Teefa in Trouble#Soundtrack
{{short description|2018 Pakistani film directed by Ahsan Rahim}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2017}}
{{Use Pakistani English|date=October 2017}}
{{Infobox film
| name = Teefa in Trouble
| image = Teefa in Trouble.jpeg
| alt =
| caption = Film poster
| native_name = {{Infobox name module|ur|{{Nq|طیفا اِن ٹربل}}}}
| director = Ahsan Rahim
| producer = Ali Zafar
| writer = Ali Zafar
Ahsan Rahim
Danyal Zafar
| screenplay =
| story =
| based_on =
| starring = Ali Zafar
Maya Ali
| narrator = Ali Zafar
| music = Ali Zafar
Shani Arshad (score)
| cinematography = Zain Haleem
| editing = Ahsan Rahim
Taha Ali
| studio = Lightingale Productions
| distributor = Mandviwalla Entertainment
Geo Films
Yash Raj Films
| released = {{film date|df=y|2018|7|20|ref1=}}
| country = Pakistan
| language = Urdu
Punjabi
| gross = {{PKRConvert|105|c}}
}}
Teefa in Trouble ({{langx|ur|{{Nq|طیفا اِن ٹرَبل}}}}){{cite tweet |user=AliZafarsays |number=1023581015049203712 |title=#TeefainTrouble |date=29 July 2018 |access-date=29 July 2018 |author=Ali Zafar}} is a 2018 Pakistani romantic action comedy film. The film is the directorial debut of Ahsan Rahim, who was previously known for directing music videos and television commercials, under his Tadpole Films banner. It stars Ali Zafar, Abdullah Solangi and Maya Ali, who also made their Pakistani film debuts. It is also the debut film under Zafar's banner Lightingale Productions.{{cite news |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1495864/c |title=In case of criticism, Danyal will have to prove himself on his own: Ali Zafar on brother Danyal |author=Ahmed Sarym |date=31 August 2017 |access-date=25 November 2017 |work=The Express Tribune|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426003933/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1495864/c/ |archive-date=26 April 2018}}
Pre-production work began in 2016 when Zafar, Rahim and Danyal Zafar wrote the story and screenplay. Principal photography took place in Lahore and Warsaw between 18 February and 26 July 2017. Ali Zafar also created the music, while Shani Arshad composed the film score. The film released on 20 July 2018. It was distributed by Mandviwalla Entertainment and Geo Films nationwide.{{cite news |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/327356 |title=Ali Zafar's 'Teefa in Trouble' set to release worldwide on July 20 |date=9 June 2018 |access-date=9 June 2018 |work=The News |author=Mohammad Nasir|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612135959/https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/327356|archive-date=12 June 2018|url-status=live}} It is the first non-Indian film which Yash Raj Films distributed internationally.{{cite news |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1730706/4 |title='Teefa in Trouble' team joins hands with India's Yash Raj Films |date=8 June 2018 |access-date=8 June 2018 |work=The Express Tribune|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612210944/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1730706/4/|archive-date=12 June 2018|url-status=live}} At the time of its release, it was one of the most expensive Pakistani films ever made. It became the third List of highest-grossing Pakistani films,{{cite news |url=https://jang.com.pk/news/624522 |title={{Nq|'طیفا ان ٹربل' نے 50 کروڑ سے زائد کا بزنس کرلیا}}|date=2 April 2019|access-date=2 April 2019|work=Daily Jang|quote={{Nq|طیفا اِن ٹربل دُنیا بھر میں 50 کروڑ روپے کا بزنس کرنے والی پاکستان کی تیسری فلم بن گئی ہے۔}}|language=ur|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402073344/https://jang.com.pk/news/624522|archive-date=2 April 2019|url-status=live}} despite facing protests{{cite news |url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/271162 |title=Protests erupt against Ali Zafar's 'Teefa in Trouble' |date=22 July 2018 |work=Daily Times |access-date=25 August 2010 |archive-date=25 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825171440/https://dailytimes.com.pk/271162/ |url-status=live }} and film piracy afterwards.
Plot
The story revolves around Teefa, a witty middle-class Lahori boy who is raised by his mother after being orphaned by his father at a young age. Teefa is introduced to the world of crime by the shady business dealer and local gangster Butt Sahab, and due to his impoverished upbringing, money and power are all that matter to him.
Anya is the bold and stubborn daughter of Bonzo, a childhood friend of Butt Sahab, who is now a successful business tycoon and multi-millionaire based in Warsaw, Poland. Butt Sahab plans to wed his goofy and spoilt son Billu Butt to the charming Anya, but Bonzo refuses and instead has plans to marry off his daughter to the son of another Pakistani tycoon, Mr. Bajwa, to build his connections. Meanwhile, Anya has a secret crush on her Polish friend Andy and tries to fend off her father and conniving stepmother Sophie's repeated marriage nagging, but to no avail. She finally gives in to her father's demands.
Butt Sahab, who is outraged at Bonzo for refusing his son's hand and is not willing to take no for an answer, enlists Teefa to take the first flight to Warsaw, kidnap Anya and bring her back to Pakistan, so he can arrange his son's wedding with her. Teefa is initially reluctant to do the job but relents when he is offered {{PKR|10 lakh}} for his services. He lands in Poland and is helped in the mission by his comical friend Tony. Both do not have any intelligent plans for the kidnapping, having not done such a job before.
Their job is made easy when they sneak into Anya's family mansion on the day of her wedding and learn that she plans to run away, and in an absurd and unexpected twist of events, she acquiesces to them to stage her kidnapping. The story takes several comical turns once the trio is on the run, from one place to the next, escaping Bonzo's army of guards. Teefa gets into "trouble" when he begins to realize he is falling in love with Anya, while she too starts to slowly get attached to Teefa. She follows him to Lahore, where their journey of escape winds up when a heartbroken Anya eventually comes to realize the moment of truth. Teefa must now make a choice between love – or money, at the cost of deceit, and decides to set things straight. The chase is far from over, as this time they must double-cross Butt and his goons, and Bonzo and his guards who are close behind their heels.
Teefa, torn between love and the promise of money, decides to set things right. The trio faces challenges from both sides – evading Butt Sahab and Bonzo, who are determined to bring Anya back.
Cast
{{Multiple image
| align = right
| direction = horizontal
| footer = Ali Zafar (left) and Jawed Sheikh (right)
| image1 = Ali Zafar at the launch of 'Nakhriley' song from Kill Dil.jpg
| width1 = 120
| image2 = Javed Sheikh and Amrita Rao at Premiere Of My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves (cropped).jpg
| width2 = 120
}}
- Ali Zafar as Lateef "Teefa", called as "Teefay"{{cite news |url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/sunday-edition/sunday-pioneer/backpack/love-to-make-people-laugh.html |title=LOVE TO MAKE PEOPLE LAUGH |date=29 July 2018 |author=Shalini Saksena |work=Sunday Pioneer |access-date=29 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730021545/https://www.dailypioneer.com/sunday-edition/sunday-pioneer/backpack/love-to-make-people-laugh.html|archive-date=30 July 2018|url-status=live}}
- Maya Ali as Anya
- Faisal Qureshi as Tony (Dot) Shah; Teefa's friend
- Mahenur Haider as Sara; Anya's friend
- Jawed Sheikh as Bashira "Bonzo"; Anya's father
- Sofia Khan as Sophie; Bonzo's wife and Anya's step-mother
- Mehmood Aslam as Butt Sahab
- Asma Abbas as Khalida Butt; Butt Sahab's wife
- Marhoom Ahmad Bilal as Billu Butt; Butt Sahab's son
- Nayyar Ejaz as Sheikh Sahab
- Simi Raheal as Teefa's widowed mother called as "Baybae" by him
- Tom Coulston as Andy
Additionally, stuntman Mehboob Shah plays the role of Bonzo's bodyguard Lee,{{cite news |url=https://www.somethinghaute.com/teefa-trouble-official-trailer-elevates-cinema-scope/ |title=Teefa in Trouble official trailer elevates the cinema scope |date=14 June 2018 |work=Something Haute |access-date=25 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905230837/https://www.somethinghaute.com/teefa-trouble-official-trailer-elevates-cinema-scope/|archive-date=5 September 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/285913 |title=In conversation with Teefa in Trouble director Ahsan Rahim |date=19 August 2018 |author=Waqas Habib Rana |work=Daily Times |access-date=25 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825073927/https://dailytimes.com.pk/285913/|archive-date=25 August 2018|url-status=live}} and Salman Bokhari plays Sheikh's goon Shikra. Further, Jawad Bashir appears as Muhammad Asif and Kashmala Nauman as Billu Butt's wife. Also, Ranveer Singh makes a special appearance as an endorser for "Teefay De Tikkay".{{cite news |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/whoa-ranveer-singh-makes-special-appearance-ali-zafars-pakistani-film-teefa-trouble/ |title=WHOA! RANVEER SINGH makes a special appearance in Ali Zafar's Pakistani film Teefa in Trouble! |date=23 July 2018 |access-date=23 July 2018 |website=Bollywood Hungama|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723062744/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/whoa-ranveer-singh-makes-special-appearance-ali-zafars-pakistani-film-teefa-trouble/|archive-date=23 July 2018|url-status=live}}
Production
=Development=
In 2014, Ali Zafar revealed to Dawn that his first Pakistani film production would "be directed by Ahsan Rahim".{{cite news |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1109138 |title=Ali Zafar: Balancing act |date=1 June 2014 |work=Dawn Images |author=Maliha Rehman |access-date=4 October 2017|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006204023/https://www.dawn.com/news/1109138 |archive-date=6 October 2017}}{{cite news |url=http://tns.thenews.com.pk/stand-people-also-patriotism-ali-zafar |title="You have to stand up for your people. That is also patriotism."– Ali Zafar |date=1 June 2014 |work=The News on Sunday |author=Mehreen Hasan |access-date=4 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201040158/http://tns.thenews.com.pk/stand-people-also-patriotism-ali-zafar/|archive-date=1 December 2017|url-status=live}} In September 2015, Zafar established a studio in his new house and named it Lightingale Studios.{{cite news |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/953612/a |title=Ali Zafar gifts dream house to his wife |date=9 September 2015 |access-date=25 November 2017 |work=The Express Tribune|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426003934/https://tribune.com.pk/story/953612/a/ |archive-date=26 April 2018}} The film was announced on 18 October 2016 by Zafar and Rahim, reported The Express Tribune.{{cite news |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1201850/a |title=Ace director Ahsan Rahim ropes in Ali Zafar for his first Pakistani feature film |work=The Express Tribune |date=18 October 2016 |access-date=24 November 2017|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220152036/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1201850/a/ |archive-date=20 February 2018}} It is Zafar's first Pakistani film as a lead after working in several Indian films and a small role in Lahore Se Aagey.{{cite news |url=https://images.dawn.com/news/1176567 |title=Review: Lahore Se Aagey is less road trip, more car crash |date=12 November 2016 |work=Dawn Images |author=Gibran Khaliq |access-date=4 October 2017|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201131811/https://images.dawn.com/news/1176567 |archive-date=1 December 2017}}{{cite news |url=https://images.dawn.com/news/1176649 |title=I want my first Pakistani film to appeal to both dance party walas and rickshaw walas: Ali Zafar |date=29 November 2016 |access-date=4 October 2017 |work=Dawn Images|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201042005/https://images.dawn.com/news/1176649 |archive-date=1 December 2017}} Rahim also had directed some music videos for Zafar previously.{{cite news |author1=Manaal Khurram |author2=Rahul Aijaz |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1202264/a |title=Ali Zafar set to make Pakistani film debut |work=The Express Tribune |date=18 October 2016 |access-date=4 October 2017|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221100247/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1202264/a/ |archive-date=21 February 2018}}{{cite news |url=https://images.dawn.com/news/1176450 |title=Ali Zafar's Pakistani film debut to be an action comedy |author=Irfan ul Haq |date=19 October 2016 |access-date=4 October 2017 |work=Dawn Images|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201034054/https://images.dawn.com/news/1176450 |archive-date=1 December 2017}}
Zafar revealed the film title on 20 January,{{cite news |url=https://images.dawn.com/news/1176961 |title=Ali Zafar reveals the title of his first Pakistani movie |date=21 January 2017 |access-date=4 October 2017 |work=Dawn Images|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201034315/https://images.dawn.com/news/1176961 |archive-date=1 December 2017}} with the name of lead actress Maya Ali on 27 January 2017.{{cite news |url=http://dunyanews.tv/en/Entertainment/372024 |title=Maya Ali to star opposite Ali Zafar in 'Tifa in Trouble' |access-date=4 October 2017 |date=25 January 2017 |publisher=Dunya News|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426003933/http://dunyanews.tv/en/Entertainment/372024 |archive-date=26 April 2018}}{{cite news |url=https://images.dawn.com/news/1176999 |title=Maya Ali to make film debut with Teefa in Trouble |date=28 January 2017 |access-date=4 October 2017 |work=Dawn Images|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170402074858/https://images.dawn.com/news/1176999 |archive-date=2 April 2017}}{{cite news |url=https://www.dawnnews.tv/news/1051286 |title={{Nq|'طیفا اِن ٹربل': مایا علی کی بھی ڈیبیو پاکستانی فلم}}|date=28 January 2017|access-date=25 December 2017|publisher=Dawn News|language=ur|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225203030/https://www.dawnnews.tv/news/1051286|archive-date=25 December 2017}} She is known for many Pakistani dramas and has gained popularity on Indian television when her starring drama Aunn Zara aired there.{{cite news |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-aunn-zara-zindagi-s-refreshing-love-story-draws-for-a-season-closure-today-2001638 |title='Aunn Zara', Zindagi's refreshing love story draws for a season closure today |date=12 July 2014 |access-date=4 October 2017 |publisher=DNA India |author=Nayandeep Rakshit|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203050226/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-aunn-zara-zindagi-s-refreshing-love-story-draws-for-a-season-closure-today-2001638 |archive-date=3 December 2017}}{{cite news |url=https://hindustantimes.com/story-CC2emqoThNtYRkxNXiQA6N.html |title=Aunn Zara, Yudh and more shows that dominated Indian TV in 2014 |date=24 December 2014 |access-date=4 October 2017 |work=Hindustan Times |agency=IANS|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201033419/http://www.hindustantimes.com/story-CC2emqoThNtYRkxNXiQA6N.html |archive-date=1 December 2017}}{{cite news |url=https://images.dawn.com/news/1175590 |title=What is Maya Ali doing in India? We find out |date=14 July 2016 |access-date=4 October 2017 |work=Dawn Images |author=Irfan ul Haq|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201033332/https://images.dawn.com/news/1175590 |archive-date=1 December 2017}} On finalizing her debut film, she told The News that "it took me a while" because "I don't want people to relate it to any of my previous work(s)". Zafar commented that this film will show "what all she is capable of."{{cite news |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/magazine/instep-today/186703- |title=The second coming of Maya Ali |author=Ahmed Sarym |date=16 February 2017 |access-date=4 October 2017 |work=The News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220152015/https://www.thenews.com.pk/magazine/instep-today/186703-|archive-date=20 February 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.samaa.tv/culture/2017/04/maya-alis-heartfelt-note-for-ali-zafar |title=Maya Ali's heartfelt note for Ali Zafar |date=4 April 2017 |access-date=4 October 2017 |publisher=Samaa TV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727181043/https://www.samaa.tv/culture/2017/04/maya-alis-heartfelt-note-for-ali-zafar/|archive-date=27 July 2018|url-status=live}}
=Casting and filming=
Filming began on 18 February. The first spell took place in Lahore, Pakistan,{{cite news |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1331295/a |title=Ali Zafar's Pakistani debut Teefa in Trouble hits floors |date=18 February 2017 |access-date=4 October 2017 |work=The Express Tribune|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426003933/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1331295/a/ |archive-date=26 April 2018}} and completed on 10 May after about 42 days.{{cite news |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/magazine/instep-today/203437- |title=Lahore spell of Teefa in Trouble wraps up |date=10 May 2017 |access-date=4 October 2017 |work=The News|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426003932/https://www.thenews.com.pk/magazine/instep-today/203437- |archive-date=26 April 2018}} In April, Asma Abbas revealed her role in an interview with The Nation.{{cite news |url=https://nation.com.pk/29-Apr-2017/asma-abbas-moves-on-to-big-screen |title=Asma Abbas moves on to big screen |author=Faizan Javed |date=29 April 2017 |access-date=4 October 2017 |work=The Nation|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171130123635/http://nation.com.pk/29-Apr-2017/asma-abbas-moves-on-to-big-screen |archive-date=30 November 2017}} Nayyar Ejaz, Simi Raheal, Mehmood Aslam and British actor Tom Coulston were also cast, along with Marhoom Ahmad Bilal in his film debut. The second spell then continued from 20 June in Warsaw, Poland.{{cite news |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1451454/a |title=Ali Zafar is slaying hearts by doing unbelievable stunts for 'Teefa in Trouble' |date=6 July 2017 |access-date=4 October 2017 |work=The Express Tribune|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426003933/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1451454/a/ |archive-date=26 April 2018}} Jawed Sheikh, Mahenur Haider and Faisal Qureshi were cast, along with Fia Khan in her film debut.{{cite news |url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/4889 |title='Teefa in Trouble' additional cast joins Ali Zafar and Maya in Poland! |work=Daily Times |date=25 June 2017 |access-date=4 October 2017|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220212248/https://dailytimes.com.pk/4889/ |archive-date=20 February 2018}} Filming wrapped up on 26 July, after about 30 days in Warsaw.{{cite news |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1470059/a |title=Ali Zafar pens heartfelt note for 'Teefa in Trouble' team |date=30 July 2017 |access-date=4 October 2017 |work=The Express Tribune|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220183633/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1470059/a/|archive-date=20 February 2018|url-status=live}} Zain Haleem has served as the cinematographer.{{cite news |url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/123342 |title='Teefa in Trouble' completes final filming spell in Europe |date=29 July 2017 |access-date=20 October 2017 |work=Daily Times|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426003933/https://dailytimes.com.pk/123342/ |archive-date=26 April 2018}} The song "Item Number" was shot in Bangkok, which took five days.{{cite news |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/203906 |title='Teefa in Trouble' first Pakistani film to be released in 25 countries, including Russia |author1=Imran Munawar |author2=Saima Haroon |publisher=Geo News |date=19 July 2018 |access-date=27 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727181008/https://www.geo.tv/latest/203906|archive-date=27 July 2018|url-status=live}}
Sheikh revealed his role to The News;{{cite news |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/magazine/instep-today/212474- |title=Javed Sheikh to star as Maya Ali's father in Teefa in Trouble |date=22 June 2017 |access-date=4 October 2017 |work=The News|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220152042/https://www.thenews.com.pk/magazine/instep-today/212474- |archive-date=20 February 2018}} he further said, "I absolutely love traveling", as he had to work in many films that required traveling including this.{{cite news |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/magazine/instep-today/211757- |title=Taking Pakistani cinema forward |author=Ahmed Sarym |date=20 June 2017 |access-date=4 October 2017 |work=The News|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426003932/https://www.thenews.com.pk/magazine/instep-today/211757- |archive-date=26 April 2018}} The film marked the return of Aslam to the industry after 28 years; he said, "I finally got the role which I always wanted to play."{{cite news |url=https://nation.com.pk/06-Jun-2018/mehmood-returns-to-silver-screen-after-28-years |title=Mehmood returns to silver screen after 28 years |date=6 June 2018 |access-date=7 June 2018 |work=The Nation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180606210958/https://nation.com.pk/06-Jun-2018/mehmood-returns-to-silver-screen-after-28-years|archive-date=6 June 2018|url-status=live}} Maya Ali commented to Pakistan Today, "I couldn't have found a better film than Teefa to make my cinematic debut."{{cite news |url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/07/01/pakistani-film-industry-will-soon-be-known-respected-globally-maya-ali/ |title=Pakistani film industry will soon be known, respected globally: Maytitle |author=Ally Adnan |date=1 July 2018 |access-date=27 July 2018 |work=Pakistan Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727181002/https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/07/01/pakistani-film-industry-will-soon-be-known-respected-globally-maya-ali/|archive-date=27 July 2018|url-status=live}} Zafar told Khaleej Times that he was interested in witnessing the characters he had developed come to life, with each actor who brought their concepts to their characters.{{cite news |url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/ali-zafar-in-trouble |title=Ali Zafar in 'trouble'? |author=Arathi Jain |date=15 July 2018 |access-date=15 July 2018 |work=Khaleej Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715211055/https://www.khaleejtimes.com/ali-zafar-in-trouble|archive-date=15 July 2018|url-status=live}}
=Promotion=
Zafar said in an interview with Newsline, "I wrote the story along with the director."{{cite news |url=https://newslinemagazine.com/interview-ali-zafar-2 |title=Interview: Ali Zafar |author=Ally Adnan |access-date=20 October 2017 |work=Newsline Magazine |issue=December 2016 |archive-date=7 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220107043423/https://newslinemagazine.com/magazine/interview-ali-zafar-2/ |url-status=live }} "We started off with an idea to make an action comedy, then romance came into play and then the songs…", he said to Dawn.{{cite news |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1341104 |title=The icon interview: Boy from the 'Hood |date=25 June 2017 |work=Dawn |author=Madeeha Syed |access-date=4 October 2017|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009135214/https://www.dawn.com/news/1341104 |archive-date=9 October 2017}} He further told The News that he had "studied books on screenplays to learn how it's done."{{cite news |work=The News on Sunday |url=http://tns.thenews.com.pk/finding-real-ali-zafar |title=Finding the real Ali Zafar |date=24 September 2017 |access-date=4 October 2017 |author=Maheen Sabeeh|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930120131/http://tns.thenews.com.pk/finding-real-ali-zafar/|archive-date=30 September 2017|url-status=live}} He further said that the architectural shots and the action sequences would be something like never been seen before, for which he prepared himself physically and disallowed his stunt double.{{cite news |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1390223/a |title=Ali Zafar's physical transformation for 'Teefa in Trouble' will shock you! |author=Rahul Aijaz |date=21 April 2017 |access-date=4 October 2017 |work=The Express Tribune|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426003933/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1390223/a/ |archive-date=26 April 2018}} He told The Express Tribune that it has been designed to "provide a cinematic experience that hasn't been done here yet",{{cite news |title=I'm still the same guy who sketched at a hotel lobby: Ali Zafar |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1569702/4 |author=Ahmed Sarym |date=27 November 2017 |access-date=2 December 2017 |work=The Express Tribune|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220180541/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1569702/4/|archive-date=20 February 2018|url-status=live}} and added to Dawn that this may be "the most expensive Pakistani production",{{cite news |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1359300 |title=Spotlight: Cut to the chase |date=24 September 2017 |access-date=4 October 2017 |work=Dawn |author=Schayan Riaz|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171004004730/https://www.dawn.com/news/1359300 |archive-date=4 October 2017}} further said to The News, "We need to think out of the box and see how international cinema works". He told IANS that the film has a message "about the journey more than the destination".{{cite news |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1746546/4 |title=Ali Zafar hopes 'Teefa in Trouble' leaves a mark in India |date=30 June 2018 |access-date=1 July 2018 |work=The Express Tribune |last=IANS|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701170406/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1746546/4/|archive-date=1 July 2018|url-status=live}}
He revealed the film logo at the opening ceremony of the 2017 Pakistan Super League on 9 February, followed by his "Ab Khel Jamay Ga" performance.{{cite news |url=https://images.dawn.com/news/1177077 |title=7 moments from the PSL opening ceremony that caught our attention |date=10 February 2017 |access-date=2 March 2018 |work=Dawn Images|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303105641/https://images.dawn.com/news/1177077 |archive-date=3 March 2018}} On 20 April, he performed his original song "Ishq" with Maya Ali at the 16th Lux Style Awards.{{cite news |url=https://images.dawn.com/news/1177454 |title=Here's what went down at the Lux Style Awards 2017 |date=20 April 2017 |access-date=4 October 2017 |work=Dawn Images|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808190835/https://images.dawn.com/news/1177454 |archive-date=8 August 2017}}{{cite news |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1388919/6 |author=Rahul Aijaz |title=6 epic moments from Lux Style Awards 2017 |date=20 April 2017 |access-date=4 October 2017 |work=The Express Tribune|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220192810/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1388919/6/|archive-date=20 February 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/magazine/instep-today/199933- |title=The LSAs begin and end on a high note |date=21 April 2017 |access-date=4 October 2017 |work=The News |author=Aamna Haider Isani|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220151948/https://www.thenews.com.pk/magazine/instep-today/199933-|archive-date=20 February 2018|url-status=live}} The film teaser was released during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Pakistan Super League on 22 February,{{cite news |url=https://www.somethinghaute.com/ali-zafar-teefa-trouble-psl |title=Ali Zafar plans to get 'Teefa in Trouble' at the PSL opening ceremony! |date=15 February 2018 |access-date=18 February 2018 |work=Something Haute|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916174227/https://www.somethinghaute.com/ali-zafar-teefa-trouble-psl/|archive-date=16 September 2018|url-status=live}} where Zafar flew around the stadium on a hoverboard while performing his rendition of "Teefa", followed by his "Dil Se Jaan Laga De" performance.{{cite news |url=https://www.somethinghaute.com/teefa-really-trouble/ |title=Ali Zafar unveils teaser of Teefa in Trouble in great style at PSL opening ceremony |date=22 February 2018 |access-date=22 February 2018 |work=Something Haute|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614195055/https://www.somethinghaute.com/teefa-really-trouble/|archive-date=14 June 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/02/23/ali-zafar-unveils-the-teaser-trailer-of-teefa-in-trouble |title=Ali Zafar unveils the teaser trailer of Teefa in Trouble |date=23 February 2018 |access-date=2 March 2018 |work=Pakistan Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303111238/https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/02/23/ali-zafar-unveils-the-teaser-trailer-of-teefa-in-trouble/|archive-date=3 March 2018|url-status=live}}
Rahim told The News that they started shooting "on the 10th or 12th draft" after more than six months in pre-production. He said that a film should not look like "a TV serial, it should be larger than life and the story should be engaging". He said to Pakistan Today, "If a director cannot tell a story effectively, he cannot make a good film." He commented that it is "difficult to be fully satisfied with one's own work", but he gave his best to the film, so it "belongs to the public" after him.{{cite news |url=http://tns.thenews.com.pk/man-behind-teefa |title=The man behind Teefa |author=Aamna Haider Isani |date=24 June 2018 |access-date=1 July 2018 |work=The News on Sunday|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701210238/http://tns.thenews.com.pk/man-behind-teefa/|archive-date=1 July 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/06/28/al |title=Ali Zafar's charm, charisma and talent makes 'Teefa' truly extraordinary: director Ahsan Rahim |date=28 June 2018 |author=Ally Adnan |access-date=1 July 2018 |work=Pakistan Today}} Zafar's wife, Ayesha Fazli, has served as the co-producer.
Zafar is the first Pakistani who was invited to the 5th Silk Road International Film Festival (SRIFF), held in China in October 2018. He proposed the collaboration between Pakistani and Chinese artists and to release at least three Pakistani films in China to extend the business. Teefa in Trouble was also screened to over 30 Chinese mainstream distributors at the festival in Fuzhou.{{cite news |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/214043 |title=Teefa in Trouble screened at film festival in China |date=8 October 2018 |access-date=1 December 2018 |publisher=Geo News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202024837/https://www.geo.tv/latest/214043|archive-date=2 December 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.somethinghaute.com/ali-zafar-takes-teefa-in-trouble-to-china/ |title=Ali Zafar takes Teefa in Trouble to China |date=8 October 2018 |access-date=1 December 2018 |work=Something Haute|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202024655/https://www.somethinghaute.com/ali-zafar-takes-teefa-in-trouble-to-china/|archive-date=2 December 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/pakistani-cinema/ali-zafar-represents-pakistan-at-china-film-fest-1.2287927 |title=Ali Zafar represents Pakistan at China film fest |date=9 October 2018 |access-date=1 December 2018 |work=Gulf News |last=IANS|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202112636/https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/pakistani-cinema/ali-zafar-represents-pakistan-at-china-film-fest-1.2287927|archive-date=2 December 2018|url-status=live}}
Soundtrack
{{Infobox album
| name = Teefa in Trouble
| type = Soundtrack
| artist = Ali Zafar
| cover =
| alt =
| released = 6 July 2018
| recorded = 2016–17
| venue = Lahore, Pakistan
| studio = Lightingale Studios
| genre = Filmi Soundtrack
| length = {{Duration|m=21|s=45}}
| language = Urdu
Punjabi
English{{cite news |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/magazine/instep-today/336430- |title=Teefa in Trouble releases second song, 'Chan Ve' |date=2 July 2018 |access-date=27 July 2018 |work=The News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727145833/https://www.thenews.com.pk/magazine/instep-today/336430-|archive-date=27 July 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/lifestyle/sajna-door-lovey-dovey-song-from-teefa-in-trouble-released/ |title=Sajna Door: Lovey-dovey song from Teefa In Trouble released |author=Asma Malik |date=19 July 2018 |access-date=27 July 2018 |work=Daily Pakistan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727150858/https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/lifestyle/sajna-door-lovey-dovey-song-from-teefa-in-trouble-released/|archive-date=27 July 2018|url-status=live}}
| label = Lightingale
Junglee Music
| producer = Naqash Haider
Baqir Abbas
Shani Arshad
Ali Zafar
| chronology = Ali Zafar
| prev_title = Total Siyapaa
| prev_year = 2014
| next_title = Husn
| next_year = TBA
| misc = {{YouTube|M_kEYJiId7A|Audio Jukebox}}
{{Singles
| type = Soundtrack
| single1 = Ishq Nachaunda
| single1date = 22 July 2018{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KF1x2YUKqE |title=Ishq Nachaunda – Video Song |date=22 July 2018 |access-date=2 December 2018 |last=Times Music |via=YouTube |archive-date=27 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327191622/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KF1x2YUKqE |url-status=live }}
| single2 = Butt Sahab
}}
}}
Mid-Day reported in January 2017 that Zafar said, "I am also working on the music of the movie".{{cite news |url=https://mid-day.com/articles/p/17935191 |title=Ali Zafar: There is more love than hatred |date=24 January 2017 |access-date=4 October 2017 |work=Mid-Day|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220033428/https://www.mid-day.com/articles/p/17935191 |archive-date=20 February 2018}}{{cite news |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1434376/a |title=Ali Zafar shares video of daughter's first drum roll and it's quite adorable |date=13 June 2017 |access-date=4 October 2017 |work=The Express Tribune|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220182056/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1434376/a/|archive-date=20 February 2018|url-status=live}} He told The Express Tribune that the playback voice for Maya Ali would "be Aima Baig, not five different voices", adding that "I wanted every song to be a movie-hit song."{{cite news |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1752040/4 |title=I have complete faith in God and His way of justice: Ali Zafar |author=Ahmed Sarym |date=7 July 2018 |access-date=22 July 2018 |work=The Express Tribune|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723055644/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1752040/4/|archive-date=23 July 2018|url-status=live}} Like Zafar's previous albums, this time too his brother, Danyal Zafar, helped him in the music.{{cite news |url=https://mid-day.com/articles/p/18570175 |title=Pakistani singer Ali Zafar and brother Danyal bond over 'Julie' |author=Soumya Vajpayee Tiwari |date=12 September 2017 |access-date=4 October 2017 |work=Mid-Day|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220093736/https://www.mid-day.com/articles/p/18570175 |archive-date=20 February 2018}} Lightingale Productions collaborated with Junglee Music for the international distribution of the soundtrack,{{cite news |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/332644 |title=Teefa in Trouble: Much anticipated first music release 'Item Number' is out |date=23 June 2018 |access-date=30 June 2018 |author=Shahab Ansari |work=The News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630161616/https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/332644|archive-date=30 June 2018|url-status=live}} which was released on 6 July 2018.
=Track listing=
| class="wikitable"
!No. !Title !Vocals !Lyrics !Producers !Length |
| 1
|"Chan Ve" |Ali Zafar, Naqash Haider |3:48 |
| 2
|"Item Number" |Ali Zafar, Naqash Haider |2:47 |
| 3
|"Butt Sahab" |Ali Zafar, Various Artists |2:25 |
| 4
|"Sajna Door" |Ali Zafar, Danyal Zafar (English) |Ali Zafar, Baqir Abbas |4:19 |
| 5
|"Ishq Nachaunda" |Ali Zafar, S. M. Saddique |Ali Zafar, Baqir Abbas |4:56 |
| 6
|"Nahin Jaana" (Traditional) |Traditional |3:29 |
| |
| |Total length: | |21:45 |
=Personnel=
Adapted from YouTube:
- Danyal Zafar – guitars {{small|(track 5)}}
- Hassan Badshah – programmer {{small|(tracks: 4, 5)}}
- Donal Whenal, Levi Oven (MasteringWorld – UK) – stereo mastering {{small|(all tracks)}}
- Akash Pervaiz – stereo mix {{small|(tracks: 4, 5)}}
- Asad Ahmed – guitars {{small|(track 2)}}
- Amir Azhar – bass {{small|(track 2)}}
=Score=
In September 2018, Shani Arshad shared 4 tracks from the score listed below:[https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2001609106558061&id=256529428192011 Shani Arshad] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518163623/https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2001609106558061&id=256529428192011 |date=18 May 2021 }} on Facebook. 4 September 2018. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
{{track listing
| title1 = Kidnapping
| length1 = 9:15
| title2 = The Jump
| length2 = 3:11
| title3 = The Train
| length3 = 1:34
| title4 = The Knife Fight
| length4 = 1:42
}}
Release
The film trailer was released on 14 June 2018 across 1200 screens worldwide.{{cite news |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/329757 |title=Ali Zafar unveils trailer for his Pakistani debut 'Teefa in Trouble' |date=14 June 2018 |access-date=14 June 2018 |work=The News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614195115/https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/329757|archive-date=14 June 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/329884 |title=Official trailer of 'Teefa in Trouble' released |author=Mohammad Nasir |date=15 June 2018 |access-date=1 July 2018 |work=The News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701164844/https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/329884|archive-date=1 July 2018|url-status=live}} The film released across 24 countries on 20 July, including some countries where this is the first Pakistani film,{{cite news |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/203968 |title=Teefa in Trouble's star-studded premiere stuns fans |author=Nadia Faisal |date=19 July 2018 |access-date=21 July 2018 |publisher=Geo News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721221930/https://www.geo.tv/latest/203968|archive-date=21 July 2018|url-status=live}} while in UAE on 19 July.{{cite news |url=https://gulfnews.com/1.2241755 |title=Ali Zafar charms at 'Teefa in Trouble' music launch |author=Usman Ghafoor |date=25 June 2018 |access-date=1 July 2018 |work=Gulf News |archive-date=7 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220107043448/https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/pakistani-cinema/ali-zafar-charms-at-teefa-in-trouble-music-launch-1.2241755 |url-status=live }}
=Home media=
On 1 December 2018, the film was released in India and worldwide on Netflix, except in Pakistan and China.{{cite news |url=https://www.hipinpakistan.com/news/1156203 |title=Ali Zafar starrer Teefa in Trouble now available on Netflix India |date=1 December 2018 |access-date=1 December 2018 |publisher=HIP|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202070528/https://www.hipinpakistan.com/news/1156203|archive-date=2 December 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xRyMEyDtlY |title=New on Netflix – December 2018 |date=30 November 2018 |access-date=2 December 2018 |last=Netflix India |via=YouTube |archive-date=27 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327191622/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xRyMEyDtlY |url-status=live }} It was released on Iflix in Pakistan on 4 January 2019.{{cite news |url=https://www.hipinpakistan.com/news/1156348 |title=Teefa in Trouble will be exclusively available on iflix for Pakistan |date=31 December 2018 |author=Saira Khan |access-date=1 January 2019 |publisher=HIP|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190101194054/https://www.hipinpakistan.com/news/1156348|archive-date=1 January 2019|url-status=live}}[https://www.facebook.com/iflixPK/photos/a.1686930244961781/2198699333784867 Iflix Pakistan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327191622/https://www.facebook.com/iflixPK/photos/a.1686930244961781/2198699333784867 |date=27 March 2019 }} on Facebook. 4 January 2019. Retrieved 4 January 2019. It premiered on television by Geo Entertainment on 19 January.{{cite news |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/420733 |title=Teefa in Trouble on Geo TV today |author=Muhammad Nasir |date=19 January 2019 |access-date=19 January 2019 |work=The News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120043200/https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/420733|archive-date=20 January 2019|url-status=live}} It was made available on Netflix Pakistan on 30 January 2020.{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsIt3Yrd3BY |title=Teefa in Trouble Releases On Netflix Pakistan |date=30 January 2020 |access-date=30 January 2020 |last=Entertainment Pakistan |via=YouTube |archive-date=7 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207115829/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsIt3Yrd3BY |url-status=live }} To mark its third anniversary, ARY Digital aired the film on 21 July 2021, Eid al-Adha day 1.{{cite news|url=https://www.oyeyeah.com/entertainment/maya-ali-is-celebrating/amp/|title=Maya Ali is celebrating three years of 'Teefa in Trouble'|date=21 July 2021|access-date=21 July 2021|website=oyeyeah.com|archive-date=21 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721190016/https://www.oyeyeah.com/entertainment/maya-ali-is-celebrating/amp/|url-status=live}}
Reception
=Box office=
Teefa in Trouble became the biggest opener for any Pakistani film, collecting {{PKR|2.31 crore}}, breaking the previous record of {{PKR|2.07 crore}} by Jawani Phir Nahi Ani. At the local box office, it became the fifth biggest non-holiday opener. This record was broken by Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2 soon, collecting {{PKR|2.99 crore}}. It collected under {{PKR|2.5 crore}} on its second day from Pakistan. It became the second Pakistani film to collect above {{PKR|7 crore}} by its first weekend in Pakistan, surpassing the challenge of releasing during a non-holiday and non-peak season. The worldwide collections for the first weekend were approximately {{PKR|10.15 crore}}. It also became the first Pakistani film to collect a high of {{PKR|9.86 crore}} within five days from the local box office{{cite tweet |author=Ali Zafar |user=AliZafarsays |number=1022476842941534210 |title=Naya Pakistan ka Naya record Mubarak! #Teefaintrouble #NayaPakistan |date=26 July 2018 |access-date=27 July 2018}} and made its worldwide gross of about {{PKR|14.26 crore}}.{{cite tweet |user=AliZafarsays |author=Ali Zafar |number=1022117044769226753|=Ali Zafar |title=Life couldn't be any better. People have voted for Pakistan and #Teefa! Thank you #TeefaInTrouble |date=25 July 2018 |access-date=25 July 2018}}
On 27 July, it became the highest-grossing Pakistani film of 2018. The nationwide collections till the second week were {{PKR|18.79 crore}}.{{cite tweet |user=AliZafarsays |number=1025333752896077825 |title=#TeefaInTrouble |author=Ali Zafar |date=3 August 2018 |access-date=3 August 2018}} At the local box office, the film also registered the biggest third weekend and week with {{PKR|5.77 crore}}, the biggest fourth weekend and week with {{PKR|4.17 crore}}, and the biggest fifth weekend and week with {{PKR|1.5 crore}}. It became the 3rd highest grossing Pakistani film behind Punjab Nahi Jaungi and Jawani Phir Nahi Ani, and the first non-holiday film to cross the {{PKR|30 crore}} mark, that too only locally. After collecting {{PKR|9.4 crore}} from the overseas market in 38 days,{{cite tweet |user=AliZafarsays |title=aap sab ka bohat bohat shukriya. #TeefaInTrouble |number=1033723073613230080 |author=Ali Zafar |date=26 August 2018 |access-date=28 August 2018}} and {{PKR|32.04 crore}} from the local box office till the eighth weekend, the film made {{PKR|41.44 crore}}. It collected {{PKR|33 crore}} locally after its four-month run.{{cite news |work=Dawn |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1454402 |title=TRADE: SO, HOW DID THE BOX OFFICE DO? |author=Mohammad Kamran Jawaid |date=30 December 2018 |access-date=30 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181230233444/https://www.dawn.com/news/1454402|archive-date=30 December 2018|url-status=live}} On 20 February 2019, EPK's report stated that it has made {{PKR|34.5 crore}} locally, and {{PKR|14 crore}} from overseas.{{cite news |url=http://www.entertainmentpk.com/ali-zafar-created-box-office-history-with-teefa-in-trouble/ |title=Ali Zafar's Teefa in Trouble: A Historical Blockbuster |date=20 February 2019 |access-date=22 February 2019 |website=EntertainmentPK.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190223075658/http://www.entertainmentpk.com/ali-zafar-created-box-office-history-with-teefa-in-trouble/|archive-date=23 February 2019|url-status=dead}}
It was back to the screens on 22 February{{cite news |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/magazine/instep-today/435304- |title=Teefa in Trouble returns to local cinemas |date=22 February 2019 |access-date=22 February 2019 |work=The News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190222204610/https://www.thenews.com.pk/magazine/instep-today/435304-|archive-date=22 February 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.somethinghaute.com/teefa-in-trouble-is-all-set-to-return-to-cinemas/ |title='Teefa in Trouble' is all set to return to cinemas |date=21 February 2019 |access-date=2 April 2019 |work=Something Haute|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331154309/https://www.somethinghaute.com/teefa-in-trouble-is-all-set-to-return-to-cinemas/|archive-date=31 March 2019|url-status=live}} in the aftermath of the 2019 Pulwama attack and the tensions among India and Pakistan.{{cite news |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/02/pakistan-bans-bollywood-films-india-tensions-190227054348092.html |title=Pakistan bans Bollywood films amid India tensions |date=27 February 2019 |access-date=2 April 2019 |website=Aljazeera.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402173752/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/02/pakistan-bans-bollywood-films-india-tensions-190227054348092.html|archive-date=2 April 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/pakistan-bans-indian-films-as-tensions-escalate-1191063 |title=Pakistan Bans Indian Films as Tensions Escalate |date=27 February 2019 |author=Nyay Bhushan |access-date=2 April 2019 |work=The Hollywood Reporter|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402173752/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/pakistan-bans-indian-films-as-tensions-escalate-1191063|archive-date=2 April 2019|url-status=live}} On 31 March, it was announced that the film has crossed the {{PKR|50 crore}} mark.{{cite news |url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/372037 |title='Teefa in Trouble' crosses Rs 50 crore run at the box office |work=Daily Times |access-date=1 April 2019 |date=1 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402171314/https://dailytimes.com.pk/372037/|archive-date=2 April 2019|url-status=live}}
=Critical response=
The film premiered on 19 July at Nueplex Cinemas, in DHA, Karachi, and on 20 July at CineStar IMAX Lahore.{{cite news |url=https://www.samaa.tv/culture/2018/07/teefas-in-trouble-and-so-is-ali-zafar/ |title=Teefa's in Trouble and so is Ali Zafar |date=21 July 2018 |access-date=21 July 2018 |publisher=Samaa TV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721142738/https://www.samaa.tv/culture/2018/07/teefas-in-trouble-and-so-is-ali-zafar/|archive-date=21 July 2018|url-status=live}} It opened to positive reviews.{{cite news |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/magazine/instep-today/344568- |title=Teefa in Trouble premieres to great reviews |date=21 July 2018 |author=Aamna Haider Isani |access-date=21 July 2018 |work=The News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721192221/https://www.thenews.com.pk/magazine/instep-today/344568-|archive-date=21 July 2018|url-status=live}}
Writing for The Express Tribune, Rahul Aijaz praised the acting, score, and the direction, and said that it "sets new standards for film-making in Pakistan" due to its visuals and action sequences, adding that "a few inadequacies hinder" it "from reaching its full potential".{{cite news |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1762579/4 |title=Teefa in Trouble review: Ali Zafar makes spectacular Pakistani film debut |author=Rahul Aijaz |date=20 July 2018 |access-date=22 July 2018 |work=The Express Tribune|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723005121/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1762579/4/|archive-date=23 July 2018|url-status=live}} Sahir Palijo called it "quite entertaining" while rating 3 out of 5 stars, and commented that "The first half is very enjoyable and leaves you excited", but "the second half is a drag and doesn't have much to offer."{{cite news |url=https://blogs.tribune.com.pk/story/69518/t |title=Teefa in Trouble may not be one of the best, but it surely sets new benchmarks |author=Sahir Palijo |date=20 July 2018 |access-date=22 July 2018 |work=The Express Tribune (Blogs)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723003609/https://blogs.tribune.com.pk/story/69518/t/|archive-date=23 July 2018|url-status=live}} Omair Alavi rated the film 4 out of 5 stars and said that the "magical background score" and "amazing cinematography keeps the audience engaged in the film, making it one of those films that will not bore", however, he too noted that the film duration could have been lowered.{{cite news |url=https://www.brandsynario.com/teefa-in-trouble-review-5-reasons-why-the-movie-is-a-must-watch/ |title='Teefa in Trouble' Review: 5 Reasons Why the Movie is a Must Watch! |date=20 July 2018 |author=Omair Alavi |access-date=22 July 2018 |publisher=BrandSynario|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722160341/https://www.brandsynario.com/teefa-in-trouble-review-5-reasons-why-the-movie-is-a-must-watch/|archive-date=22 July 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://veryfilmi.com/teefa-in-trouble-film-review-on-very-filmi/ |title=Teefa in Trouble Film Review on Very Filmi! |date=20 July 2018 |last=Omair Alavi |access-date=25 August 2018 |publisher=VeryFilmi|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825002512/https://veryfilmi.com/teefa-in-trouble-film-review-on-very-filmi/|archive-date=25 August 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.samaa.tv/culture/2018/07/teefa-in-trouble-the-blockbuster-we-all-were-waiting-for/ |title=Teefa in Trouble – The Blockbuster we all were waiting for |date=21 July 2018 |author=Omair Alavi |access-date=22 July 2018 |publisher=Samaa TV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721100915/https://www.samaa.tv/culture/2018/07/teefa-in-trouble-the-blockbuster-we-all-were-waiting-for/|archive-date=21 July 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=http://www.magtheweekly.com/detail/3616 |title=Teefa in Trouble |date=28 July 2018 |author=Omair Alavi |access-date=25 August 2018 |work=MAG the weekly|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825002807/http://www.magtheweekly.com/detail/3616|archive-date=25 August 2018|url-status=live}} For Dawn, Bilal Agha described the film as "splendidly directed" and one that "set the bar high" for Pakistani films.{{cite news |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1421795 |title=Teefa in Trouble makes for a splendidly directed film |work=Dawn |date=23 July 2018 |access-date=24 July 2018 |author=Bilal Agha|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724183714/https://www.dawn.com/news/1421795|archive-date=24 July 2018|url-status=live}} Mohammad Kamran Jawaid wrote in a moderate review, "At times, a movie that doesn't aim that high yet scores on all levels is good enough."{{cite news |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1423051 |title=THE ICON REVIEW: TEEFA GETS IT RIGHT |work=Dawn |date=29 July 2018 |access-date=3 August 2018 |author=Mohammad Kamran Jawaid|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803114149/https://www.dawn.com/news/1423051|archive-date=3 August 2018|url-status=live}} Khurram Suhail of Dawn News said that the film has everything except the story, which is a plus as well as the negative for the film; only box office gross can not grow the industry.{{cite news |url=https://www.dawnnews.tv/news/1082996 |title={{Nq|طیفا اِن ٹربل: بارہ مصالحے کی چاٹ تو بن سکتی ہے، فلم نہیں!}}|author={{Nq|خرم سہیل}}|date=21 July 2018|access-date=22 July 2018|publisher=Dawn News|language=ur|quote={{Nq|اس فلم میں سوائے کہانی کے سب کچھ ہے، یہی اس فلم کی خامی اور خوبی ہے۔ آپ ایک سو برس تک بھی ایسی فلمیں بناتے رہیں تو بھی پاکستانی فلمی صنعت کا کچھ بھلا نہیں ہونے والا، کیونکہ باکس آفس کی کمائی صرف سب کچھ نہیں ہوتی۔}}|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721085837/https://www.dawnnews.tv/news/1082996/|archive-date=21 July 2018|url-status=live}} Sulman Ali of Pakistan Today praised the film and said that it is "simply a fun ride with its quirky and witty dialogues, with the perfect humour showcased by all the actors".{{cite news |url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/07/22/teefa-in-trouble-takes-you-on-a-hysterically-entertaining-ride/ |title='Teefa in Trouble' takes you on a hysterically entertaining ride |date=22 July 2018 |access-date=22 July 2018 |author=Sulman Ali |work=Pakistan Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722155621/https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/07/22/teefa-in-trouble-takes-you-on-a-hysterically-entertaining-ride/|archive-date=22 July 2018|url-status=live}}
For Geo News, Aizaz Imtiaz commented that it may be an "ordinary story" but "the way it has been shot keeps you hooked till the last scene".{{cite news |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/204244 |title=Teefa in Trouble? Surely, not on screen! |author=Aizaz Imtiaz |date=21 July 2018 |access-date=22 July 2018 |publisher=Geo News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722155543/https://www.geo.tv/latest/204244|archive-date=22 July 2018|url-status=live}} Rehan Ahmed reviewed it positively and called it the biggest and most smart film in the revival of Pakistani cinema.{{cite news |url=https://urdu.geo.tv/latest/188126 |title={{Nq|ریویو: ’طیفا ان ٹربل‘ پاکستان کی پہلی 50 کروڑ فلم؟؟}}|author={{Nq|ریحان احمد}}|date=31 July 2018|access-date=14 August 2018|publisher=Geo News|language=ur|quote={{Nq|سیدھی بات 'طیفا اِن ٹربل' پاکستانی فلم انڈسٹری کا "بہتری" کی طرف پہلا تو نہیں لیکن اب تک کا سب سے "بڑا" قدم ہے۔ […] اب تک کی پاکستان کی سب سے "بڑی" اور "اسمارٹ" فلم ہے۔}}|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815024238/https://urdu.geo.tv/latest/188126|archive-date=15 August 2018|url-status=live}} Sadiq Saleem of Masala! rated 3 out of 5 stars, and praised the film's production value, stunts and dialogues, but noted the weak plot and drags.{{cite news |url=https://www.masala.com/teefa-in-trouble-movie-review-the-verdict-is-out-on-ali-zafars-comedy-266868.html |title=Teefa in Trouble Movie Review: The Verdict Is Out on Ali Zafar's Comedy |author=Sadiq Saleem |date=20 July 2018 |access-date=22 July 2018 |work=Masala!|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720083019/https://www.masala.com/teefa-in-trouble-movie-review-the-verdict-is-out-on-ali-zafars-comedy-266868.html|archive-date=20 July 2018|url-status=live}} Shahjehan Saleem of Something Haute rated it 4 out of 5 stars while calling it "a strong competitor" due to its "stellar cinematography, beautiful music, strong acting skills, and an overall comic persona" while noting that "it lacks from a meatier story".{{cite news |url=https://www.somethinghaute.com/haute-review-teefa-in-trouble-a-perfect-mix-of-humour-and-action/ |title=Haute Review: Teefa in Trouble is a perfect mix of humour and action |author=Shahjehan Saleem |date=20 July 2018 |access-date=22 July 2018 |work=Something Huaye|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722155904/https://www.somethinghaute.com/haute-review-teefa-in-trouble-a-perfect-mix-of-humour-and-action/|archive-date=22 July 2018|url-status=live}} Nayab Fatima of Aaj TV rated 3 out of 5 stars and praised Maya Ali and the film's "quality" for "action scenes", "beautiful locations" and "funny dialogues", while she also noted the weak storyline.{{cite news |url=https://aaj.tv/2018/07/review-of-ali-zafars-debut-teefa-in-trouble/ |title=Review of Ali Zafar's debut 'Teefa in Trouble' |date=21 July 2018 |author=Nayab Fatima |access-date=22 July 2018 |publisher=Aaj TV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721150329/http://aaj.tv/2018/07/review-of-ali-zafars-debut-teefa-in-trouble/|archive-date=21 July 2018|url-status=live}} Asjad Khan of HIP said that despite "there are some issues with the film", it is "the mass entertainer audiences have been crying out for."{{cite news |url=https://www.hipinpakistan.com/news/1155323 |title=Movie review: Teefa in Trouble is a breakthrough film! |date=21 July 2018 |author=Asjad Khan |access-date=25 August 2018 |publisher=HIP|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825073807/https://www.hipinpakistan.com/news/1155323|archive-date=25 August 2018|url-status=live}} UrduMom praised the film, she commented that she was entertained "by the witty lines, music, acting and the beautiful shots."{{cite news |url=https://urdumom.com/2018/07/teefa-trouble-no-spoiler-review/ |title=TEEFA IN TROUBLE: A NO-SPOILER REVIEW OF THE PAKISTANI MOVIE! |date=21 July 2018 |access-date=22 July 2018 |last=urdumom |website=urdumom.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722184716/https://urdumom.com/2018/07/teefa-trouble-no-spoiler-review/|archive-date=22 July 2018|url-status=live}}
Farheen Abdullah of Youlin Magazine too praised the film, saying that it "proved to be a great mix of action, comedy, romance, and drama", but she also criticized its length.{{cite news |url=https://www.youlinmagazine.com/story/film-teefa-in-trouble-review/MTE4NA |title=Film Review: Teefa in Trouble |author=Farheen Abdullah |date=23 July 2018 |access-date=27 July 2018 |work=Youlin Magazine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727145704/https://www.youlinmagazine.com/story/film-teefa-in-trouble-review/MTE4NA|archive-date=27 July 2018|url-status=live}} Fatima Awan of Reviewit.pk rated it 3 out of 5 stars, she compared this film with previous Pakistani films, but praised its action sequences and said that it "could have been far more impressive if it was visually pleasing as well".{{cite web |url=https://reviewit.pk/teefa-in-trouble-film-review/ |title=Teefa in Trouble – Film Review |date=25 July 2018 |access-date=27 July 2018 |website=Reviewit.pk |author=Fatima Awan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727151338/https://reviewit.pk/teefa-in-trouble-film-review/|archive-date=27 July 2018|url-status=live}} A critic from Oye Yeah! noted the trouble in the script, but praised the film and commented, "A strong hero, a free-spirited heroine, sharp dialogues, fun and light-hearted comedy, the picture perfect look, song and dance, and powerful fight sequences".{{cite news |url=https://www.oyeyeah.com/films/review-teefa-trouble-blockbuster/ |title=In Review: Teefa In Trouble Is A Blockbuster! |date=21 July 2018 |access-date=22 July 2018 |website=oyeyeah.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722155950/https://www.oyeyeah.com/films/review-teefa-trouble-blockbuster/|archive-date=22 July 2018|url-status=live}} BBC Urdu's Hassan Zaidi gave positive reviews to the film and termed it as the most commercial Pakistani film which will help open a new chapter in Pakistan's commercial cinema.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/urdu/entertainment-45091498 |title={{Nq|طیفا کے نئے باب}}|author={{Nq|حسن زیدی}}|date=7 August 2018|access-date=9 August 2018|publisher=BBC Urdu|language=ur|quote={{Nq|طیفا اِن ٹربل کی سب سے بڑی بات یہ ہے کہ اب تک کی پاکستان میں بننے والی ’کمرشل‘ فلموں میں سب سے منفرد اور تکنیکی طور پر سب سے بہتر فلم ہے۔ یہ کہنا غلط نہ ہوگا کہ یہ کسی بھی بالی وُڈ کی فلم سے کم نہیں ہے اور اس سے آئندہ پاکستانی فلموں کے لیے کئی دروازے کھُلیں گے۔}}|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180809123312/https://www.bbc.com/urdu/entertainment-45091498|archive-date=9 August 2018|url-status=live}}
=Accolades=
Controversies
=Protests=
Protests{{cite news |url=https://images.dawn.com/news/1180461 |title=We need to talk about Teefa in Trouble |author=Hamna Zubair |date=20 July 2018 |work=Dawn Images |access-date=15 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816125839/https://images.dawn.com/news/1180461|archive-date=16 August 2018|url-status=live}} marked the premieres of Teefa in Trouble in Karachi and Lahore by activists who boycotted the film over the sexual harassment allegations against Ali Zafar by Meesha Shafi, which Zafar denied.{{cite news |url=https://images.dawn.com/news/1180496 |title=Protests take place outside cinemas as Teefa in Trouble premieres this weekend |date=21 July 2018 |work=Dawn Images |access-date=21 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721150609/https://images.dawn.com/news/1180496|archive-date=21 July 2018|url-status=live}} Reports had also emerged that some demonstrators were physically and verbally abused at the protest.{{cite news |url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/271246 |title=Misogyny in trouble |date=22 July 2018 |work=Daily Times |access-date=15 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180909222010/https://dailytimes.com.pk/271246/|url-status=live|archive-date=9 September 2018}} In one instance, the demonstrators asked Waleed Zaman, the creative director of women's clothing brand Kayseria, the reason why he was backing the film, to which Zaman responded by saying, "We support sexual harassment of women."{{cite news |url=https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/pakistan/we-support-sexual-harassment-pakistani-businessman-1.2254722 |title=We support sexual harassment: Pakistani businessman |author=Rabab Khan |date=21 July 2018 |work=Gulf News |access-date=15 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181110051121/https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/pakistan/we-support-sexual-harassment-pakistani-businessman-1.2254722|archive-date=10 November 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://images.dawn.com/news/1180493 |title=Kayseria's creative director, Waleed Zaman said he supports sexual harassment of women |date=21 July 2018 |work=Dawn Images |access-date=15 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730081145/https://images.dawn.com/news/1180493|archive-date=30 July 2018|url-status=live}} He later apologized for his comments.{{cite news |url=https://www.urdupoint.com/en/showbiz/teefa-in-trouble-protests-people-are-not-buy-395872.html |title=Teefa in Trouble Protests: People Are Not Buying Waleed Zamans Apology On we Support Sexual Harassment Statement |publisher=UrduPoint |access-date=15 August 2018 |date=21 July 2018 |author=Mahnoor Sheikh|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816093646/https://www.urdupoint.com/en/showbiz/teefa-in-trouble-protests-people-are-not-buy-395872.html|archive-date=16 August 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/07/22/white-lies-273/ |last=APOLLO |date=22 July 2018 |title=White Lies |work=Pakistan Today |access-date=15 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816125754/https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/07/22/white-lies-273/|archive-date=16 August 2018|url-status=live}}
=Piracy=
Teefa in Trouble was largely unauthorized and was available on multiple streaming websites after its release, including YouTube and Facebook. The production team also posted a warning notice[https://www.facebook.com/TeefainTroubleOfficial/photos/a.1644644232243934/2189955731046112 Teefa in Trouble's "Warning Against Piracy"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008000903/https://www.facebook.com/TeefainTroubleOfficial/photos/a.1644644232243934/2189955731046112 |date=8 October 2019 }} on Facebook. 30 July 2018. Retrieved 25 August 2019. and initiated the step against piracy of all Pakistani films.{{cite news |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/348954 |title=Teefa takes action against piracy; pirates in trouble |date=30 June 2018 |access-date=25 August 2019 |work=The News |author=Mohammad Nasir |archive-date=21 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621202825/https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/348954 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.oyeyeah.com/blogs/can-internet-cable-piracy-be-curbed/ |title=Can Internet Cable piracy be curbed? |date=25 December 2018 |access-date=25 August 2019 |author=Saman Siddiqui |website=oyeyeah.com |archive-date=7 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220107043422/https://www.oyeyeah.com/blogs/can-internet-cable-piracy-be-curbed/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://orcalex.com/the-rise-of-teefa-against-infringing-material-causing-some-real-trouble-to-the-pirates/ |title=THE RISE OF TEEFA, AGAINST INFRINGING MATERIAL CAUSING SOME REAL TROUBLE TO THE PIRATES! |date=25 March 2019 |access-date=25 August 2019 |website=orcalex.com |archive-date=25 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825171426/https://orcalex.com/the-rise-of-teefa-against-infringing-material-causing-some-real-trouble-to-the-pirates/ |url-status=live }}
=Awards show=
The nominations for the 2019 Lux Style Awards sparked social media due to Zafar's name in it. Many celebrities called out for either boycotting the awards or rejecting their nominations. Director Ahsan Rahim shared that widely acclaimed film music not being nominated is a disappointment, and asked for the deserving ones. The award show commented to respect the decisions of the jury as well as wait for the legal decision of the harassment case.{{cite news |url=https://www.somethinghaute.com/4-controversies-sparked-by-lux-style-awards-2019-nominations/ |title=4 controversies sparked by Lux Style Awards 2019 nominations |date=31 March 2019 |work=Something Haute |access-date=25 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401144134/https://www.somethinghaute.com/4-controversies-sparked-by-lux-style-awards-2019-nominations/|archive-date=1 April 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.brecorder.com/2019/04/01/484645 |title=Lux Style Awards in hot water for neglecting deserving Pakistani talent |author=Asfia Afzal |date=1 April 2019 |access-date=25 August 2019 |work=Business Recorder |archive-date=25 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825171442/https://www.brecorder.com/2019/04/01/484645/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://galaxylollywood.com/2019/04/25/ali-zafar-lsa-controversy/ |title=Here is everything that has happened following the Ali Zafar-LSA controversy |date=25 April 2019 |access-date=25 August 2019 |website=GalaxyLollywood.com |author=Momina Mindeel |archive-date=25 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825171430/https://galaxylollywood.com/2019/04/25/ali-zafar-lsa-controversy/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.brandsynario.com/ali-zafar-breaks-silence-over-lsa-2019-controversy-in-a-cryptic-tweet/ |title=Ali Zafar Breaks Silence Over LSA 2019 Controversy in a Cryptic Tweet |date=26 April 2018 |author=Ghazala Sulaiman |access-date=25 August 2019 |publisher=BrandSynario|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626035439/https://www.brandsynario.com/ali-zafar-breaks-silence-over-lsa-2019-controversy-in-a-cryptic-tweet/|archive-date=26 June 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.samaa.tv/entertainment/2019/05/lux-style-awards-organiser-addresses-ali-zafar-meesha-shafi-case/ |title=Lux Style Awards organiser addresses Ali Zafar, Meesha Shafi case |date=4 May 2019 |access-date=25 August 2019 |publisher=Samaa TV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190504104745/https://www.samaa.tv/entertainment/2019/05/lux-style-awards-organiser-addresses-ali-zafar-meesha-shafi-case/|archive-date=4 May 2019|url-status=live}}
See also
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{IMDb title|8043306}}
- {{URL|tadpolefilms.net|Tadpole Films}}
- {{Facebook|TeefainTroubleOfficial|Teefa in Trouble}}
- {{iTunes|us/album/teefa-in-trouble-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-ep/1407398506|Teefa in Trouble (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) – EP}}
Category:2010s musical comedy films
Category:2018 romantic comedy films
Category:2010s romantic musical films
Category:Films distributed by Yash Raj Films
Category:Films shot in Bangkok
Category:Pakistani action comedy films
Category:Pakistani romantic comedy films
Category:Pakistani musical comedy films
Category:Punjabi-language Pakistani films
Category:Urdu-language Pakistani films
Category:Pakistani multilingual films
Category:2010s Urdu-language films
Category:2018 directorial debut films
Category:2018 action comedy films