Lali (film)
| Lali | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Sarmad Khoosat |
| Screenplay by | Sarmad Khoosat Sundas Hashmi |
| Cinematography | Khizer Idrees |
| Edited by | Saim Sadiq |
| Music by | Abdullah Siddiqui |
Production companies | Khoosat Films Enso Films |
Release date |
|
| Country | Pakistan |
| Language | Punjabi |
Lali is a 2026 Pakistani Punjabi-language drama film directed by Sarmad Khoosat. It premiered on 20 February 2026 at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival, and became the first all-Pakistani production to premiere at the Berlinale.[1] In Lali, a couple caught between love and destiny navigates desires, superstitions, and fears as the living and the dead coexist in a restless world filled with dark humor. The film stars Mamya Shajaffar, Channan Hanif, Rasti Farooq, Farazeh Syed and Mehar Bano in lead roles.
Plot summary
Set in Sahiwal, the film revolves around Zeba, a woman considered a "cursed bride" due to her previous fiancés dying, and her marriage to Sajawal, a man with a facial birthmark. Sajawal's paranoia and possessiveness lead him to pretend to be possessed, manipulating Zeba. The film explores themes of marriage, repression, trauma, and the complexities of intimate relationships.[2]
Cast
- Mamya Shajaffar as Zeba
- Channan Hanif as Sajawal
- Rasti Farooq
- Farazeh Syed
- Mehar Bano
Production
The film was directed by Sarmad Khoosat who co-wrote the screenplay as well.[1] It was edited by Saim Sadiq and the cinematography was done by Khizer Idrees.[2]
Release
International Screening
Lali made cinematic history with its world premiere on February 20, 2026, at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival. Screening in the festival's prestigious Panorama section, it marked a monumental milestone as the first fully Pakistani feature film production to premiere at the Berlinale. Following this historic debut, the film embarked on an extensive global circuit throughout the spring and summer of 2026. It screened at the Istanbul Film Festival through April 19 before celebrating its US Premiere from April 23 to 26 at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA), where it clinched a notable Honourable Mention. Simultaneously, the feature crossed over to South America to screen at BAFICI in Buenos Aires through late April. Lali continued its international run into the summer as an Official Selection at the Austin Asian American Film Festival from June 24 to 28, before traveling to Vietnam for the 4th Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF) from June 28 to July 4, cementing its status as a resonant global success.[3][4][5]
Reception
International Cinephile Society gave the film 3.5 stars.[6] In a review by the Screen Daily, the film was noted for its bold storytelling, vivid cinematography, and candid depiction of relationships, but criticized for its tonal inconsistencies and unclear plot elements.[7]
References
- 1 2 Debanjan Dhar (15 February 2025). "Sarmad Sultan Khoosat Interview On Lali | "A Film Grounded In Punjabi Culture With A Dark Comic Punch"". Outlook India. Archived from the original on 24 February 2026.
- 1 2 Georg Szalai (4 February 2026). "In 'Lali,' the First All-Pakistani Film at Berlin, Love Is a Battlefield, and a Man Pretends to Be Possessed to Control His Wife (Exclusive Trailer)". Hollywood Reporter.
- ↑ https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/lali-film-trailer-berlin-2026-first-pakistan-movie-1236493816/
- ↑ https://www.instagram.com/lalibykhoosatfilms?igsh=dzBia2oxdmVuZ3N1| title = Lali by Khoosat Films on Instagram | quote = LALI marked its historic World Premiere at the 76th Berlinale on February 20, 2026, followed by international screenings at the Istanbul Film Festival (through April 19), BAFICI in Buenos Aires (until April 26), a US Premiere and Honourable Mention at IFFLA in Los Angeles (April 23–26), an Official Selection at the Austin Asian American Film Festival (June 24–28), and the 4th Da Nang Asian Film Festival in Vietnam (June 28 – July 4). | date = 5 July 2026 | website = Instagram
- ↑ "First all-Pakistani production makes history at Berlin film fest". France 24. 21 February 2026.
- ↑ Matthew Joseph Jenner (19 February 2026). "Berlinale 2026 review: Lali (Sarmad Sultan Khoosat)". icsfilm.
- ↑ Wendy Ide (19 February 2026). "'Lali' review: First all-Pakistani film to play Berlin is heady, tonally disjointed comedy thriller". Screen Daily.