Sarmad Khoosat’s upcoming film Lali (Redness; comes from red, a colour associated with weddings in South Asia) is heading for its world premiere. This will take place at the 76th Berlinale Film Festival. It is one of the world’s largest public film festivals. This event is held annually in Berlin, Germany.
The news was announced through a single Instagram post. The makers unveiled the film’s official poster via Lali’s official account.
“Our hearts are full of gratitude. They are full of stories. We appreciate everyone who held this film with care.” They confirmed the film’s debut at the 10-day Berlinale 2026. The event is scheduled to run from February 12 to 22.
The poster distils shaadi chaos into a single, crowded image, reflecting it through and through. Set inside a baraat bus, the frame is crammed with nosy and moody relatives. On the right sits the dulha. His face is hidden behind a tacky sehra. Opposite him is the bride, played by Mamya Shahjaffar. She is dressed as an old-school dulhan and looks visibly stunned. The image hints at a story rooted either in an earlier era or in the textures of lower-middle-class life.
Around them unfolds a familiar wedding tableau. A possibly disgruntled phuppo is present. There is a curious cousin, unbothered uncles, and a handful of prying boys. Each face suggests its own backstory. Each expression is loaded with unspoken drama. It is the kind of frame that feels alive, chaotic, and deeply Pakistani.
Lali brings together a strong ensemble. It includes Joyland’s Rasti Farooq, who is seen in a grumpy avatar in the poster. The ensemble also features Churail’s star Meher Bano, alongside several other cast members.
The film features original songs by Punjabi hip-hop artist Star Shah. He is best known for 2AM from Coke Studio 15. The score is composed by Abdullah Siddiqui.
A collaboration between Khoosat Films and Dubai-based Enso Studios. Lali also has Joyland director Saim Sadiq and actor Tooba Siddiqui among its executive producers.
As it heads to Berlin for its world premiere, Lali becomes part of a growing list. This list includes Pakistani films finding their first audience on the world’s most influential festival circuits.
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