Trailer launches are not the most fun events when it comes to a film's promotions. However, in the case of Humayun Saeed starrer Punjab Nahi Jaungi, HIP thoroughly enjoyed the evening, especially the baraati style arrival of the leading trio. Word of advice; Ahmed Ali Butt is your man when you need an event host.

The best thing about the launch was the attendance of almost all directors and filmmakers and/or leading casts whose films are releasing or have already released. Mehrunisa V Lub U’s Yasir and Danish Nawaz were there, Na Maloom Afraad 2’s Nabeel Qureshi, Fizza Ali Meerza, Fahad Mustafa and Hania Amir, Rangreza and Yalghaar’s Bilal Ashraf and Gohar Rasheed, and of course, PNJ’s Nadeem Baig were in attendance. Syed Jibran, Bushra Ansari, Arjumand Raheem, Frieha Altaf, Sami Khan, Feroze Khan, Hamza Ali Abbasi with the cast of PNJ including Humayun Saeed, Urwa Hocane, Mehwish Hayat, Azfar Rehman, Mr. and Mrs. Behroze Sabzwari and Ahmed Ali Butt were present.

During the press conference, Saeed shared that Khalil ur Rehman Qamar, the writer of the film had written PNJ as a serial. His wife Samina and her right hand Sana Shahnawaz had the script. He got a chance to read it and about 8 episodes down, he told Khalil ur Rehman that he wants to make a film. Humayun Saeed is also one of the producers on the film. He convinced Sohail Ahmed to return to the screen after 12 long years. Our two pence would be: the script is solid!

Yasir Nawaz had a lot to say at the event. Addressing bloggers, he requested not to publish film reviews before the film was released.

“A lot of our audiences read them and follow them. Your reviews stop them from watching our films. Not everyone will like your work, that is understandable and constructive criticism is always welcome, but posting reviews before the film is actually released spoils it for everyone. We show you our films before the release so you can have your reviews ready at the time of release. Word of mouth is important but timing is also key.”

Humayun and Ahmed Ali kept the atmosphere fun and light. Humayun revealed Jawani Phir Nahi Aani’s sequel is on the way and it will feature Fahad Mustafa as well. He also shared that few years down the line, he will only be producing films and casting ‘khubru naujawan’ like Bilal Ashraf, Gohar Rasheed, and Feroze Khan.

The support shown for the PNJ team was overwhelming. Everyone came out excited after watching the trailer. The fact that there will be two potential blockbusters releasing on Eid makes us wish time would go faster.

Also read: 'Punjab Nahi Jaongi' trailer has its stars channelling our vibrant desi culture