KARACHI: Actor and producer Hareem Farooq has described her upcoming Punjabi-language film Mango Jutt as a project for audiences across Pakistan, stressing that Punjabi cinema should not be limited to viewers in Punjab.
Speaking to The Express Tribune at the film’s music launch in Karachi, Farooq said bringing the production to this stage had been a challenging but rewarding journey. The film, which also stars Faysal Quraishi, is scheduled to release in cinemas across Pakistan and internationally on October 16.
“My message is that people should watch this film with an open heart. It is for all of Pakistan. Just because it is a Punjabi film does not mean it is only for Punjab. It is a film for the entire country,” Farooq said.
The film combines action, comedy, romance and Punjabi cultural elements, with its cast and producers hoping to attract a broad audience.
Farooq said the response to the project had been encouraging and that anticipation was growing as the release date approached.
“The feedback is growing and expectations have become very high. Allah will make things work out, Insha’Allah. As I have said, for me, it is already a success,” she said.
Karachi launch marks milestone for Hareem Farooq
For Farooq, the Karachi event carried particular significance because of the city’s role in her professional journey.
She said launching her production house’s project in Karachi was important, given the love and support she had received from the city.
“I had to come to Karachi. Without Karachi, my work as a producer would not have been complete. A city that has given me so much love, how could I launch my production house without coming here?” she said.
The producer also reflected on the effort required to bring Mango Jutt to the screen, praising the cast and crew for their commitment despite difficult working conditions.
According to Farooq, the team faced challenging shooting schedules and had to work through both hot and cold weather.
“Every actor who worked with me on the set gave their heart to the project. When we all came together, everyone would ask what needed to be done,” she said.
“We shot some very difficult scenes, worked in the heat and cold, and everyone worked extremely hard. We worked together as a team.”
Farooq acknowledged that the production had faced moments of uncertainty, when she was unsure whether the film would ultimately be completed and released.
“There were so many challenges that, at one point, I thought I did not know whether the film would even happen. I left everything to Allah. The fact that we are standing here today, celebrating it and preparing to show it to audiences, is a success for me,” she said.
She encouraged cinema-goers to watch the film when it opens, adding that she was looking forward to seeing how audiences respond.
Faysal Quraishi promises family-friendly entertainment
Quraishi, who plays the lead role, described Mango Jutt as an entertaining production that brings together romance, music, comedy and action.
The actor said the cast had been eagerly awaiting the release, with his family also keen to see the film.
“We have been waiting for this like anything. My wife has asked me so many times when the film is coming out,” he said.
Quraishi also addressed the film’s romantic storyline, explaining that romance did not necessarily mean a production was unsuitable for family viewing.
“It is a very entertaining film. Romance does not necessarily mean that you cannot sit and watch it with your family. It is a little nostalgic, caring kind of romance,” he said.
He added that consent was an important underlying theme in the story, which audiences would recognise as the narrative developed.
“That is an underlying element of the film,” Quraishi said.
He added that the team had tried to balance humour, action and other elements to create an enjoyable cinematic experience.
“We have tried our best to make it an amazing movie. Now we will see how people receive it,” he said.
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Quraishi picks his favourite romantic song
Discussing the film’s soundtrack, Quraishi said he appreciated all the songs but had a particular fondness for a romantic number featuring him and Farooq.
“All the songs are special, but there is a romantic song featuring Hareem and me that I really like. The song turned out beautifully, and we had a lovely time shooting it,” he said.
Farooq, meanwhile, highlighted a dialogue from the film that she had not expected to become so popular before its release.
The line plays on the title and central character’s name: “Tu Murad Jutt nahi, Mango Jutt, tu mitha vi ain te sohnra vi ain.”
The dialogue has become one of the lines Farooq has singled out while discussing the film ahead of its theatrical debut.
Star-studded cast prepares for October release
Directed by Abu Aleeha, Mango Jutt features a supporting cast that includes Shamoon Abbasi, Qaiser Piya, Honey Albela, Hassan Murad and Ayesha Jahanzeb.
With its combination of Punjabi culture, comedy, romance and action, the film aims to appeal to viewers beyond its language audience.
Farooq’s message remains central to the film’s promotion: she hopes audiences across Pakistan will approach the project with an open mind and judge it on its entertainment value rather than its language.
The film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on October 16, when its cast and producers will find out how audiences respond to their efforts.
