In a landmark moment for cultural and cinematic cooperation, China’s record-breaking animated blockbuster Ne Zha 2 is set to hit cinema screens across Pakistan on October 31, marking the first major Chinese film to be imported and distributed in the country in recent years.
The film, distributed by HKC Entertainment in collaboration with Mandviwalla Entertainment, represents a new era of Pakistan–China cultural exchange, bringing one of China’s most successful cinematic creations to local audiences.
Having grossed US$2.2 billion worldwide, Ne Zha 2 is the world’s highest-grossing animated film, the fifth highest-grossing film globally, and China’s top-grossing movie of all time. The film will be released nationwide in two formats — the original Chinese version with English subtitles and a dubbed Urdu version to reach wider audiences.
The official premiere, attended by Minister Counsellor and Chargé d’Affaires H.E. Mr. Shi Yuanqiang, underscored the event’s diplomatic and cultural significance.
“The release of a cultural landmark like Ne Zha 2 in Pakistan strengthens our friendship beyond trade and development,” Mr. Shi said. “It is a vital cultural bridge, allowing the people of Pakistan to experience the best of modern Chinese cinema — a shining example of the Pakistan–China Ironclad Friendship.”
Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, one of the key figures behind the initiative, called the release a “reflection of deep, unbreakable political and cultural ties” between the two nations.
“This partnership proves that our Iron Brother friendship extends vibrantly into the world of arts and media,” he said, noting that while Ne Zha 2 arrives in Pakistan, Pakistan’s biggest hit, The Legend of Maula Jatt, will soon premiere in China — the first-ever Pakistani film approved by China Film Group under its quota system for a revenue-sharing release.
Sardar Yasir Illyas, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Tourism, described the exchange as “a game-changer for regional cinema,” highlighting the “two-way cinematic flow” between Pakistan and China.
“We’re witnessing history — the world’s biggest animated feature arriving here, and Pakistan’s proudest cinematic export entering China’s vast film market,” he said.
The event, jointly organised by Encore Films, HKC Entertainment, and Mandviwalla Entertainment, is expected to pave the way for deeper cultural collaboration and new opportunities in the global entertainment sector.
Industry observers see the Pakistan–China film exchange as a milestone in strengthening people-to-people ties under the broader framework of the Ironclad Friendship, extending cooperation from trade and technology to art and storytelling. —LORD
