LONDON – Pakistani film Wakhri has been selected for the UK’s South Asian Film Season 2026. The film draws inspiration from the life of slain social media influencer Qandeel Baloch. The film is part of a nine-film lineup featuring productions from Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. The season has been organised by British broadcaster Channel 4.
Wakhri received its network premiere in the UK on October 5. The film is also scheduled to become available for streaming after its television broadcast. Directed by Iram Parveen Bilal, the film stars Faryal Mehmood in the lead role. The story follows Noor Malik, a widowed schoolteacher living in Pakistan.
Noor becomes an overnight social media sensation after openly sharing her views. Her public comments focus on her experiences and challenges as a woman. The film explores the impact of sudden online popularity on Noor’s personal life. It also examines how social media can shape public discussions around women.
Although Wakhri is inspired by Qandeel Baloch, it is not presented as a direct biography. Instead, the filmmakers use a fictional story to explore similar themes. Qandeel Baloch became widely known in Pakistan through her social media presence. Her online activities and outspoken personality attracted significant public attention. Her life and death later became the subject of discussions about gender, social expectations and violence. Wakhri draws from this broader context while telling its own fictional story.
The film was released in Pakistan in 2024. It later gained attention through international screenings and festival appearances. The inclusion of Wakhri in the South Asian Film Season gives the Pakistani production another opportunity to reach UK audiences. The season brings together films from across South Asia.
Channel 4’s film season highlights productions from Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. The selection provides viewers with stories from different South Asian communities and perspectives. For Wakhri, the UK broadcast also brings renewed attention to its central themes. The film uses Noor’s fictional journey to explore social media fame and women’s experiences.
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The selection also keeps the story connected to the real-life legacy of Qandeel Baloch. However, the film remains a fictional drama rather than a factual account of her life.
