iqbal Masih on April 16. Sold as a young child to a carpet manufacturer, Iqbal escaped the torment of bonded labor and became an outspoken voice against child labor until his murder in 1995, hardly a pre-teen. The film is a fictionalized narrative, based on true events from the activism that garnered attention worldwide and brought the Pakistani carpet industry to its knees. (To date, Iqbal’s murder remains unsolved.

“Of the title, Ms. Shah explained “The Urdu word ‘Gunjal’ translates to ‘entangled’, which can be carpet threads — or the truth. I felt it was an apt depiction of the story.”

The story is told through the eyes of Investigative Journalist Shahbaz Bhatti, who grows in his awareness of the horrors of child labor all around him as he seeks the truth about the murder. The role is powerfully portrayed by award-winning Pakistani actor Ahmed Ali Akbar, and co-stars Resham and Amna Ilyas in the principal cast. Rising star Syed Muhammad Ali shines as the child at the center of the drama. Of the title, Ms. Shah explained “The Urdu word ‘Gunjal’ translates to ‘entangled’, which can be carpet threads — or the truth. I felt it was an apt depiction of the story.”

Director Shoaib Sultan reprises his work with Adur Productions for this 120-minute drama. Filmed on location in the Punjab Region of Pakistan, it is spoken in Urdu, Punjabi, and English, with English subtitles. It features an original soundtrack with music by acclaimed Pakistani musicians Xarb, and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. Ms. Shah is currently pursuing a brief film festival run and is in negotiations for worldwide distribution later this year.

“Gunjal” is Ms. Shah’s sophomore production, as she delves deeper into worldwide abuses of social justice. Her freshman offering “Darya Kay Iss Paar” (“This Bank of The River”) portrayed the growing problem of suicide among young people in her native Pakistan. It won awards worldwide and is hailed as ‘bold’ and ‘insightful’.

The story of Iqbal Masih has been in her vision for some time, as she founded Adur Productions to champion social justice stories through filmmaking. Ms. Shah says “as a mother and as a human rights advocate, this story moved me deeply and begged to be told. Iqbal and his family deserve justice, even now. Sadly, child labor remains an international problem today – even in developed countries!”