Wakhri (One of a Kind):
In today’s digital age, the power and influence of social media are undeniable. The film “Wakhri (One of a Kind),” directed by Iram Parveen Bilal, delves deep into this world, unraveling the complexities of viral fame and the challenges that come with it. Set to release on January 5, 2024, in Pakistan, this drama promises a thought-provoking narrative, shedding light on societal norms, personal identity, and the impact of online opinions.
Plot Overview:
In the vibrant city of Lahore, Noor Malik, a dedicated school teacher and single mother, grapples with societal pressures as a widow raising her young son. Despite the love and support of her family, she faces criticism for not remarrying, a reflection of Pakistan’s deeply entrenched patriarchal norms. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she forms a close bond with Gucchi, a gay performance artist, and finds solace in the company of drag queens and trans women at a local cabaret.
Inspired by Gucchi’s encouragement, Noor creates a bold alter ego, Wakhri, donning a striking blue wig and metal veil. Through passionate performances, she captivates audiences with her powerful messages of female empowerment and challenges societal stereotypes. However, her newfound fame comes with its own set of challenges as online trolls and critics target her with vicious insults and threats.
Undeterred, Noor remains steadfast in her mission, leveraging her growing online platform to raise funds to open a school. As her influence expands, she attracts the attention of Sadia Khan, a prominent television presenter, who offers her a lucrative opportunity to appear on her show. In a riveting face-off, Noor, as Wakhri, confronts her adversaries, sparking a national debate and leaving an indelible impact on society.
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Movie Trailor:
Film Details:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Wakhri (One of a Kind) |
| Director | Iram Parveen Bilal |
| Writers | Mehrub Moiz Awan, Iram Parveen Bilal |
| Release Date | January 5, 2024 (Pakistan) |
| Country of Origin | Pakistan |
| Production Companies | Awedacious Originals, Parveen Shah Productions, Sanat Initiative |
| Genre | Drama |
Top Cast:
| Actor/Actress | Character |
|---|---|
| Sohail Sameer | Chaudhry |
| Bakhtawar Mazhar | Paro |
| Tooba Siddiqui | Tehmina |
| Faryal Mehmood | Noor Malik |
| Gulshan Majeed | Guchhi |
| Akbar Islam | Maqbool |
| Shees Sajjad Gul | Sulay |
Storyline and Interpretation:
“Wakhri” paints a vibrant picture of its protagonist, drawing from the colorful and flamboyant elements that define Qandeel Baloch’s public persona. However, it’s worth noting that the film takes artistic freedoms, presenting events that may not align precisely with the real narrative. For instance, the film portrays Wakhri with connections to the LGBT community and a vision to establish a school, elements not confirmed in Qandeel’s actual life.
Visual and Narrative Style:
Crafted with meticulous attention to aesthetics, “Wakhri” boasts vivid cinematography, abundant music, and an energetic script that infuses a Bollywoodian flair. These stylistic choices cater primarily to Asian and Middle Eastern audiences, highlighting the film’s thematic relevance to these regions.
Critical Reception and Controversies:
Despite its bold thematic approach, “Wakhri” isn’t without its critiques. Some viewers have pointed out inconsistencies, such as the abrupt disappearance of Noor’s son in a subplot involving his in-laws. Additionally, the portrayal of Noor as a teacher remains underexplored, leaving room for further character development.
The world premiere of “Wakhri” at the 3rd Red Sea International Film Festival marks a significant milestone for the film. However, it’s worth noting that filmmaker Iram Parveen Bilal’s previous work, “I’ll Meet You There,” faced censorship in Pakistan upon its release, echoing the challenges of depicting empowered female protagonists in a patriarchal society.