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Mahira Khan’s latest film, Aag Lagay Basti Mein, has been basking in cinematic success ever since it was released on Eidul Fitr. The superstar took a moment to look back on Sunday and thank everyone who made it possible.

She started the caption of her Instagram post thanking the film’s mastermind, Bilal Atif Khan, who wrote and directed the movie.

Mahira recalled how, when Bilal first came to her with the project, “I was listening with my eyes wide open, laughing while he narrated it. And then I told him I can’t do this, no one will believe it or want to believe it.” The director responded, saying he only considered her fit to play the role.

Mahira said she was incredibly proud of the debutant filmmaker, adding that, “I think I may have cried like your ama did for you.”

Next, she moved on to two of her long-standing team members, stylist Babar Zaheer and manager Anushay Khan. Mahira said she loved Zaheer for making her character “raw, yet beautiful” and she thanked Anushay for her trust and confidence.

Art director Hira M Saad also got a nod for her work on the film, as did Abid Rizvi, the director of photography. Creative director Salman Noorani got a thank you too, especially for the heist scene, for which Mahira said, “mannn oh man, how cool was that”.

All the actors got a thank you note saying, “We shine better because of all of you.” Tabish Hashmi and Javed Sheikh got special mentions, with Mahira saying it was “an honour” to be in the same frame as Sheikh.

The film’s co-producer, Dr Ali Kazmi was acknowledged for all the work he did behind the scenes, as were all the assistant directors, technicians, spot boys, drivers, wardrobe assistants and guards.

The last mention, of course, went to the actor’s co-star and the film’s producer, Fahad Mustafa. She thanked him for, “having the guts to make this film”, “having a heart big enough to give space for everyone to shine”, “having the passion to make a film like this” and “being a co-actor who elevates everyone around them” .

She also thanked audiences “for making this little baby such a big success”.

Mahira’s film, Aag Lagay Basti Mein, continues its theatrical run into its third week, playing at cinemas across Pakistan and abroad in the US, UK, UAE, Canada, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman.

The movie follows the escapades of Barkat (Mustafa) and Almas (Mahira), a couple with big dreams and tight pockets. When Almas’ kleptomaniac streak and desire to life a luxurious life in Dubai push the two into a heist, chaos and comedy ensue as they find out there are bigger fish in the sea.