Key Points
- Lali (Redness) will debut at the 76th Berlinale Film Festival, Feb 12–22, 2026
- Official poster on Instagram depicts a bustling South Asian wedding scene
- Ensemble cast includes Mamya Shahjaffar, Rasti Farooq, and Meher Bano
- Original music by Punjabi hip-hop artist Star Shah; score composed by Abdullah Siddiqui
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani filmmaker Sarmad Khoosat’s latest film, Lali (Redness), is set to make its world premiere at the 76th Berlinale Film Festival in Berlin, Germany, from February 12 to 22, 2026.
The announcement was made through the film’s official Instagram account, where the makers unveiled the poster and thanked all who supported the project.
Film overview and visuals
The official poster portrays the chaos of a South Asian wedding in a crowded ‘baraat’ bus. The groom (dulha) is seated with his face obscured by a traditional sehra, while the bride, played by Mamya Shahjaffar, appears visibly stunned.
Around them, relatives fill the frame, from curious cousins and unbothered uncles to a possibly disgruntled phuppo and prying boys. Each character conveys its own backstory, offering a lively and authentic glimpse into Pakistani wedding culture.
Cast and music
The film features a strong ensemble, including Rasti Farooq, known for Joyland, and Meher Bano from Churail. Additional cast members contribute to the film’s richly layered narrative.
Original music is provided by Punjabi hip-hop artist Star Shah, best known for ‘2 AM’ from Coke Studio 15, with the score composed by Abdullah Siddiqui.
Production and collaboration
Lali is a joint production between Khoosat Films and Dubai-based production company Enso Studios. Executive producers include Joyland director Saim Sadiq and actor Tooba Siddiqui, reflecting cross-border creative collaboration.
International premiere significance
The world premiere at Berlinale presents Pakistan’s growing presence on global film circuits. The inclusion of the film Lali highlights the international appeal of Pakistani storytelling. At the same time, it is an opportunity for wider distribution, festival recognition, and cultural exchange.
