Actor, director, and writer Shaan Shahid says Psycho reflects today’s mindset, calling society “psycho” as the psychological thriller builds buzz ahead of Eid-ul-Adha 2026 release.
By Imran Malik | April 18, 2026
LAHORE: Shaan Shahid, Meera, Nayyar Ejaz, and the producers of Psycho spoke to the media over the weekend at a jam-packed Faletti’s chilled hall in Lahore, generating strong buzz ahead of the film’s Eid-ul-Adha release.
Actors Shabbir Jan and Sonya Hussyn could not attend the event due to their busy shooting schedules in Karachi.
Shaan Shahid — who serves as the film’s actor, director, and writer — described Psycho as a reflection of a society pushed to psychological extremes.
“Psycho is not just a medical term anymore — the public itself has become psycho,” Shaan said, adding, “Passion at its extreme becomes psycho.”
“Why only us?” Shaan Shahid challenges industry criticism
Addressing comparisons within the industry, Shaan Shahid pointed to what he described as a double standard in criticism. He said filmmakers associated with Lahore had long been accused of promoting “gandasa” and “badmash” culture, while Karachi-based productions have largely focused on romantic comedies in recent years without facing similar scrutiny. He stressed the need for broader storytelling across the industry.
He also clarified that Psycho is not inspired by Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, stating, “Absolutely not.”
A filmmaker with multiple identities
Explaining his multiple roles, Shaan said his creative instincts are rooted in his upbringing.
“I’m an actor from my mother’s side, a director from my father’s side, and a writer by birth — there’s even a small journalist within me,” he said.
Meera reflects on her role
Meera shared that she had fully immersed herself in the character.
“I lived this role for a long time,” she said, adding that psychological complexity exists within everyone.
“I believe there is a ‘psycho’ inside every person — your husband, your brother, anyone,” she remarked, encouraging audiences to approach the film with an open perspective.
A mind-bending narrative
Featuring a strong ensemble cast, Psycho explores the fragile boundary between reality and illusion under the theme: “The real enemy lives in the mind.”
With modern storytelling and a bold psychological approach, the film aims to set a new benchmark in Pakistani cinema as anticipation builds for its Eid al-Adha release.
Questions on funding and future projects
In response to a question about government funding for selected filmmakers and the criteria for such support, Shaan Shahid — who has himself received funding — did not respond in full, instead referring the matter to other individuals present at the event.
Meanwhile, when UK-based producers were asked about Shaan’s performance as a director, they expressed strong confidence in him, stating they are “very happy and satisfied” and plan to launch five more projects in collaboration with him.
