‘Love Guru’ set to reignite Pakistani cinema

Pakistani cinema has struggled since the pandemic. Some blame low-quality productions, while others point to rising ticket prices, making them inaccessible. But that could change with Love Guru—a film poised to reignite the industry, just as Main Hoon Shahid Afridi did in 2013.

Directed by Nadeem Baig, written by Vasay Chaudhry, and featuring the star pair of Humayun Saeed and Mahira Khan, Love Guru is all set for release at Eid ul Azha later this year. With every flop, the industry edges closer to collapse. But Love Guru has all the right ingredients to turn things around.

If you know the people behind the upcoming flick, you already expect a game-changer. But if you’re still wondering why, here’s what makes this film a potential industry savior.

The iconic Humayun Saeed – Mahira Khan pair is back

Few on-screen pairs have shaped Pakistani cinema, like Humayun Saeed and Mahira Khan; they played a huge role in reviving the current Pakistani cinema, with Mahira Khan appearing in Bol and Humayun Saeed in Main Hoon Shahid Afridi.

Now, for the third time in 14 years—after Neeyat and Bin Roye—they reunite in Love Guru, a pairing that has always worked magic. Humayun Saeed was there when Mahira Khan made her debut as a TV actress in Neeyat; he was there supporting her in Bin Roye, which was her first film as a leading actress.

‘Neeyat’ may have been overshadowed by Humsafar, and Bin Roye became a phenomenon on TV and film. But together, these projects cemented Mahira and Humayun as a powerhouse duo. Few know that Humayun Saeed was initially set to star in Humsafar, but he recommended Fawad Khan for the role instead.

Nadeem Baig and Vasay Chaudhry: The dream team that never misses

But a hit cast isn’t enough—every great film needs a visionary team behind the scenes. Enter Nadeem Baig and Vasay Chaudhry. Together, they’ve delivered mega-hits like Jawani Phir Nahi Ani and its sequel. Vasay also wrote the script for Main Hoon Shahid Afridi. In contrast, Nadeem Baig was the creative force behind the phenomenally successful Punjab Nahi Jaungi, London Nahi Jaunga, and Teri Meri Kahaniyaan.

Though Vasay starred in London Nahi Jaunga, this marks his first writing collaboration with Nadeem Baig in seven years. Their last film, Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2, is still the most successful Urdu film made in Pakistan, and they hope to repeat that success through Love Guru.

Eid ul Azha is the best time for the ‘revival’

Humayun Saeed isn’t just Pakistan’s most revered cinematic icon; he is also one of the most successful producers in the business. Beyond his impressive acting career, he’s also a powerhouse producer with hits like London Nahi Jaunga, Punjab Nahi Jaungi, Jawani Phir Nahi Ani, and its sequel to his credit.

His track record speaks for itself: Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2 (Rs. 730 million), London Nahi Jaunga (Rs. 550 million), Punjab Nahi Jaungi (Rs. 516.5 million), and Jawani Phir Nahi Ani (Rs. 500 million). These hits shared one key factor: an Eid ul Azha release—just like Love Guru will.

Add Mahira Khan to the equation, and you are bound to have a film that might kickstart another revival and, hopefully, move the industry forward.

Big budgets, big comeback

Ever since the success of The Legend of Maula Jatt, no Pakistani film – be it in Urdu or Punjabi – has managed to do well at the box office. The biggest reason? Audience expectations. They now know that when Pakistani filmmakers put their minds to it, they can create blockbusters.

Sadly, significant box office returns require big investments—something only Humayun Saeed and his team at Six Sigma Plus can afford. They have cracked the success formula at the box office in the past, and they can do the same with Love Guru, which has everything going in its favor now.

In short, if any film can bring back the audience to the cinemas, it would be Love Guru, which has a tried and tested team at the helm, a magical pair in the lead, and an entertainment-deprived audience waiting for it. If everything goes well, the Pakistani cinema industry will receive a considerable boost through Nadeem Baig-Humayun Saeed-Vasay Chaudhry’s next flick.

This isn’t just a comeback—it’s a battle against cinema's biggest threats, mediocre local films and OTT platforms. Love Guru might be the blockbuster that turns the tide.