Director says film ‘Money Back Guarantee’ to have ‘surprise element’ for viewers

People watch trailer of the Pakistani movie "Money Back Guarantee", on a screen installed at Cue Cinemas in Lahore on February 17, 2023. (Photo courtesy: Zashko Films)
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Updated 19 February 2023
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Director says film ‘Money Back Guarantee’ to have ‘surprise element’ for viewers

  • The film stars Fawad Khan, cricketer Wasim Akram among others
  • The action-comedy film is scheduled to be released on Eid Al-Fitr

LAHORE: Pakistani film ‘Money Back Guarantee’, which stars actor Fawad Khan and former cricketer Wasim Akram among others, will have a “surprise element” for viewers, its director said late Friday, as a new trailer of the movie was released at a star-studded event in Lahore.

The movie, which was supposed to be released in 2020 and postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic, will now release on Eid Al-Fitr. On Friday, the film’s newest trailer was launched at Lahore’s Cue Cinemas, with the cast and crew in attendance.

The action-comedy-thriller is written and directed by Faisal Qureshi and its cast includes Fawad Khan, Wasim Akram, Afzal Khan, Gohar Rasheed, Mikaal Zulfiqar, Ayesha Omar and Salman Saqib.

“This is actually a different film. Front story is that of a heist but the back story is different,” Qureshi told Arab News at the trailer launch on Friday.

“I want viewers to find it out when they come to watch it in the cinema. It will be a surprise element [for them], when they come. People will relate to a lot of issues [in the movie] such as inflation that Pakistan is currently facing.”

The movie will be Qureshi’s first as a writer and director. Prior to this, he has established himself as an advertising filmmaker.

“The film should do well, especially in the international community,” Fawad, who plays an integral role in the film, told Arab news.

“It’s an inside joke for Pakistanis and I hope you all take it in good spirits. All Pakistanis will enjoy watching it.”

Fawad will be playing a completely different character in ‘Money Back Guarantee,’ compared to his previous performance in the super hit Pakistani film, ‘The Legend of Maula Jatt,’ which was released last year.

Playing the role of a Pakhtun man in the film is another Pakistani actor, Mikaal Zulfiqar.

“I have always shied away from doing an accent, but I have attempted it this time,” Zulfiqar told Arab News. “I am excited to see how audiences take it.”

Money Back Guarantee revolves around the lives of seven individuals, said Saqib, who plays one of these characters in the film.

“The film is relatable not just for Pakistanis but [to anyone] in the world,” he said.

The movie has been shot mainly across Pakistan, with some sequences in Thailand.


‘Palestine 36’ set for Saudi cinemas in January

Updated 04 January 2026
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‘Palestine 36’ set for Saudi cinemas in January

DUBAI: Filmmaker Annemarie Jacir’s “Palestine 36,” which screened at Jeddah’s Red Sea International Film Festival, is scheduled for release in Saudi cinemas on Thursday.

The sweeping historical epic — Palestine’s official entry to the Oscars this year, which made it to the official longlist — is a deep exploration of resistance, resilience and the struggle of the Palestinian people. 

“Palestine 36” is set during the 1936 Arab Revolt and follows five interconnected narratives as villages across Palestine confront British colonial rule.

With rising numbers of Jewish immigrants escaping antisemitism in Europe, and the Palestinian population uniting against Britain’s 30-year dominion, all sides spiral toward inevitable collision in a decisive moment for the British Empire and the future of the entire region. 

The film won the Best Film award at the Tokyo International Film Festival.

Jacir — whose three previous feature films “Salt of this Sea,” “When I Saw You,” and “Wajib” were also official Palestinian Oscar entries — hopes “Palestine 36” will provide a mirror for audiences, particularly those from colonized or war-affected countries.  

“I hope people see themselves in the film,” she told Arab News in December. “I don’t want to teach anyone anything. There’s a lot of history in the film and there’s a lot of history that’s been erased. I hope that’s something that comes through.” 

The film features an ensemble cast, including Oscar-winner Jeremy Irons, “Game of Thrones” star Liam Cunningham, and Tunisian actor Dhafer L’Abidine, alongside Palestinian talents Hiam Abbass, Yasmine Al-Massri, Kamel El Basha, and Saleh Bakri.

At the Red Sea International Film Festival premiere of the film in December, Jacir walked the red carpet with Palestinian Jordanian designer Reema Dahbour, who dressed the director for the event.

Dahbour created a custom piece titled “From the River to the Sea,” which she described on social media as “a dress born from our narrative, our symbols, and our enduring connection to the land. A garment that mirrors the spirit showcased so powerfully in the film.”