Alankrita Shrivastava set to direct a new movie on Pakistani social media star Qandeel Baloch - all we know so far

Alankrita Shrivastava has helmed critically-acclaimed films and web series such as Lipstick Under My Burkha, Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare, Made in Heaven, Bombay Begums. Her most recent outing was My Beautiful Wrinkles in Modern Love Mumbai.

On Tuesday, the filmmaker announced that she will make a film about the late Pakistani social media star Qandeel Baloch. Alankrita did not say if she plans to make the film a biography or adapt an experience from Qandeel’s life into the movie.

The filmmaker has secured the rights to the book The Sensational Life and Death of Qandeel Baloch, written by Pakistani writer Sanam Maher and published by Aleph, together with producers Vikas Sharma and Sunny Khanna.

Qandeel Baloch (Fouzia Azeem), popularly known by her stage name, was a model, actor, social media celebrity and activist. She gained popularity as a result of her social media films addressing her usual routine, her rights as a Pakistani woman and numerous sensitive matters. Her brother Muhammad Waseem strangled Fouzia to death, whether that bit of information will make it to the film, is yet to be known..

The director told Indian express "When Qandeel Baloch was murdered in Pakistan in 2016, I was shaken up. It was a heinous honour killing. I couldn’t stop thinking about her. I started watching Qandeel’s videos repeatedly and I was fascinated."

Alankrita goes on to discuss Qandeel's life struggles and how she was killed at the age of 26 and was only reclaimed as a feminist after her death. The director described Fouzia as a charming, sensitive and rebellious young girl whose life was cut short.

The director said that her film will celebrate Fouzia's zest and passion without judgment and portray her life "the way she would have chosen to tell it."

Vikas and Sunny discussed the film because it is a great opportunity for them to convey a different story about female freedom and systemic gender injustice. They believe Alankrita is the greatest pick for the film since she is an award-winning director and a feminist who understands Qandeel's situation.

"Qandeel Baloch's narrative is significant and timely. Even today, women are frequently put in danger when they dare to exhibit their individuality and oppose the social quo. I feel that tales like these are important for the rest of the world to see. And I'm looking forward to the adventure of this film," Sunny said.