Superstar Mahira Khan has recently reflected on the reception of her 2017 film Verna during a session at Jashn-e-Rekhta in Dubai, addressing why the project did not resonate with audiences.
Directed by Shoaib Mansoor, the film centers on a rape survivor who seeks retribution. Khan acknowledged that the narrative choices contributed to the film’s commercial failure. “I did a film, Verna, written by Shoaib Mansoor, in which the lead character was a rape victim.
The story didn’t perform well, and I feel like the reason it didn’t perform well is because it had some problems, and I take full responsibility for it,” Khan stated. The actor explained that the plot required her character to return to her abuser to gather evidence, a creative decision that faced resistance from viewers. Khan shared Mansoor’s perspective on the public reaction, stating, “Shoaib sahab said that this concept was difficult for the men and women of our country to digest.”
She added that portraying the character was a difficult experience. The actor’s retrospective remarks triggered a debate online, with social media users expressing divided opinions on the film’s merits and its controversial plot point. Several viewers defended the film, praising its execution and subject matter. One user commented, “The film was outstanding, to be honest.
