‘I had to play against my nature,’ says Mahira Khan | The Express Tribune

The trailer of the upcoming Pakistani film Aag Lage Basti Mein, starring Mahira Khan and Fahad Mustafa, has been unveiled ahead of its scheduled Eid-ul-Fitr release, drawing attention from across the country’s entertainment industry.

The film, written and directed by Bilal Atif Khan, blends comedy, action and romance, and is positioned as a commercial entertainer aimed at festive audiences.

The story follows Barkat, played by Fahad Mustafa, an honest but struggling man, and his wife Almaas, portrayed by Mahira Khan, who grows frustrated with what she sees as his idealistic approach to life. Their relationship forms the emotional core of a narrative that moves between domestic tensions and criminal misadventure.

The trailer features action sequences, humour and glimpses of the couple’s strained marriage, including scenes suggesting Barkat’s involvement in crime may lead to serious consequences.

The film also marks the mainstream cinema debut of social media personality Samra Shehzadi, who rose to prominence online through viral content. Speaking at the trailer launch, she described her first film appearance as an emotional and exciting experience.

Veteran actor Salahuddin Tunio, Fahad Mustafa’s father, will share screen space with his son for the first time. Speaking to The Express Tribune, Mustafa said a scene in which his father slapped him carried emotional significance, adding that he continues to learn from him as an actor.

“There was a scene in which someone had to slap me, and that slap came from my father a slap filled with love and blessings. I have been working with my father since a very young age. I have been slapped in dramas before as well”

Mahira Khan said the role was different from characters she has previously portrayed. She noted that the brief required her to play a more confrontational personality, something she said did not come naturally to her, but added that the strength of the script helped her prepare for the role.

“Bilal insisted and said this role was meant for me and that I could do it. So, I spent a lot of time observing people and preparing for the character. The truth is, the script was written so well that it made the process easier.”

The supporting cast includes Javed Sheikh as a crime boss and comedian Tabish Hashmi in a negative role.

Speaking at the event, Fahad Mustafa described the film as a “paisa vasool” entertainer, while Javed Sheikh said audiences would appreciate its storyline and cinematic appeal.

‘Aag Lage Basti Mein’ is scheduled for release in cinemas across Pakistan on Eid-ul-Fitr.