International Expansion of Pakistani Horror Film "Deemak"
Pakistani horror film "Deemak" is making waves on the global stage after achieving remarkable success in its home market. The supernatural thriller, which has already set records in Pakistan, is now preparing to reach international audiences starting next month. This marks a significant milestone for the country's film industry and highlights the growing appeal of local storytelling.
The film will debut in the U.K., U.S., EU countries, and Canada on October 17, followed by a release in the Gulf Cooperation Council on October 23. The international rollout involves several distributors, each handling different regions. Bollywood Films & Cinema Specialist is responsible for the U.K., while World Cinema Partners and Cinema Specialist cover the U.S. and Canada. Multivoice Pictures Limited manages distribution in the EU, and FunAsia handles the GCC territories. This strategic approach ensures that "Deemak" reaches a wide range of global viewers.
Record-Breaking Performance
At the Pakistani box office, "Deemak" has earned PKR17.5 crore ($620,000), a groundbreaking achievement for the horror genre in the region. The film has claimed the title of Pakistan's highest-grossing horror film of all time and continues to play in select cinemas across the country. Its success underscores the increasing popularity of horror films in Pakistan and the potential for local productions to compete with international blockbusters.
Directed by Rafay Rashdi, known for his work on "Badshah Begum" and "The Java Plum Tree," and written by Ayesha Muzaffar, author of "Abus Jinns" and "Jinnistan," "Deemak" delves into the complex dynamics between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. The story unfolds against a backdrop of escalating paranormal disturbances within a family home, blending cultural elements with supernatural themes.
Strong Cast and Critical Recognition
The film features a stellar cast of Pakistani actors, including Faysal Quraishi, Sonya Hussyn, Samina Peerzada, Javed Sheikh, and Bushra Ansari. Their performances bring depth and authenticity to the narrative, contributing to the film's compelling storytelling.
In addition to its commercial success, "Deemak" has also received critical acclaim. It won the best editing award at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Film Festival earlier this year, further solidifying its reputation as a standout production.
Director and Producer Comments
Rafay Rashdi expressed his excitement about the film's international launch, calling it a defining moment for Pakistani cinema. He emphasized that "Deemak" has not only broken records at home but also demonstrated the power of local stories to rival Hollywood and Bollywood titles in the market. Rashdi believes that international audiences will connect with the film's emotional and cultural depth as much as its scares.
Syed Murad Ali, the executive producer, added that "Deemak" is more than just a horror film; it is a cultural export. He highlighted the film's reception in Pakistan and its recognition on the global festival stage as proof of its universal resonance. Ali is eager to see audiences around the world experience what has become a landmark achievement for the industry.
Evolution of Pakistan's Horror Genre
Pakistan's horror cinema has seen several milestones over the years. The cult classic "Zinda Laash" (1967) is considered the country's first horror feature and a South Asian take on Dracula. After decades of low-budget productions and TV serials, the genre experienced a modern revival with "Zibahkhana" (2007), an English-Urdu zombie slasher that became Pakistan's first horror film to screen at several international festivals. This paved the way for other notable titles such as "Maya" (2015) and "Aksbandh" (2016), which explored supernatural horror with local folklore elements.
More recently, "In Flames" (2023), a psychological horror film that debuted at Cannes' Directors' Fortnight, signaled a shift toward arthouse sensibilities. Although still niche and operating under conservative content constraints, Pakistan's horror genre continues to find its footing through hybrid narratives, festival exposure, and indie experimentation.
Looking Ahead
With "Deemak" set to expand globally, the film represents a new chapter for Pakistani cinema. Its international release is a testament to the growing influence of local storytelling and the potential for regional films to gain global recognition. As the film makes its way to new audiences, it promises to showcase the unique cultural and emotional depth that defines Pakistani horror.
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