| Gunjal | |
| Native Name: | گنجل |
| Director: | Shoaib Sultan |
| Screenplay: | Ali Kazmi |
| Story: | Shoaib Sultan |
| Based On: | Murder of Iqbal Masih[1] |
| Producer: | Nighat Akbar Shah[2] |
| Starring: | Ahmed Ali Akbar Resham Amna Ilyas Ahmad Ali Butt |
| Cinematography: | Ikram Khan |
| Editing: | Mahad Ali Sajid Sean T Faust |
| Music: | Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Qamar Parvi Mobeen Zahid Zonaib Zahid Xarb |
| Studio: | Adur Productions Film |
| Distributor: | Eveready Pictures |
| Runtime: | 137 minutes |
| Country: | Pakistan |
| Language: | Urdu Punjabi |
| Budget: | TBA |
| Gross: | PKR 2 Crore |
Gunjal is a 2023 Pakistani action crime thriller film inspired by the true story of a Pakistani child labour activist Iqbal Masih, who led a movement against child labour in 1990s before his tragic murder. The film is directed by Shoaib Sultan, produced by Nighat Akbar Shah and written by Nirmal Bano and Ali Kazmi.[3] Zonaib Zahid and Xarb are the music directors, while the background score is performed by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Qamar Parvi, Mobeen Zahid and Zonaib Zahid. It features Ahmed Ali Akbar, Resham, Amna Ilyas and Ahmad Ali Butt in leading roles. The film release on 15 December 2023.[4] [5] [6] [7]
The film revolves around the traverse the journalistic odyssey of Shahbaz Bhatti, a relentless seeker of truth, as he immerses himself in the intricate investigation surrounding the lamentable demise of Iqbal Masih. Iqbal, a courageous child activist, had ardently and fearlessly battled against the pervasive practice of child labor in the tumultuous landscape of 1990s Pakistan.
Bhatti's quest unfurls against the backdrop of a society ensconced in hidden secrets, where the palpable tension of concealed truths interweaves with the complexities of intricate conspiracies. The film artfully peels back the layers, inviting the audience to navigate through the labyrinthine corridors of a world fraught with shadows and half-revealed realities.
As the story unfolds, it invites viewers into a nuanced exploration of not only the investigative process but also the socio-political milieu that shrouded Iqbal's activism. The poignant narrative delves into the depths of a society grappling with its own dichotomies, making each revelation a poignant brushstroke on the canvas of a larger, more profound story.[8] [9]
In April 2023, it was reported that Ahmed Ali Akbar working on an upcoming project which is based on the Social issues of Children's and which is produced by Nighat Akbar Shah. The primary film shooting took place in Lahore and Rural areas of Pakistan.[12] [13]
Trailer for the film released on 30 September 2023.[14] The film is set to release on 15 December 2023 in Nationwide and Internationally. The film also made a pre-launch event on 20 November 2023 at UMT University, Lahore on the occasion of Children's Day.[15] [16] [17]