Pakistani film Zinda Bhaag, currently doing record business in Pakistani theatres, is set to be released in the USA on 18th October.

“This is another stamp of approval for Zinda Bhaag. It is the first Pakistani film to have found US release while still in theatres”

, said producer Mazhar Zaidi.

Zinda Bhaag, starring Naseeruddin Shah and directed by Meenu and Farjad has earned huge praise across the board. After picking up four awards at the Mosaic-Misaff festival in Canada it became Pakistan’s first entry in fifty years for Oscars consideration.

Mohsin Hamid, author of The Reluctant Fundamentalist, wrote in his citation as member of the Pakistani Academy Selection Committee “Zinda Bhaag is funny, natural, hip and casually audacious – A real step forward for contemporary Pakistani cinema and a pleasure to watch”.

Twitter and other social media forums went into overdrive at the news. “I have heard so much about this film, can’t wait to see it”, said Ayesha, a cine goer in Los Angeles.

On a phone line from Dallas, the US distributors were equally enthusiastic. “We are very excited to bring Zinda Bhaag to audiences living in the US on the joyous occasion of Eid”, said Shariq Hamid, Chief Operating Officer, FunAsiA, “It is high time that good quality Pakistani cinema is promoted in the US.”

Cinemas showing Zinda Bhaag include, Dallas: FunAsiA Richardson - Houston: FunAsiA Movies, Carmike - Virginia/DC: Loehmann's Twins, Falls Church - Los Angeles: UA Los Cerritos Galaxy 11 - Bay Area SF: Big Cinemas Freemont 7 - Atlanta: Peachtree Cinemas - Chicago: Golf Glen Stadium 5 - New York: TBA - New Jersey: Movie City 8.