Circa 1813: It is societally looked down upon for women to take up professions, let alone those that indulged them in frivolous entertainment, such as writing and reading. They were only expected to marry for financial stability. In a world like this, English novelist Jane Austen not only rebelled by publishing her works, but by also making high society the central theme.
Even after 200 years since initial publications, she continues to be world renowned for ‘Pride and Prejudice’, a satirical story that critiques the dependence of women on marriage for the pursuit of desirable social status. It has inspired not only adaptations, but also mainstream titles like ‘Bridgerton’, ‘The Buccaneers’, and more.
However, one factor that is often missing in all of these works is ample Desi representation.
To rectify this is an upcoming English-language film adaptation of Pakistani-American writer Sonia Kamal’s ‘Unmarriageable’! Traveling Picture Show Company and Rising Tides have joined forces with Pakistan‘s Hum Network to bring the Pakistani (also read: Desi) version of the literary adaptation of ‘Pride and Prejudice’, to the golden screen.
The hilariously intriguing story follows the Binat family’s five daughters as they try to navigate modern life and South Asian courtship in the presence of nosy family members and gossip-loving elders. Set to be shot entirely in Pakistan, the film does not have any actors attached as of now.
However, it is expected to release to a huge viewer base through Hum Network, a prominent Pakistani entertainment channel that boasts a viewership of over 200 million in South Asia.
Cannot wait for more information? We know we can’t!