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On Thursday night we finally got to see some more of highly anticipated film What’s Love Got to Do with It? and our eyes went straight to one actor — Sajal Aly in a pink kameez shalwar facing the camera with her captivating smile.

Directed by Indian filmmaker Shekhar Kapur and written and co-produced by Jemima Khan, the film will be holding its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, it was announced.

The film tells the story of documentary-maker and dating app addict Zoe (Lily James) for whom swiping right has never been that great. She has always got Mr Wrongs, much to her mother Cath’s (Emma Thompson) dismay. We also meet Zoe’s childhood friend and neighbour Kaz (Shazad Latif), who is letting his parents arrange his marriage and find him a Pakistani bride. But as Zoe films Kaz’s journey from London to Lahore to marry a complete stranger chosen by his parents, she wonders if she might have something to learn from arranged marriage that can help her find love on her own.

The cast also includes Shabana Azmi, Asim Chaudhry, Mim Shaikh, Jeff Mirza, Iman Boujelouah, Mariam Haque and Sidhu Vee. Other film producers also include Nicky Kentish Barnes and Working Title Films’ Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner.

Sinf-e-Aahan star Aly plays a pivotal character named Maymouna, revealed Variety. In an exclusive with the publication, Aly said, “I love to play characters that have depth and define the narrative of a project and I think I am very fortunate that my character Maymouna in my international English-language debut What’s Love Got to Do With It? has also given me the same opportunity.”

The actor has a very large following in Pakistan and has starred in hits such as Alif, Ishq-E-Laa, Yaqeen Ka Safar and more. But she also has gathered a large following outside of Pakistan, including in India and the Middle East, for her powerful performances in her films and TV shows including in her Bollywood debut with the late actor Sridevi, Mom.

Award-winning composer Nitin Sawhney has created the music for the film, with British-Pakistani record producer, DJ, songwriter, and musician Naughty Boy adding his skills to the soundtrack. Bollywood’s Kanika Kapoor and our very own Rahat Fateh Ali Khan will also feature on the soundtrack with Rahat also making an appearance in the film.

The film is scheduled to release in UK cinemas on January 27, 2023. There’s no news just yet on whether the film will play in Pakistani theatres as well.