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Quick answer: Gulabo Rani is a roughly 35-minute Pakistani horror short film directed by Usman Mukhtar. Usama Javaid Haider plays Akhtar, a new student placed in a haunted, abandoned wing of a 150-year-old university hostel. The full film was released on YouTube in March 2023, so you can watch it free and legally there.
The short film culture continues to take the Pakistani film industry by storm. A short film sends a powerful message in a few minutes, and for movie lovers who cannot take out time to Netflix and chill, shorts have become the go-to option. One of the most talked-about Pakistani shorts of recent years is Gulabo Rani, a chilling horror film by actor turned director Usman Mukhtar.
Its tagline sums up the mood perfectly: “The main work of haunting is done by the living.” Here is everything you need to know about the Gulabo Rani movie, from the cast to the story and where to watch the full film legally.
Gulabo Rani: Quick Facts
- Type: Horror short film (about 35 minutes)
- Director: Usman Mukhtar (his directorial debut)
- Writers: Ali Mudar, with additional writing by Zunaira Inam Khan
- Producers: Usman Mukhtar and Meiraj Haq
- Production house: Eastern Terrestrial Studios (ET Studios), launched by Usman and his brother Meiraj in 2022
- Filmed in: Islamabad and Rawalpindi, in just four days
- Sound design: MRKLE
- Released: On YouTube in March 2023
Cast of Gulabo Rani
- Usama Javaid Haider as Akhtar, the new student and lead character
- Meiraj Haq
- Daniyal Khaqan Afzal
- Omer Abdullah Khan
- Natasha Humera Ejaz
- Khushhal Khan Khattak (special appearance)
The young cast is a big part of the film’s charm. Usama Javaid Haider won Best Actor at the Bucharest ShortCut Cinefest for his performance, and Arab News reported that he became the youngest Pakistani actor to win an international award.
Gulabo Rani Story
Akhtar, a young boy, gets admission to a university that is around 150 years old. He is given a room in “Wing C”, an old, abandoned section of the hostel. The film starts off like a typical ragging story: three senior bullies mess with the newcomer and warn him that his part of the dorm might be haunted.
Then things take a supernatural turn. Akhtar starts experiencing strange, paranormal events and hears disturbing stories linked to the building. Soon he comes face to face with a menacing female presence, a churail.
Gulabo Rani does not rely on cheap jump scares. Even the trailer had very little dialogue, and was carried by dark visuals, haunting music and sound effects. The film follows the same style, building fear slowly through atmosphere and sound.
Behind the Scenes
Usman Mukhtar is best known as an actor, and Gulabo Rani was his first time directing. Talking about taking the director’s chair, Mukhtar said in a press statement, “I have always loved acting but it was about time I went behind the screen and took charge of the camera. Producing and directing Gulabo Rani was a great experience, and working with these young ones was another level of fun all together.”
The film was made on a tight budget and shot in only four days. In an interview with Arab News, Mukhtar said Pakistan’s industry has kept horror at a distance for a long time and needs brave producers who are willing to experiment beyond romantic comedies.
The official trailer came out in June 2022 and promised a July release, but the film first went on the international festival circuit before its public release in March 2023.
Awards and Reception
Gulabo Rani did very well at international short film festivals. By February 2023 it had won seven awards, and Arab News later reported nine international awards in total. Its wins include:
- Independent Shorts Awards, Los Angeles: Best Horror Short Film, Best Sound Design, Best Director (Male) and Best Cinematography
- Indie X Film Fest, Los Angeles: Best Horror Short Film and Best Director (Male)
- Indie Short Fest, Los Angeles: Best Horror Short Film
Critics liked its slow-burn style too. The News on Sunday described it as “quiet horror that packs an eerie punch”, singling out its sound design and original soundtrack.
Where to Watch Gulabo Rani Full Movie
Gulabo Rani was released on YouTube in March 2023 and is available to watch in Pakistan and worldwide. Search for it on YouTube and watch the official upload from its makers, Eastern Terrestrial Studios. Please skip unofficial download sites: watching the official version supports independent Pakistani filmmakers and gives you the best picture and sound, which really matters for a film this dependent on atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch Gulabo Rani full movie?
Gulabo Rani was officially released on YouTube in March 2023, so you can watch the full film free and legally there. Look for the official upload rather than unofficial download sites.
Who is in the cast of Gulabo Rani?
Gulabo Rani stars Usama Javaid Haider as Akhtar, along with Meiraj Haq, Daniyal Khaqan Afzal, Omer Abdullah Khan and Natasha Humera Ejaz, with a special appearance by Khushhal Khan Khattak.
How long is Gulabo Rani?
Gulabo Rani is a short film of about 35 minutes. It was shot in just four days in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Who directed Gulabo Rani?
Actor Usman Mukhtar directed Gulabo Rani, his directorial debut. It was written by Ali Mudar with additional writing by Zunaira Inam Khan, and produced by Eastern Terrestrial Studios.
