The cinematic debut of Zarrar Kahn depicts a heart-wrenching story of survival

In Flames, set in present-day Karachi, depicts a story addled with complexities of family drama and societal pressure.

The cinematic debut by the Canadian-Pakistani director ‘In Flames’ took place at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on 14th September 2023. The film is produced by Anam Abbas and had a successful North American premiere in Toronto.

It also earned a nomination for the People’s Choice award in TIFF.

The film depicts the struggles of the female lead ‘Mariam’ and her mother Fariha. Depicting the harsh realities of the locals in present-day Karachi, the drama delves into societal norms and generational trauma, depicting the harsh realities in a heartbreaking light.

The film focuses on the harassment faced by Maria on the streets by the unwelcome advancements of men. It depicts the incessant harassment and the powerlessness of her circumstances.

The film depicts two men, an uncle hell-bent on taking their apartment and a kind-hearted Asad with whom Maria finds friendship.

After an incident, the lines of reality blur and Mariam stumbles deep into deterioration. The film focuses on the relationship between the mother and daughter, and in true desi fashion depicts how hard it can be to open up to your parents. Ultimately, Kahn’s thought-provoking film explores the effects of patriarchy on the lives of both men and women.

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