The release of two new Pakistani films Namaloom Afraad and O21 on Eidul Azha caused quite a bit of stir in showbiz circles.

If cineplex stats are anything to go by, people have liked Namaloom Afraad more than O21, which is not the point.

The point is that after a long, long time two Pakistani films have completely overshadowed an Indian and a Hollywood release on Eid day. This is an extremely encouraging sign. People did not pack the theatres for The Maze Runner or Bang Bang. They seemed more interested in Pakistani films. So way to go!

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, October 26th, 2014