Pakistani supernatural thriller to open in UK as global rollout begins
LONDON (Star Struck Times) — Pakistani horror blockbuster Deemak is set to land in UK cinemas on October 17, 2025, marking a major milestone for Pakistani genre cinema abroad. The film — which already shattered domestic box office records — will premiere across Western markets simultaneously, with subsequent releases in the GCC from October 23 onward.
Directed by Rafay Rashdi and penned by Ayesha Muzaffar, Deemak unfolds in a seemingly ordinary household where escalating paranormal disturbances expose a fraught clash between a mother-in-law and her daughter-in-law. The narrative zeroes in on family relationships and supernatural horror, anchored by strong performances from Faysal Quraishi, Sonya Hussyn, Samina Peerzada, Javed Sheikh, and Bushra Ansari.
After its domestic release on Eid al-Adha, June 6, 2025, Deemak amassed approximately PKR 17.5 crore (about $620,000), making it Pakistan’s highest-grossing horror film to date. The decision to launch in international markets stems from that overwhelming local success and belief in the film’s cross-cultural appeal.
“The UK launch is a landmark moment for Pakistani storytelling,” Rashdi told Variety in a recent statement. “Deemak has not only broken records at home but shown that local stories, rooted in culture and emotion, can resonate globally.” Executive Producer Syed Murad Ali added, “This film is more than a horror thriller — it’s a cultural export. Its reception at home and recognition on festival platforms confirm its universal worth.”
Some Pakistani fans and critics see this moment as vindication for the nation’s evolving film industry. One social media user wrote: “Finally, a Pakistani film with horror roots getting the global stage it deserves.” Another critic noted: “Deemak feels like a turning point — horror with emotional stakes, not just jump scares.”
Industry observers suggest the UK release will test both diasporic appetite and wider audience interest in South Asian supernatural cinema. For years, Pakistani horror films like Maya (2015) or Zibahkhana (2007) gained cult status but rarely secured mainstream international distribution. With Deemak, that narrative is shifting.
Official distribution partnerships have been lined up: Bollywood Films & Cinema Specialist will handle the UK rollout; World Cinema Partners and Cinema Specialist for North America; Multivoice Pictures Limited across the EU; and FunAsia for GCC territories.
Rashdi emphasizes that this is not simply a horror film making a geographic leap. “We expect UK audiences to connect not only with the fright but with the emotional core — the family, the tension, the paranoia.” He adds, “I’m confident Deemak can stand beside global horror titles while still being authentically Pakistani.”
As promotional campaigns roll out, many in Pakistan are watching closely. The film’s international release may influence future funding, distribution, and genre ambition in the country’s film ecosystem. For UK audiences, the question remains: will Deemak be seen as niche export or breakout dark horse?
In any event, October 17 will mark the moment Pakistani horror steps onto a new stage. The success or reception in UK cinemas could well determine whether Deemak is a one-off success or the vanguard of a new wave of Pakistani genre films.
FAQs
Q: Will Deemak release beyond UK?
Yes. The film is scheduled to open in the U.S., Canada, EU markets on October 17, and GCC territories on October 23.
Q: Why is the UK premiere significant?
The UK is a major theatrical market and home to a large South Asian diaspora; success there could unlock further distribution deals.
Q: Is Deemak based on true events?
While it draws on folklore and cultural beliefs, the film blends fiction with familiar supernatural tropes.
Q: Where can UK viewers check showtimes?
Theaters and ticket portals will list Deemak showtimes closer to October — stay tuned to local listings and Pakistani film promoters in the UK.
Mark your calendars — Deemak lands UK theaters October 17. If you love supernatural stories rooted in culture and tension, this one’s for you. Follow our page for updates, and don’t miss the chance to view it on opening weekend.
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