Don’t watch Zombeid simply as a Fahad Mustafa vehicle or as his reunion with Mehwish Hayat, his co-star from Actor in Law or Load Wedding. Watch it as a milestone for Pakistani cinema, because that is exactly what it is. The film proves that local filmmakers can move beyond formulaic rom-coms and attempt ambitious, genre-driven storytelling.
Directed and written by Nabeel Qureshi and produced by Fizza Ali Meerza, Zombeid does what earlier Pakistani zombie films, such as Zibahkhana and Udham Patakh, could not: it makes you believe in zombies. Using the familiar setup of people trapped in a confined space, the film elevates the concept through convincing execution, sharp pacing, and genuine tension.
At just one hour and 47 minutes, Zombeid is an engaging blend of action, horror, suspense, and thriller elements. It keeps viewers hooked throughout, delivering a cinematic experience Pakistani audiences rarely get to enjoy in Urdu.
The Plot
Wali (Fahad Mustafa), a former Mr. Pakistan 2022, is trying to rebuild his life and career after life-threatening surgery. He lands a job at a local gym, where he meets a beautiful Zumba trainer (Mehwish Hayat) and the man who derailed his life (Dodi Khan).
What begins as personal redemption quickly becomes a fight for survival when zombies overrun the gym. Wali must now rescue the survivors—including the woman he cares about—while law enforcement considers extreme measures to contain the outbreak before Chaand Raat descends into chaos.
What Works
Fahad Mustafa and Mehwish Hayat Deliver
Fahad Mustafa and Mehwish Hayat not only look good on screen but also share effortless chemistry and are perfectly cast. Their screen presence carries the film’s emotional core, and their commitment to performing their own stunts lends authenticity to the action sequences.
This is Fahad Mustafa’s second film of the year, and since he has teamed up with his favorite filmmakers, his commitment to the craft is evident on screen. We know he can do both romance and comedy, but his performance in action sequences is especially impressive, particularly the scene where he catches a hammer hurled at him.
Mehwish Hayat’s comeback film – her first in eight years with Fahad Mustafa – not only helps her reclaim the number one spot but also gives her career the link it was missing. As a woman who knows how to stand up for herself, she stands apart from all other female characters, which is one of the reasons Fahad Mustafa’s Wali fell for her in the first place.
Dodi Khan Surprises
Dodi Khan emerges as one of the film’s biggest surprises. The tall, broad, and devilishly fit actor convincingly portrays a vindictive antagonist, bringing intensity and menace to the role. Those who doubted his acting abilities may reconsider after this performance. He is so perfect as a gym trainer who takes drugs that one look at him will make you hate drugs for life.
Babar Ali’s Commanding Presence
Babar Ali is exceptional as the officer tasked with containing the outbreak. His commanding performance recalls the screen presence that made him one of the defining stars of the 1990s, and it wouldn’t be surprising if another filmmaker (or the same ones) decided to make a spinoff of Zombeid, with Babar Ali’s character leading it.
Mani Makes You Hate Him — And That’s a Compliment
Actor Mani delivers one of his strongest performances to date. His character is deliberately irritating, and he plays it so effectively that viewers will actively root against him. It is a reminder that under strong direction, he can be remarkably effective.
Strong Supporting Cast
Veterans such as Javed Sheikh bring gravitas, which is often missing from our films. He is cast as the mentor to Fahad Mustafa’s character and appears only in flashbacks, yet he is the reason Fahad keeps standing despite faltering. Na Maloom Afraad alum Mohsin Abbas Haider and actor/director Wajahat Rauf make meaningful contributions to the story.
The broader ensemble—including RJ Imran, Bilal Yousufzai, Khizr Ansari, and Saife Hasan—fits seamlessly into the narrative. Each character feels purposefully cast, keeping the film consistently engaging.
Nabeel Qureshi and Fizza Ali Meerza’s Winning Formula
Since Na Maloom Afraad, director Nabeel Qureshi, and producer Fizza Ali Meerza have consistently delivered commercially viable and audience-friendly cinema, with films like Actor in Law, Load Wedding, Khel Khel Mein, and Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad.
With Zombeid, they once again demonstrate their command of cinematic storytelling. Despite the blood and gore, the visuals never feel gratuitous. The story feels relatable because it is set on Chaand Raat, and the VFX is exceptional. The film leaves audiences with memorable moments—a quality few recent Pakistani productions, including Teefa in Trouble and The Legend of Maula Jatt, have achieved.
What Doesn’t Work
Familiarity of Concept
Social media comparisons to international zombie films are inevitable and can’t be ignored. While the premise may feel familiar, it is the execution that distinguishes Zombeid and ultimately works in its favor.
Not for Everyone
The film’s gore and gruesome imagery may prove unsettling for some viewers, especially the younger audience, who is the target market here. As for the older audience, they might or might not go to cinemas to watch the film, depending on their priorities – those with a taste for horror would, others wouldn’t.
Missed Opportunity for a Dance Number
Ever since Fahad Mustafa and Mehwish Hayat danced into the hearts of audiences in a TV commercial for a tea whitener, cinegoers have wanted to see them recreate that magic on screen. However, the absence of a memorable dance sequence feels like a missed opportunity.
Problematic Humor
Some jokes—particularly those targeting the gay character and the African-American character—feel unnecessary and dated, detracting from an otherwise progressive genre effort. Both the characters seemed forced in the script, and the film would have done well even without them.
However, to the credit of writers Fizza Ali Meerza and Nabeel Qureshi, the film appears self-aware of this sensitivity. Rather than endorsing the humor outright, they attempt to neutralize it through character-befitting responses and reactions within the narrative, preventing these characters from becoming mere punchlines and giving the moments a more layered, self-aware treatment.
Final Verdict: 7/10
One of Zombeid’s smartest decisions is its runtime. At under two hours, it maintains a tight pace and allows for more cinema showings during Eid—a strategic advantage over lengthier competitors.
More importantly, Zombeid is a victory for Pakistani cinema. It shows that local filmmakers can confidently experiment with unconventional genres and still deliver commercially entertaining films. It may not be perfect, but it is a significant and welcome step forward.
