Chikkar
Directed byZaheer Uddin
Screenplay byZaheer Uddin
Produced byZaheer Uddin
Hamza Imam
Starring
Edited byImran Mushtaq
Music byUsman Sheikh
Haroon Sheikh
Production
company
Dareechay Films
Release date
  • 22 December 2023 (2023-12-22)
Running time
173 minutes
CountryPakistan
LanguageUrdu
Box officeRs. 0.70 crore (US$24,000)[1]

Chikkar is a 2023 Pakistani film directed and produced by Zaheer Uddin in his directorial debut.[2] The film features an ensemble cast of Usman Mukhtar, Ushna Shah, Nausheen Shah, Adnan Shah Tipu, Saleem Mairaj and Faryal Mehmood. [3] It first premiered on 20 December 2023 in Nueplex Cinemas [4] and was released in theatres nationwide two days later.[5][6]

Plot summary edit

After the brutal killing of a dancer in Diyalpur, a dedicated police officer takes charge of the case, determined to ensure justice for the perpetrators. As he delves into the investigation, he becomes ensnared in a web of deception and falsehoods, opting for the challenging path even at the risk of his own life and the well-being of his loved ones, just a few steps away from reaching a resolution.[7]

Cast edit

Reception edit

Dawn praised the story and performances of the actors while pointing out its flaws, the reviewer noted its lengthy screenplay, dull-drab colour grading and ambience-thickening background score.[11] The Express Tribune praised the performances of several actors, use of humour and Zaheer Uddin's direction stating, "Within its allotted runtime, the debutant filmmaker has crafted an immersive story with consistent visual grammar, subtle red herrings, and a multilayered film universe."[12] The News International praised the direction for compelling the narrative skillfully, performances of the supporting cast more than the main leads, Mukhtar and Shah, but criticized the movie's flat humour and needlessly stretched conclusion.[13][14]

Production edit

The trailer of the film was released on 1 December 2023.[10][15]

References edit

  1. ^ "Box office Nayab, Chikkar". Pakistani cinema. 29 January 2024.
  2. ^ "Ushna Shah, Usman Mukhtar team up in 'Chikkar' for riveting crime thriller". Samaa TV. December 15, 2023.
  3. ^ "Chikkar is getting murder mystery crime thriller right a fuchsia review". Fuchsia Magazine. 23 December 2023.
  4. ^ "Premiere of crime thriller film Chikkar in Karachi - Aaj News". Aaj English TV. December 21, 2023.
  5. ^ "Audience full of praise for film at premiere of 'Chikkar'". The News International. December 21, 2023.
  6. ^ Desk, Entertainment (December 20, 2023). "Usman Mukhtar's film 'Chikkad' gets a captivating boost from wife Zunaira Inam". thecurrent.pk.
  7. ^ Chughtai, Warshma (November 27, 2023). "Chikkar's Journey From Vision To Reality With Usman Mukhtar And Zaheer Uddin".
  8. ^ "'Chikkar': Usman Mukthar Drops Teaser For His Latest Film - Lens".
  9. ^ Butt, Ifrah (December 23, 2023). "Ushna Shah's Misunderstanding On The Sets Of 'Chikkar'".
  10. ^ a b "'Chikkar' trailer promises a gripping crime drama with a mystery waiting to be unwrapped". The Express Tribune. December 2, 2023.
  11. ^ MOHAMMAD KAMRAN JAWA D (7 January 2024). "THE ICON REVIEW: IN MUD, LOOKING UP AT THE STARS". Dawn.com.
  12. ^ Manahil Tahira (December 24, 2023). "Review: Flat humour and ambitious cops, 'Chikkar' is a good one-time watch". The Express Tribune.
  13. ^ Gaitee Ara Siddiqui (January 7, 2024). "In the picture". The News International.
  14. ^ "Netizens criticise Ushna Shah, Faryal Mehmood over fashion choices at Chikkar premiere". Daily Pakistan Global. December 23, 2023.
  15. ^ "Trailer for 'Chikkar' released". December 2, 2023.

External links edit