Aksbandh
First Pakistani supernatural found footage horror film.
Aksbandh (previously Paranormal Karachi Nights) is a 2016 Pakistani supernatural found footage horror film. It is recognized as the first film of its kind from Pakistan, produced, written, and directed by Emran Hussain and co-written by Ayaz Samoo. The film was produced under the banners of Cinematic Media and Big Idea Entertainment, and distributed by Hum Films.
Quick Facts
- Director
- Emran Hussain
- Producer
- Naveed Arshad / Seemeen Naveed / Emran Hussain
- Writer
- Emran Hussain / Ayaz Samoo
- Starring
- Ayaz Samoo / Danial Afzal Khan / Saud Imtiaz / Shehzeen Rahat / Mahrukh Rizvi / Bilal Yousufzai / Arshad Ali
- Music
- Ajay Gupta
- Cinematography
- Farrukh Hussain
- Editing
- Zack & Yasir Qazi
- Studio
- Big Idea Entertainment / Cinematic Media
- Distributor
- Hum Films
- Released
- 20 May 2016
- Runtime
- 89 minutes
- Country
- Pakistan
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The plot of Aksbandh follows six friends who set out on a fun adventure trip to Drigh Lake in Larkana to make a small budget horror film. When the trip takes a nasty turn, the six friends find themselves mixed up in paranormal activities. The cast includes Ayaz Samoo as Sunny, Danial Afzal Khan as Ayaan, Saud Imtiaz as Shehzad, Shehzeen Rahat as Sadia, Bilal Yousufzai as Raheel, Mahrukh Rizvi as Aaliya, and Arshad Ali as Chacha.
Reader's Guide
Aksbandh was completely shot and produced in Pakistan, except for sound recording and mixing, which was done in India. A teaser trailer was revealed on 15 November 2015, and the theatrical trailer and final poster were released on 23 April 2016. The film was released across Pakistani cinemas on 20 May 2016. A review in Dawn noted that the experiment by ad-makers-turned-producers Naveed Arshad and Seemeen Naveed would help the film industry along in a big way, irrespective of box office results, and that the future is bright for independent Pakistani films. Another review called the film 'a spooky treat,' and The News International found it 'surprisingly good.'
Did You Know?
- Aksbandh was previously titled Paranormal Karachi Nights.
- It is the first supernatural found footage horror film from Pakistan.
- Sound recording and mixing for the film were done in India.
- The film was distributed by Hum Films on 20 May 2016.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aksbandh?
Aksbandh is a 2016 Pakistani supernatural horror movie shot in the handheld found footage style. Before its final release, it carried the working title Paranormal Karachi Nights.
Who directed and produced Aksbandh?
Emran Hussain both wrote and directed the film while also serving as its producer. Ayaz Samoo joined as a co-writer on the project.
Why is Aksbandh considered a landmark for Pakistani cinema?
It is credited as the first supernatural found footage horror film ever made in Pakistan. That made it a genre-first for the country, introducing the raw, improvised-camera horror format to a local audience.
Which companies were behind the production and distribution of Aksbandh?
Cinematic Media and Big Idea Entertainment produced the film under their respective banners. Hum Films took on the distribution role.
What year did Aksbandh come out and what genre does it belong to?
The film was released in 2016 and sits squarely in the supernatural found footage horror category. It blends ghost-story elements with the shaky, diegetic camera aesthetic that defines the subgenre.
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