The Pakistan entertainment edition

January 18, 2026

As 2026 unfolds, Pakistani entertainment finds itself at an interesting crossroads. Cinema is tentatively regaining its footing after years of uncertainty and television continues to dominate daily viewing habits. From box office surprises and viral dramas to genre experiments and YouTube juggernauts, the past year has offered plenty to talk about. Think you have kept up with it all? Let’s put that to the test.

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1. Which 2025 Pakistani film starring Mahira Khan smashed box office records and emerged as one of the year’s biggest cinematic hits?

a) Neelofar

b) Aag Lagay Basti Mein

c) Love Guru

d) Indus Echoes

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3. Which upcoming drama, written by Farhat Ishtiaq and directed by Shehzad Kashmiri, is one of the most anticipated new series this year?

a) Dar-e-Nijaat

b) My Dear Cinderella

c) Load Wedding

d) Zanjeerein

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5. Which Pakistani drama was one of the most watched on YouTube in 2025, known for its high view counts and controversies?

a) Dastak

b) Sher

c) Main Manto Nahi Hoon

d) Mann Mast Malang

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2. Which ongoing Pakistani TV drama featuring Bilal Abbas Khan and Hania Aamir became one of the standout romantic series of late 2025?

a) Judwaa

b) Meri Zindagi Hai Tu

c) Iqtidar

d) Parwarish

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4. Which genre-bending horror film released in 2025, featuring Faysal Quraishi and Sonya Hussyn, carved out a fresh corner for local cinema?

a) Deemak

b) The Martial Artist

c) Qulfi

d) Moklani

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Answers

1. The correct answer is c.

Love Guru, headlined by Humayun Saeed and Mahira Khan, dominated the 2025 box office after its Eid-ul-Azha release. At a time when Pakistani cinema has struggled to consistently pull audiences into theatres, the film arrived as a reminder of the pull of star power and commercial storytelling. The reunion of Saeed and Khan proved to be a major draw, tapping into nostalgia while appealing to viewers familiar with both actors across different stages of their careers.

Beyond its commercial success, Love Guru became a talking point for its production values, music and marketing strategy. Its performance locally and overseas underlined the importance of timing, accessibility and broad appeal in a price sensitive and cautious market. The film also reignited conversations around what kind of cinema can realistically thrive in Pakistan today, with many pointing to the continued dominance of romance and star driven narratives.

2. The correct answer is b.

Meri Zindagi Hai Tu, starring Bilal Abbas Khan and Hania Aamir, emerged as one of the most talked about television dramas of 2025. In a landscape saturated with romantic storylines, the series carved out its own space through pacing, emotional sincerity and strong performances from its leads. The pairing of Abbas Khan and Aamir generated immediate interest, with audiences responding positively to their on screen chemistry.

Music played a crucial role in the drama’s popularity. Its soundtrack, performed by Asim Azhar and the Sabri Sisters and composed by Azhar, gained traction across streaming platforms and social media. Its success highlighted the continued relevance of traditional romance on television when presented with freshness and emotional grounding rather than relying purely on formula.

3. The correct answer is d.

According to industry sources, Zanjeerein stands out as one of the highly anticipated Pakistani drama projects slated for 2026. Written by Farhat Ishtiaq, whose work has shaped the emotional vocabulary of Pakistani television through titles such as Humsafar, Diyar-e-Dil and Udaari, and directed by Shehzad Kashmiri, the series has generated considerable buzz ahead of its premiere. It features a star-studded cast including Sajal Aly, Ahsan Khan, Sahar Hashmi, Danyal Zafar and Ameer Gilani.

Ishtiaq’s writing is known for its psychological depth, moral complexity and nuanced portrayal of relationships, qualities audiences have come to expect from her projects. The anticipation surrounding Zanjeerein also reflects a broader shift in viewer preferences towards stories that prioritise character development over sensationalism. With Kashmiri’s restrained visual style, seen previously in Bin Roye and Parizaad, expectations are high for a drama rooted in emotional realism rather than spectacle.

4. The correct answer is a.

Deemak offered something genuinely different to Pakistani cinema in 2025. Starring Faysal Quraishi, Sonya Hussyn and Samina Peerzada, the film blended family drama with elements of psychological horror and the supernatural. While horror has often struggled locally, Deemak approached the genre with a different sensibility, focusing on atmosphere, tension and emotional unease rather than cheap scares.

The film’s reception pointed to a growing appetite for genre experimentation within Pakistani cinema, particularly when supported by strong performances. Quraishi’s presence lent credibility to the project, while Hussyn and Peerzada added emotional weight. Distributed by Geo Films and Mandviwalla Entertainment and produced by Wah Wah Productions, Deemak was not a traditional blockbuster. Even so, it made its mark by opening doors for filmmakers interested in darker, more unconventional narratives.

5. The correct answer is d.

Mann Mast Malang exploded on YouTube in 2025, becoming one of the most watched Pakistani dramas online. Its staggering view counts made it impossible to ignore, even for viewers critical of its content. The drama underlined YouTube’s dominance as a platform for Pakistani television, frequently surpassing traditional ratings in reach and influence.

Airing on Geo TV network, the series was not without controversy, particularly over its themes and narrative choices. It sparked debates about quality, responsibility and audience taste, though its popularity underscored a persistent reality of the local market: mass appeal often outweighs critical consensus. 

The Pakistan entertainment edition