Music plays an important role in the film.
Pakistani filmmaker Sarmad Khoosat’s upcoming film Lali is set to premiere at the 76th Berlinale Film Festival in Berlin.
The makers confirmed the world premiere via a single Instagram post, unveiling the film’s official poster and festival details for 2026.
The festival will run for ten days, from February 12 to February 22, 2026, drawing audiences from around the world.
The poster depicts a baraat bus crammed with relatives, moody cousins, and curious onlookers in a chaotic wedding scene.
The groom hides behind a tacky sehra, while the bride, played by Mamya Shahjaffar, looks visibly stunned.
The image reflects either a story set in an earlier era or one rooted in lower-middle-class Pakistani life.
Around the couple, prying relatives and grumpy uncles create tension, each expression hinting at unspoken drama and comic undertones.
Lali features a talented ensemble cast including Rasti Farooq from Joyland and Meher Bano of Churail, among others.
The filmmakers have combined established actors with new faces to portray a realistic, layered depiction of wedding dynamics and chaos.
Music plays an important role in the film, with original songs by Star Shah adding contemporary energy to the story.
The score has been composed by Abdullah Siddiqui, providing cohesion and emotional depth to the wedding narrative throughout the film.
Produced by Khoosat Films and Dubai-based Enso Studios, the film has executive producers Saim Sadiq and Tooba Siddiqui supporting the project.
The poster and film highlight the unique textures of Pakistani culture, family tensions, and humour.
Premiering at Berlinale, Lali joins other Pakistani films finding their first audiences at major international festivals across the globe.
The decision positions the film on a global platform, introducing viewers to Pakistani stories with relatable human themes and humour.
Lali captures everyday chaos at South Asian weddings while also addressing cultural traditions, family pressures, and generational differences in subtle ways.
This collaboration between local and international producers emphasises the growing interest in Pakistani cinema on prominent global platforms and audiences.
The film’s chaotic wedding frame, lively characters, and detailed mise-en-scène suggest both comic and dramatic storytelling woven through cinematic realism.
Audiences will also witness music, dialogue, and performances reflecting authentic Pakistani culture while maintaining a universal narrative for international viewers.
With its Berlinale debut, Lali is expected to attract critical attention, contribute to Pakistan’s film presence abroad, and spark discussions.
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