Ainak Wala Jin returns to cinemas in animated form

Pakistan’s popular children’s fantasy series Ainak Wala Jin has returned nearly three decades after its television debut, this time as an animated film for the big screen.

Ainak Wala Jin: The Animated Movie was released in cinemas across Pakistan on Friday, July 24. The Urdu-language production is being screened at major cinema chains, including Nueplex, Cinepax and Centaurus Cineplex.

Running for around 85 minutes, the film introduces the world of the original television series to a younger generation while drawing on the nostalgia associated with the programme.

The story centres on a young boy growing up in a strict household, where rules and responsibilities shape much of his life. His elderly neighbour, who is later revealed to be a jin, leads him into the magical world of Kokaf.

The film has been promoted under the taglines “The Magic Returns” and “A New Journey, The Same Magic”, reflecting its attempt to combine familiar elements from the original series with a new animated adventure.

Ainak Wala Jin first aired on PTV Lahore in February 1993 and went on to become one of Pakistan’s best-known children’s programmes.

The series attracted a large audience during the 1990s through its mix of fantasy, science fiction, humour and everyday situations, alongside characters that became widely recognised among Pakistani viewers.

The animated adaptation is now showing at participating cinemas across the country.