KARACHI: In an era dominated by screens and shrinking attention spans, filmmaker Khalid Hasan Khan has introduced 'Vellichor', hailed as Pakistan's first literary thriller film. The 40-minute movie aims not only to entertain but also to reignite a passion for books, libraries, and reading culture. Screened at the Karachi Press Club, the film is dedicated to Noorunnisa, a fictional character embodying the transformative power of education, particularly for women and children.
Inspiration Behind the Film
Speaking to The Express Tribune, Khan explained that the idea for 'Vellichor' stemmed from his concern over society's increasing reliance on mobile phones and short-form digital content. 'There is plenty of entertainment in Pakistan. We wanted to create something that develops a thought process and promotes thought leadership,' he said. The project follows an earlier film focused on the dangers of excessive mobile phone usage, which was screened at literary and educational forums like the Lahore Literary Festival, Karachi Literature Festival, Black Hole Islamabad, and Beaconhouse School of Tomorrow, where it won a short film award.
'The next question for us was: if mobile phone addiction is the problem, then what is the solution? The answer, we felt, lies in books,' Khan added.
The Story of Vellichor
The film's title, 'Vellichor', refers to the nostalgic scent of old books. Khan said the film seeks to remind audiences of the emotional and intellectual value of reading. 'The fragrance of an old book can come from a library, a bookstore or even a forgotten shelf at home. We wanted to celebrate that connection.' The plot revolves around a philanthropist who establishes a library. After his death, his son allegedly tries to seize the property through a fake will and convert it into a software house. Opposing him are a dedicated librarian and an eccentric, mysterious character named Waraqa, derived from the Arabic word for 'paper'. Khan noted that the name Noorunnisa was deliberately chosen to highlight women's education, meaning 'the light of a woman'. 'The light of a woman shines brighter through knowledge. We wanted to connect the idea of women, education and libraries.'
International Reach and Future Plans
To expand the film's reach, the makers have added Chinese subtitles and plan to showcase it internationally. 'China is the country where paper was invented, so we wanted to connect with that heritage,' Khan said. The team also plans to screen the film at universities, literary festivals, and cultural institutions across Pakistan, including the Karachi Literature Festival, Lahore Literary Festival, Sindh Literature Festival, and Adab Festival. 'We want people to start talking about books again,' he added.
Importance of Libraries
At the screening, Dr. Syed Saifur Rehman, who plays a librarian in the film, stressed that libraries remain essential despite rapid digitization. 'People understand the importance of technology, but they should also understand the importance of books. Books remain our best friends.' He expressed concern that many young people spend most of their time consuming digital content rather than reading. 'This short film is an attempt to show why books should be protected and why libraries must survive. Reading is still one of the most effective ways to learn, grow and prepare for the future.'
Addressing the challenge of attracting Gen Z readers, Rehman acknowledged that mobile phones are now a reality of modern life. 'A mobile phone is a tool of utility. A book is something much deeper. It stays with you, shapes your thinking and helps you move forward in life.' He added that parents and teachers must play a leading role in nurturing reading habits by encouraging children to keep books close, read regularly, and engage with ideas beyond the digital world.
The film's poster describes 'Vellichor' as 'the first literary thriller' from Pakistan. Rather than focusing solely on suspense, the project uses the thriller format to raise concerns about declining reading culture and the future of libraries. Featuring actors Aayan Hussain, Talal Farhat, Shamim Sherazi, and Dr. Syed Saifur Rehman, the film was written, directed, and produced by Khalid Hasan Khan.
