Since the covid positivity rate is at an all-time low, movies that were delayed are finally nearing their release dates. Here are the most-anticipated movies we are looking forward to in the coming weeks!

From Hollywood

The Matrix Resurrections

Mr Anderson, welcome back! We really missed you. The most awaited release of this year is almost here. There’s no doubt that The Matrix trilogy has garnered a phenomenal fan following since its debut back in 1999. Now it’s coming back for a fourth round.

Directed solely by Lana Wachowski, as opposed to the previous three films which were headed by both the Wachowski sisters, the film is set to release worldwide on December 22^nd of this year. One thing is for sure, we’re going back inside the matrix! Despite the precedent that Neo and Trinity both die in Revolutions, original stars Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss are returning to play these characters once again. Is it a prequel? “No, no. No going in the past”, Reeves mentioned while doing an interview, reinforcing the idea that the movie is firmly set in a post-Revolutions era. Reeves also called it an “inspiring love story.”

The movie is to feature quite a set of new faces, including How I Met Your Mother star Neil Patrick Harris, Hamilton alumnus Jonathan Groff, The Addams Family star Christina Ricci, Quantico star Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and British actress Jessica Henwick.

The Batman

It’s been eight years since the last solo batman film graced the big screen. It is now coming back in all its glory. Featuring Robert Pattinson as our new Bruce Wayne and Paul Dano as The Riddler, the film is a reboot of the original Batman film franchise. Set in his second year of fighting crime, the movie follows the rich-orphan turned vigilante Batman as he deals with corruption in Gotham City whilst facing a serial killer known as the Riddler. Originally set to release in June 2021, the film faced pandemic-related production issues which pushed its release date to March 2022.

According to official reports, the caped crusader we know as batman is to take a slightly different approach than its predecessors as his character delves into personal struggles and takes on a more detective-esque route “Robert Pattinson delivers a raw, intense portrayal of Batman as a disillusioned, desperate vigilante awakened by the realization that the anger consuming him makes him no better than the ruthless serial killer he’s hunting”.

West Side Story

From Broadway to a movie screen; West Side Story is getting a revival.  While cinematic renditions of musicals haven’t always gone well, but unlike the horrific mess that Cats was, this project is headed by the one and only Steven Spielberg. He has a vast filmography to his name including titles like the Jurassic Park series, Indiana Jones, and Lincoln.

With a release scheduled for 10^th December of this year, the film will closely follow its source material from the famous 1957 play of the same name. The musical showcases a Romeo and Juliet-esque love story between Tony and Maria in New York City and the obstacles these two star-crossed lovers face by belonging to two rival gang factions. Starring The Fault in Our Stars actor Ansel Elgort as Tony and a new actress Rachel Zegler as Maria, the musical film is a much awaited project by the committed fan base of the show.

From Lollywood

Kahay Dil Jidhar

Facing one delay after another, Kahay Dil Jidhar will finally hit the wide-screen on 17th December. Touching on the realms of drug abuse, corruption, and mafias. Director Jalal Rumi is all set to tap into the conscience of the audience with his new feature film.

The film stars Junaid Khan, Mansha Pasha, Kamran Bari, Roma Michael, Atiqa Odho and Sajid Hassan amongst others. Centred on a group of friends full of zeal to change their existing state of affairs, the movie is expected to take us back and forth between their university days and present life. The squad that was once care-free is no more a squad in the present day and it seems that they have met again as professional rivals, intertwined in a mess that they’re trying to handle. Depicting a sensationalist vibe, Mansha plays the role of a dedicated journalist on a mission and Junaid is featured as a fearless cop surrounded by corruption.

Kahay Dil Jidhar has been penned by Kamran Bari, produced by Wijdaan Films and directed by Jalal Rumi. It is high time Pakistani cinema explores the real problems of our society and we’re hoping Kahay Dil Jidhar won’t disappoint.

Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad

The creative duo Nabeel Qureshi and Fizza Ali Meerza, who were behind projects like Na Maloom Afraad and Actor in Law, has come again with an action-comedy expected to release on 25^th December. The star cast of the movie features Fahad Mustafa and Mahira Khan.

This would also be the first time Mahira Khan and Fahad Mustafa will be coming together on the big screen. Fahad is playing the character of a notorious cop who has a knack for getting involved in dangerous situations and taking challenges. Whereas, Mahira can be seen equally involved in the risky escapades surrounding the plot, including fending off enemies with dual pepper sprays at a single time. The movie is expected to be chock full of twists, turns, and quick-witted humor.

Mujh Ko Pata Hai

Yasir Akhtar is back with yet another project that’s all set to premiere on national television on 23^rd November which also happens to be the maestro’s birthday.

Yasir Akhtar is back with not just one but rather a unique set of films called ‘Multinational Films,’ that will be comprised of 12 short films, each being 100 minutes in length. Shot in aesthetically pleasing countries including Pakistan, United Kingdom, U.S.A, Canada, and U.A.E among others, films will be aired quarterly on PTV. The films will also feature artists from all around the world to add to the multi-cultural value of the production.

The first installment of the 12 films will begin with the premiere of ‘Mujh Ko Pata Hai,’ which features Yasir Akhtar himself as a successful lawyer, married to Sophia Hussain. The film revolves around the couple’s happy life in London until things take a turn when Akhtar crosses paths with Neha (Nimra Khan) who is escaping an abusive relationship of hers. Written by Mussawir Khan and produced by Shaista Iram Zahid and Kamran Zahid the project is executively produced by Lubna Akhtar and Yasir Akhtar with Aabid Omer being the content head.

Parde Mein Rehne Do

A veteran director and producer Wajahat Rauf is all set to release his fourth film Parde Mein Rehne Do. Starring Ali Rehman and Hania Aamir the film spins around a social issue.

Asking about the details of the movie, the producer said that this time they have something different for viewers, unlike loaded wedding films. Rauf is pretty sure about the fact that the content is clean and brilliantly managed.

Rauf is producing the movie alongside Shazia Wajahat. The project wrapped filming in February 2021 and the trailer is expected to be out in the month of November.