Pakistani cinema is set to revive the horror genre with Deemak (meaning “Termite”), a psychological supernatural thriller that promises to raise the bar for local filmmaking. With high production values and gripping storytelling, the film aims to capture the imagination of audiences and elevate Pakistan’s presence in the genre.
Directed by Rafay Rashdi, known for his work on Badshah Begum and The Java Plum Tree, and written by Ayesha Muzaffar, the author behind Abus Jinns and Jinnistan, Deemak delves into the intense relationship between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. Set against a backdrop of eerie paranormal disturbances, the story unfolds in a family home where supernatural events gradually escalate.
Produced by Wah Wah Productions and executive produced by Syed Murad Ali, the film stars a talented cast of Pakistani actors, including Faysal Quraishi (Money Back Guarantee), Sonya Hussyn (Tich Button), Samina Peerzada (Balaa), Javed Sheikh (Chand Nagar), and Bushra Ansari (Tere Bin). Distribution will be managed by Mandviwalla Entertainment, with media partnerships from Geo Films.
Deemak follows the tale of a family whose once-peaceful home becomes haunted by disturbing supernatural occurrences. As the paranormal activity intensifies, a psychological battle emerges between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, with the son caught in the middle. The tension builds as the family struggles to distinguish the real from the supernatural, with the narrative noting how the family home transforms into “a maze of dread” where the boundary between the living and the otherworldly fades.
The filmmakers highlight that the story is inspired by true events, and they aim to blend cultural folklore—particularly the concept of Jinns, supernatural beings in Islamic tradition—with psychological horror. This unique fusion is intended to create a distinctly Pakistani contribution to the genre.
Executive producer Ali, a long-time horror enthusiast, shared his passion for the project. “I’ve always had a deep fascination with the horror genre. Watching countless horror films growing up, the idea of creating one myself has been with me for years,” said Ali. He believes that Deemak represents the untapped potential of Pakistan’s film industry, emphasizing the need for investment and quality storytelling to help local cinema thrive.
For Rashdi, the project is the fulfillment of a longstanding ambition. “I’ve always been a fan of the horror genre. I worked on experimental horror shorts in my early years and always dreamed of making a supernatural feature,” he explained. The director revealed that the film’s concept evolved from an earlier project, Yaqeen (“Belief”), which he had announced six years ago. Rashdi and Muzaffar’s collaboration allowed them to explore the complex dynamics of family relationships through a supernatural lens, adding a psychological layer to the narrative.
The film also draws on Pakistan’s sporadic yet significant history with horror cinema. Beginning with Zinda Laash (1967), the country’s first horror feature, the genre has seen gradual developments, from low-budget productions to the more recent revival sparked by Zibahkhana (2007), the first Pakistani horror film to screen at international festivals. Films like Maya (2015) and Aksbandh (2016) further explored supernatural themes, incorporating local folklore. In Flames (2023), a psychological horror film, marked a shift toward more arthouse sensibilities, signaling the genre’s continued evolution in Pakistan.
Despite facing content restrictions and conservative cultural constraints, Pakistan’s horror scene continues to grow through innovative hybrid narratives, international festival exposure, and independent filmmaking. Deemak is expected to make waves in the industry, with a nationwide release scheduled for Eid ul Adha on June 6.
Related topics:
‘Red Sonja’ Reboot Acquired by Samuel Goldwyn Films for U.S.
Dylan Douglas to Star in Psychological Thriller ‘I Will Come to You’
“The Assessment”: Nature and Parenting in a Dystopian World