Pakistan's 'Cake' on a promotional spree

Investment banker turned filmmaker Asim Abbasi’s debut feature, Cake, continues to serve its international audiences a slice of contemporary Pakistani cinema.

The modestly budgeted, indie film had a star-studded world premiere ahead of its theatrical release on March 30 at Vue Cinema in London’s Leicester Square. Those in attendance included the film’s lead actors Sanam Saeed, Adnan Malik, Aamina Shaikh and Beo Raana Zafar. Director Abbasi, who is based in UK, was also there and accompanied by Sayed Zulfikar Bukhari, the executive producer of the film. Other luminaries present included the Nobel Peace Prize winning activist Malala Yousafzai, actress Mahira Khan, and DJ Naughty Boy.

Next, team Cake attended the ongoing UK Asian Film Festival’s gala dinner, at Mayfair Hotel, where they were joined by Khan. On Tuesday, the festival will host a special presentation of Cake at Prince Charles Cinema, which shall be followed by a Q&A session with the cast and director.

Cake is a British-Pakistani joint production. It’s said to be a story about a dysfunctional family and how the ill health of its patriarch serves to bring disenchanted siblings back together.

When Jamali (played by playwright and occasional actor Syed Mohammad Ahmad) is admitted to the hospital with a serious medical condition, his eldest daughter and sole caregiver Zareen (Aamina Shaikh) is forced to reconnect with her sister Zara (Sanam Saeed), who is in London. The film also features model and actor Mikaal Zulfikar in a pivotal role.

Cake’s entire postproduction has been done in the UK. Its soundtrack deserves a special mention. Currently ruling the charts on music streaming service Patari, the music of Cake is composed by Saif Samejo (of The Sketches band), and it has a very classical-meets-folk feel to it.

Consider Sajan Mo Khay, which is in the Sindhi language and sung by Bhagat Bhoora Lal, Rajab Fakeer, and Zanwar Hussain. The Sketches have also sung a cover of the Seraiki folk song Tiri Pawanda.

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