Pakistani cinema is poised to embrace the horror genre again with “Deemak” (meaning “Termite”), a psychological supernatural thriller. The film represents a significant push to elevate local cinema with high production values and compelling storytelling.

Directed by Rafay Rashdi (“Badshah Begum,” “The Java Plum Tree”) and written by Ayesha Muzaffar (author of “Abus Jinns” and “Jinnistan”), “Deemak” explores the volatile relationship between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law against a backdrop of escalating paranormal disturbances in a family home. The film is produced under Wah Wah Productions with Syed Murad Ali serving as executive producer.

The film assembles a cast of Pakistani talent including Faysal Quraishi (“Money Back Guarantee”), Sonya Hussyn (“Tich Button”), Samina Peerzada (“Balaa”), Javed Sheikh (“Chand Nagar”) and Bushra Ansari (“Tere Bin”). Distribution will be handled by Mandviwalla Entertainment with media partnership from Geo Films.

“Deemak” follows a family whose home becomes the site of increasingly disturbing supernatural phenomena. As paranormal activity intensifies, a psychological battle unfolds between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, with the son caught between the two women he loves most.

The synopsis describes a narrative where “the once-familiar space becomes a maze of dread, where the line between the living and the otherworldly blurs with each passing night.” The filmmakers note the story is inspired by true events.

The production aims to blend cultural folklore surrounding Jinns (supernatural beings in Islamic tradition) with psychological horror elements, creating what the team hopes will be a uniquely Pakistani contribution to the genre.

Executive producer Ali brings his lifelong passion for horror to the project. “I’ve always had a deep fascination with the horror genre — I’ve watched countless horror films growing up, and the idea of creating one myself has been with me for years,” Ali said.

Ali sees the film as more than just entertainment: “Our film industry has so much untapped talent, but what it needs is support, investment, and high-quality storytelling. I believe ‘Deemak’ represents exactly that.”

Director Rashdi describes the project as the culmination of a long-held ambition. “I’ve always been an avid fan of the horror genre. I had attempted a few experimental horror shorts during my early years and had long envisioned working on a horror/supernatural feature,” Rashdi explained.

The director revealed that the concept evolved from an earlier project titled “Yaqeen” (“Belief”) that he had announced approximately six years ago. The collaboration with writer Ayesha Muzaffar allowed him to explore the dynamics of family relationships through a supernatural lens.

“We decided to add the emotional anchor of a son caught between the two women, who is also a husband trying to keep peace in a Pakistani household. This layered human drama, when fused with a paranormal twist, opened up exciting possibilities,” Rashdi said.

Pakistan‘s horror cinema has seen sporadic but significant milestones, beginning with the cult classic “Zinda Laash” (1967), widely regarded as the country’s first horror feature and a South Asian take on Dracula. After decades of low-budget productions and TV serials, the genre experienced a modern revival with “Zibahkhana” (2007), an English-Urdu zombie slasher that became Pakistan’s first horror film to screen at several international festivals. This paved the way for titles like “Maya” (2015) and “Aksbandh” (2016), both of which explored supernatural horror with local folklore elements. More recently, “In Flames” (2023), a psychological horror debuting at Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight, signaled a shift toward arthouse sensibilities. Though still niche and operating under conservative content constraints, Pakistan’s horror genre continues to find footing through hybrid narratives, festival exposure, and indie experimentation.

“Deemak” is due for nationwide release across Pakistan on Eid ul Adha (June 6).

Watch the trailer here: