KARACHI:

After years of ban, delays and censorship controversy, ‘Javed Iqbal: The Untold Story’ of a serial killer has finally been released on YouTube in its uncensored form and viewers appear to be embracing it with fresh interest online.

The film, starring Yasir Hussain in the lead role, has been receiving praise from viewers for its performances, storytelling and bold treatment of one of Pakistan’s most disturbing criminal cases. Social media users have especially been calling it one of Pakistani cinema’s most talked-about and unsettling releases.

Written and directed by Abu Aleeha, Javed Iqbal had a difficult journey before reaching audiences. The film faced repeated delays and was blocked from theatrical release in Pakistan due to controversy surrounding its subject matter and portrayal of institutions.

It later saw a limited release, but remained at the centre of public debate for years. Speaking earlier about the project, Yasir Hussain had said: “We have to tell stories like Javed Iqbal’s. I have always believed in showing the honest picture of our country.”

Director Abu Aleeha has also expressed excitement over the film finally finding a wider audience online. Speaking to The Express Tribune, he said the film managed to recover its cost through international release despite being banned locally.

Abu Aleeha also revealed that a follow-up project based on Javed Iqbal’s story is already in the works. “Our real project, part two of Javed Iqbal, where we will show the origin and end of Javed Iqbal, is something we are planning to make this year, InshaAllah. We’ll announce it very soon.”

Now, with the uncensored version streaming on YouTube, the controversial film is finding a new audience years after its troubled release proving that the conversation around Javed Iqbal is far from over.