Durj (2019)
A chilling Pakistani crime thriller that ventures into the darkest corners of human desperation, based on real events.
Durj - Movie Information
- Original Title: Durj
- Release Year: 2019
- Directed by: Shamoon Abbasi
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Crime, Mystery, Thriller
- Runtime: 1h 50m
- Original Language: Urdu
- Spoken Languages: Urdu
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 11, 2019 (PK)
- Alternative Titles: The Casket (PK)
- Production Companies: Shaam Films
- Production Countries: Pakistan
Durj - Plot
The story of a woman searching for her missing husband that had been killed for hunger by the kidnapper.
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Durj - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Shamoon Abbasi
Main Cast
- Shamoon Abbasi
- Sherry Shah
- Maira Khan
- Nouman Javaid
- Dodi Khan
- Hafeez Ali
Writers
- Shamoon Abbasi
Producers
- Sherry Shah
Durj - FAQs
What is Durj about?
Durj follows a desperate woman searching for her missing husband, only to uncover a chilling truth — he was murdered by a kidnapper driven by hunger. The film dives into dark, disturbing territory, blending crime and mystery to explore the extremes of human desperation in a Pakistani setting.
Is Durj based on a true story?
Yes, Durj is inspired by real events. The film draws from actual cases of cannibalism reported in Pakistan, making its dark premise all the more unsettling. Director Shamoon Abbasi used these disturbing real-world incidents as the foundation for the story, giving the thriller an eerie, grounded authenticity.
Who directed Durj and also stars in it?
Shamoon Abbasi wore multiple hats on Durj — he directed the film, wrote the screenplay, and plays the lead character Gul Baksh. His triple role makes Durj a deeply personal project, and his performance as the disturbing antagonist is widely considered one of the film's most striking elements.
What makes Durj controversial in Pakistan?
Durj stirred significant controversy in Pakistan for tackling cannibalism — a subject virtually unheard of in Pakistani cinema. The film's unflinching portrayal of extreme violence and its basis in real criminal cases made it a bold, polarizing release that pushed the boundaries of what local audiences expected from domestic thrillers.
Who are the main actors in Durj?
The cast features Shamoon Abbasi as Gul Baksh, Sherry Shah as Lali, Maira Khan as Farah Daniyal, Nouman Javaid as Noman, and Dodi Khan as Officer Daud. Sherry Shah, who also produced the film, delivers a particularly compelling performance as the woman at the heart of the story.
What genre is Durj?
Durj sits firmly in the crime, mystery, and thriller space. It's a dark, psychologically intense film that blends a missing-person investigation with deeply unsettling revelations. For fans of gritty, unconventional thrillers that don't shy away from difficult subject matter, it offers something genuinely different.
When was Durj released in Pakistan?
Durj hit Pakistani cinemas on October 11, 2019. It was also released under the alternative title The Casket in Pakistan. The film marked a bold step for Pakistani cinema, venturing into horror-adjacent thriller territory that the local film industry had rarely explored before.
What are some movies similar to Durj?
If Durj's dark, intense tone appeals to you, check out All the Devils Are Here (2025), God Is a Bullet (2023), Red Right Hand (2024), Nocebo (2022), and Black Site (2022). These films share a similarly grim atmosphere, blending crime, suspense, and morally complex storytelling that keeps you on edge.
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