Shamoon Abbasi and STARZPLAY Take You through the Dark Underbelly of Karachi

This has been a tremendous year for STARZPLAY. As people stay home to stay safe from the pandemic, the scorching heat and soaring temperatures, Pakistan’s fastest-growing streaming service has been keeping them entertained with its extensive content library and original productions, one after the other.

Earlier this year, Angeline Malik’s hilarious but insightful and necessary short film—Khushkhabri Kay Baad, a film that discusses family planning in a witty and light-hearted way, was launched and met with a fantastic response from the public.

This was followed by a STARZPLAY original series, titled ‘Khel Tamasha’, which was the streaming service’s first foray into comedy. Directed by Jawad Bashir, the series follows the on-set misadventures of a film cast and crew as they try to wrap up the production of their film.

STARZPLAY is following this up with its first crime-action-drama series, titled ‘Karachi Division’, directed by Pakistani film veteran Shamoon Abbasi, with a talented cast to boot.

Karachi Division follows the story of two rival gang leaders at war for complete domination and control over Karachi by any means necessary, even if it means bringing the city and its people to their knees. The series is going to be the first R-rated Pakistani crime-action-drama, and who better to be at its helm than Shamoon Abbasi?

Shamoon has had an amazing journey in his prolific career.  He has various hit films under his belt and dramas for which he has earned numerous awards and accolades. With hits such as the movie ‘Waar’, action movie ‘O21’, and a cameo performance in ‘Parwaaz Hai Junoon’, Shamoon Abbasi remains a well-known and respected personality in Pakistan’s film fraternity.

On the launch of Karachi Division, Shamoon Abbasi said, “We couldn’t be more proud and excited to announce this latest web series, available exclusively on the STARZPLAY app and website. Pakistan is full of talent and potential and we are proud to have a streaming service that provides them support and the means to bring their ideas to life.”

“This is such an encouraging push for all aspiring and established filmmakers and producers. I would like to congratulate our team who have put their heart and soul into bringing Karachi Division to the Pakistani audience,” he added.

This is not STARZPLAY’s first collaboration with Shamoon Abbasi. STARZPLAY has previously hosted the Caravan Film Festival in collaboration with the veteran film star where Pakistani indie filmmakers showcased their work. All short films and entries were made available to stream exclusively on the STARZPLAY app and website.

Arif BaigMohamed, Chairman Cinepax Cinemas, added, “The unprecedented growth of online streaming has driven the need for compelling content that provides value for subscribers. We have built strategic partnerships to offer our subscribers more online content and varied choices. In 2019, STARZPLAY launched its very first original production titled ‘Kaash Keh’— a collection of attention-grabbing short films. ”

“STARZPLAY is also proud to be the pioneer of the first short-film competition (SSFC) in Pakistan conducted on a global level in 2019.  With the launch of three original web series this year, we have stayed true to our commitment to produce top notch local web series and promote local talent, with more to follow,” he added.

So watch out for many new upcoming STARZPLAY original productions in the near future. The future indeed looks bright for the Starz to shine!