Pakistani filmmaker Sarmad Khoosat’s upcoming feature Lali has secured its world premiere at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival in February 2026, marking another major step for Pakistani cinema on the global stage.
The announcement was made through the film’s official Instagram page, which revealed the first poster and confirmed its debut. “Our hearts are full of gratitude, of stories, of all those who held this film with care,” the makers wrote while sharing the news.
The newly unveiled poster has already struck a chord with viewers for evoking the unmistakable chaos of a desi wedding in motion. Set inside a packed baraat bus, the image mirrors the familiar disorder, curiosity and tension of such journeys. The frame brings together nosy relatives, indifferent elders and restless youngsters, capturing the atmosphere of a wedding procession in transit.
Watch the official trailer here:
At the centre of the image sits the groom, his face hidden behind an ornate sehra, while opposite him is the bride, played by Mamya Shahjaffar, dressed in traditional attire and visibly overwhelmed. The composition reflects both humour and unease, suggesting a story rooted in everyday social realities.
Lali brings together an ensemble that includes Rasti Farooq, seen in a grumpy avatar, and Meher Bano, alongside several other cast members.
The film unfolds as a darkly comic and emotionally charged narrative centred on Zeba, a young bride navigating life in the shantytowns of Sahiwal. Newly married to Sajawal, a man troubled by insecurity and paranoia, she finds support in her outspoken mother-in-law Sohni Ammi and her quiet neighbour Bholi. Haunted by the deaths of three former suitors, Zeba carries a past that fuels fear and suspicion, blurring the line between love and danger. As tensions rise, desire turns volatile and everyday life slips into surreal territory.
Music plays a key role in shaping the film’s tone, with original songs by Punjabi hip-hop artist Star Shah and a background score composed by Abdullah Siddiqui.
Produced by Khoosat Films in collaboration with Dubai-based Enso Studios, Lali also counts Saim Sadiq and actor Tooba Siddiqui among its executive producers.
With its blend of wedding spectacle, psychological tension and social commentary, Lali promises a story that is deeply rooted in local culture while resonating far beyond it. Its selection for a Berlinale world premiere places it among a growing list of Pakistani films finding their first major audience on the world’s most influential festival stages.
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