“Aashir Wajahat will surprise everyone,” Saleem Mairaj told Aaj News at the event. “The role played by Aashir might not have been difficult for me, but it was difficult for Aashir and he has played his role very well.”

In the film, Aashir plays the role of ‘Khakroob (sweeper)’ who becomes part of a criminal gang after coming in contact with the wrong people.

Aashir, who made his big screen debut with the film, said that despite being excited for the release he was also nervous. But he was also optimistic because of all the hard work.

He hoped that the people would like the film as it was a different genre, which was not much focused here.

Romaisa Khan is playing the love interest of Asher in the movie. The movie shows how the lead character, John, while entering the world of crime falls in love with Maria.

It merits here to mention that the film was released at a time when Mission Impossible Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One of the Hollywood franchise was released in Pakistan.

When Aaj News asked this question to veteran actor Javed Sheikh, he replied that he advised that five films should not be released in Pakistan on Eid. He was speaking to the festival releases where at least seven movies hit the big screens.

“One to two films are released on major events all over the world. Here we release five or six films, which results in a waste of money,” Sheikh said.

Nadeem Baig, a movie director, was of the view that new talent should be given the opportunity. The people want to see something different from the conventional stories.

Actress and model Nadia Hussain, Zhalay Sarhadhi, Iqra Aziz, Yasir Hussain, Adnan Shah Tipu, Behroze Sabzwari and Shahroz Sabzwari and others participated.

The film John is written and directed by Babar Ali. He is also one of the producers of the film. This is first film as a director. Previously he wrote Pinky Memsaab.

“Loved the film #john intense, do watch it guys you wont regret it, everyone has performed,” said Na Maloom Afraad director Nabeel Qureshi as he praised Aashir for his performance.

Actor Humayun Saeed also appreciated the film cast.

But Ehtesham Uddin was ‘blown away’ by the film.

“Storytelling at it’s finest. Take a bow #BabarAli you are a hidden gem. Extraordinary performances by #SaleemMairaj #AshirWajahat #RomaisaKhan. Definitely suggest going and watching it in theaters and you must,” he tweeted.