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Why Pakistani filmmakers conceal their production budgets

The Pakistani film industry has been undergoing a comeback for some years. Two years ago, things deteriorated because to Covid, but today the theatres are open and films have returned. Khel Khel Main was the first Pakistani film to be released following the pandemic. This Eid al Fitr, however, was marked by intense competition, as five films simultaneously debuted. As a result of the simultaneous release of Dr. Strange and the Pakistani film industry, the situation became chaotic.

The makers of Dr. Strange wanted the film withdrawn from theatres because they were supposedly incurring losses, despite the fact that numerous other films were said to have grossed enormous amounts of money. This prompted the question of how much was spent on budgets for Pakistani films. As costs are typically kept secret and not disclosed in Pakistan, unlike Hollywood and Bollywood. The topic was posed by Mooroo to renowned Pakistani directors Fizza Ali Meerza and Nabeel Qureshi, who were about to release two massive blockbusters.

They disclosed that budgets are not disclosed since those who are not involved in filmmaking cannot comprehend the mathematics involved, and they often disregard unfavourable feedback. In their analysis of the industry, Fizza and Nabeel revealed that a picture must earn three times its budget in order to be profitable. Profiting twice as much is required to break even. Nabeel Qureshi also mentioned that a film’s business consists of much more than just ticket revenue, including television and music rights.

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Sardaar Ji 3 Sets New Box Office Record in Pakistan

Pakistani actress Hania Aamir and Indian superstar Diljit Dosanjh are celebrating massive box office success as their film Sardaar Ji 3 races past several major titles in Pakistan.

Reports confirm that Sardaar Ji 3 has shattered records nationwide, especially in Lahore, where it’s playing on over 30 cinema screens. Producers Gambhir Singh Sidhu, Manmord Sidhu, and Diljit Dosanjh released the film across Pakistan on June 27.

Despite strong opposition in India, Sardaar Ji 3 made history by earning the highest-ever first-day box office for an Indian film in Pakistan, collecting PKR 3.5 crore and surpassing Salman Khan’s Sultan (2016). Globally, the film has already earned over ?36.6 crore.

Blending comedy, fantasy, and horror, the film stars Diljit as a ghost hunter on a thrilling mission in a haunted UK mansion. The cast includes Hania Aamir, Neeru Bajwa, Gulshan Grover, Jasmin Bajwa, and Pakistani actors Nasir Chinyoti, Saleem Albela, and Daniyal Khawar.

With packed theatres and glowing reviews, the movie shows no signs of slowing down at the box office.

Also Read: Hania Aamir and Diljit Dosanjh’s Sardaar Ji 3 Cleared for Release in Pakistan and Overseas Today

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Lakshmi Manchu Defends Pakistani Artists Amid Ongoing India Ban

Renowned Telugu actress Lakshmi Manchu has openly criticized the increasing restrictions on Pakistani artists, challenging the fairness of such bans and censorship.

Speaking amid the controversy surrounding Sardaar Ji 3—which stars Diljit Dosanjh and Pakistani actress Hania Aamir—Lakshmi questioned the decision to block the film’s release in India following objections from local film bodies.

She voiced her frustration over the politicisation of art and targeted the logic of punishing creative professionals. “Are Pakistani artists really a threat?” she asked, calling the outrage over cross-border collaborations deeply misplaced.

She defended the role of art as a force above political tensions and condemned the Instagram account suspensions affecting Pakistani celebrities, labeling them a violation of free expression. “If we treat them like this, where is the India we are proud of?” she questioned.

Lakshmi Manchu strongly opposed blanket bans on Pakistani talent, arguing that such measures damage the cultural bridge the arts can build between nations. “Artists rise above nationalities,” she said, adding, “To say ‘you can’t do this’ to an artist simply because of their background undermines everything art stands for.”

Also Read: Hania Aamir and Diljit Dosanjh’s Sardaar Ji 3 Cleared for Release in Pakistan and Overseas Today

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Asim Azhar Reacts to Merub Chants at Concert

Singer Asim Azhar recently addressed his fans directly during a concert, urging them to respect personal boundaries and avoid dragging private matters into public spaces.

The incident unfolded when a few attendees began chanting remarks about Asim’s former fiancée, Merub Ali. Taking hold of the microphone, Asim responded calmly, asking the crowd to stop.

“Please don’t say such things,” he told them. “It hurts both families. Let’s not bring personal matters into such public gatherings.”

He reminded the audience to show empathy for artists and their personal lives. A video of the moment quickly circulated online, sparking mixed reactions. While many applauded Asim for staying composed and mature, others were surprised by the disruption.

One user commented, “It’s our duty not to insult entertainers. They don’t perform alone—they bring their families too. Heckling hurts everyone involved. This herd mentality must end.”

Earlier, Asim officially confirmed the end of his engagement with Merub Ali. Sharing a message via Instagram, he wrote, “Salam everyone, we hope this message finds you well. We wanted to take a moment to share something personal, as we believe we owe that to those who have supported us.”

He added, “After much thought and reflection, Merub and I have decided to go our separate ways—peacefully and with mutual understanding.”

Asim acknowledged the bond they shared and noted, “We continue to hold deep respect for each other and for our families.” He concluded by requesting privacy, asking fans to show the same grace with which the message was shared.

Merub Ali has not made any public statement yet, but fans noticed that both have unfollowed each other on Instagram.

The couple, who had known each other since childhood, got engaged in 2022 and acted together in Sinf-e-Aahan. They were frequently seen together in public, often making headlines for their close friendship.

Also Read: Asim Azhar and Merub Ali Call Off Engagement After Three-Years