‘Neelofar’ hits cinemas next month | The Express Tribune

KARACHI:

The wait is finally over for fans of Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan – Pakistan’s most beloved on-screen duo – as their long-delayed romantic drama ‘Neelofar’ is set to release worldwide on November 28, 2025.

Written and directed by Ammar Rasool, the film promises a deeply emotional story that reunites the pair more than a decade after ‘Humsafar’ turned them into household names.

Fawad Khan, who also serves as the film’s executive producer alongside Hassaan Khalid, shared the official poster on social media with a heartfelt caption: “Jis mulaqat ka dil se intezar hai wo November 28th ko ho ge.”

The poster, featuring Mahira’s hand gently brushing Fawad’s face as both stand immersed in quiet emotion, instantly ignited nostalgia among fans who have long awaited their return to the big screen.

According to the filmmakers, Neelofar tells the story of a visually-impaired woman, portrayed by Mahira Khan, and her poignant connection with Mansoor Ali Khan, a writer played by Fawad.

The film explores themes of love, loss and self-discovery – a simple yet soul-stirring narrative that promises to linger long after the credits roll.

The supporting cast includes Madiha Imam, Sarwat Gilani, Atiqa Odho, Behroze Sabzwari, Gohar Rasheed, Faisal Qureshi, Samiya Mumtaz, Rashid Farooqui, Chand Baral, Seemi Raheel, Adeel Hashmi, Hira Tareen and Navid Shahzad.

With a background score by Zeeshan ‘Vicky’ Haider and production by Usaf Shariq, the film is being distributed globally by the Distribution Club, with HUM Network as the media partner.

‘Neelofar’ was first announced in 2020 and faced several delays, but the project has remained close to fans’ hearts. It marks Fawad and Mahira’s third collaboration, following ‘Humsafar’ (2011) and ‘The Legend of Maula Jatt’ (2022) – the latter being Pakistan’s highest-grossing film to date.

Critics and analysts expect ‘Neelofar’ to play a major role in strengthening Pakistan’s cinematic footprint internationally. Fawad, who recently starred in ‘Abir Gulaal’, and Mahira, known for her grounded screen presence, bring a maturity to their roles that reflects their growth as artists.

Early reactions to the first look have been overwhelmingly positive, with fans hailing it as “the cinematic heartbreak of the year.” After years of anticipation, ‘Neelofar’ looks ready to remind audiences why Fawad and Mahira remain Pakistan’s most captivating on-screen pair – timeless, tender, and effortlessly magical.