Manchester-based AFA Productions will be releasing hotly-anticipated debut feature film Apnas in cinemas on 20 March 2026, following its official trailer surpassing 1.5 million views and sparking a major online buzz.
Set to open in cinemas nationwide Apnas tells a contemporary story rooted in British Pakistani life, delving into family loyalty, personal ambition and moral responsibility – themes that have already captured audiences’ attention well ahead of its official release. UK and Ireland theatrical distribution rights have been acquired by Munro Film.
The PR partner for the film is fellow North West business Zeus PR, and the film features an ensemble cast including Asim Ashraf, James Greaney, Nitin Ganatra, Rehan Sheikh, Mollie Winnard, Ash Tandon and Haiesha Mistry.
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At the film’s centre are two Pakistani cousins whose lives become increasingly entangled with the criminal underworld, placing them in situations where survival, ethics and obligation are constantly in conflict.
As the story unfolds, Apnas presents a nuanced exploration of organised crime set against the backdrop of Manchester, amidst family expectations and social pressures. Balancing suspense with emotional depth, the film delivers a grounded narrative shaped by realism and character-driven storytelling.
The film is accompanied by an original soundtrack featuring a range of talented artists, including lead actor Asim Ashraf, known as Ceazaa, Metz & Trix, Joga Jeezy and Hukz, with notable features from acclaimed UK performers Wiley and Sneakbo. The music blends contemporary urban sounds with dynamic beats, enhancing the film’s atmosphere and supporting its emotional and narrative character arcs.
The release is a significant next step for AFA Productions, which has already cultivated a highly engaged audience through its YouTube channel, Apnas TV, with over 461,000 subscribers. In just two weeks, the trailer has racked up remarkable views, setting the stage for a highly anticipated cinematic debut.
Fiaz Ashraf, CEO of AFA Productions, commented: “Apnas represents a hugely important step for us as a production company. After years of building an audience online, bringing this story to the big screen has always been the ambition. There has been a real sense of anticipation around this film, and we’re excited for audiences to finally experience a powerful, character-driven story about family, loyalty and the choices that define us.”
Partnering with Munro Film for the UK and Ireland theatrical release ensures Apnas will reach audiences nationwide, supported by a distributor with a strong reputation for championing independent cinema.
Frank Munro, Managing Director of Munro Film, added: “We’re delighted to be working with AFA Productions on their debut feature. Apnas is a powerful and authentic film with a strong identity and clear audience, and we see real potential for it to resonate with cinema-goers across the UK and Ireland. There’s growing anticipation around the release, and we’re excited to help bring this compelling story to the big screen.”
Apnas is produced by Fiaz Ashraf and Nadia Jaynes, and co-directed by Ashley Chin and Darren R.L. Gordon. Chin, an actor and film director, began his prolific acting career in 1999 in the BBC film ‘Storm Damage’, and has held roles in other major productions including ‘The Fixer’, ‘Law & Order’, ‘Starred Up’ and ‘Fedz’. Gordon is an eminent director, agent and acting coach, with previous experience directing music videos and shorts including The Hunter (2015) and Stepson (2012).
