Pakistani Thriller 'Wakhri' Hits Global Screens This Fall

Iram Parveen Bilal's award-winning Pakistani thriller "Wakhri" is slated for a multi-territory international release this autumn. The film will be available in France, the UK, Ireland, Australia, and Brazil, with further releases planned in the coming months. In France, "Wakhri" will be screened by Salon Indien, a film society focusing on South Asian women filmmakers, beginning in October. The narrative is inspired by Pakistani women who have confronted patriarchal structures, including the story of social media personality Qandeel Baloch.

The film stars Faryal Mehmood as Noor, a widow striving to fund a girls' school, and Gulshan Majeed as Gucchi, her best friend. Critics have praised the film for its boldness and relevance. Bilal expressed her excitement for the French theatrical run, calling it a dream realized and emphasizing the film's unique representation of Pakistani cinema. Producers noted that the film's release signifies its powerful message about women asserting their space, a conversation that extends far beyond Pakistan.

Internationally, "Wakhri" is part of Channel 4's 2026 South Asian Film Season in the UK, airing this October. SBS has acquired distribution rights for Australia, while Filmicca will distribute the film in Brazil. Additional releases in North America and other markets are anticipated in the near future, continuing the film's global journey.