The Pakistani film ‘Wakhri,’ inspired by the life and public persona of the late social media star Qandeel Baloch, has been selected for the South Asian Film Season 2026 in the United Kingdom.
The film is among nine productions from Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh being showcased as part of the season, which aims to introduce South Asian cinema and filmmakers to a wider international audience.
Directed by Iram Parveen Bilal, ‘Wakhri’ does not present a direct biographical account of Qandeel Baloch. Instead, it uses her story as inspiration for a fictional narrative centered on Noor Malik, a widowed schoolteacher whose outspoken social media presence unexpectedly turns her into an online sensation.
The lead role is played by Faryal Mehmood, with the story exploring social pressure, gender expectations, online fame, and the risks that can accompany a woman challenging established norms.
Bilal has previously explained that she deliberately chose not to make a straightforward film about Qandeel Baloch’s life and death. The filmmaker wanted the story to move beyond the tragedy itself and explore the broader experiences of women who face harassment, judgment, and attempts to silence them.
Qandeel Baloch was killed by her brother in 2016 in what was widely described as an honour killing. Her rise as a social media personality and the circumstances surrounding her death later became an important reference point for discussions about women, social media, and freedom of expression in Pakistan.
‘Wakhri’ takes those themes into a fictional setting. Noor initially uses her growing online popularity to support a cause close to her, but her increasing visibility also exposes her to social backlash and pressure.
The film had its world premiere at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia in December 2023 before receiving a theatrical release in Pakistan in January 2024. It subsequently travelled to international film festivals, including SXSW and the San Francisco International Film Festival.
The South Asian Film Season selection marks another international platform for the Pakistani production. The 2026 season brings together nine films from the region, giving audiences outside South Asia an opportunity to engage with stories dealing with subjects including gender, social inequality, and changing cultural identities.
‘Wakhri’ is therefore not simply a film about a viral social media personality. Its fictionalized story uses the inspiration of Qandeel Baloch to examine what can happen when an ordinary woman gains an unexpected public voice and finds that visibility can bring both influence and serious consequences.
