Iranian cinema: highlights from past week

In a week brimming with new releases and updates, the Iranian cinema scene is filled with anticipation and excitement.

Here's a look at the latest developments:

1. ‘Texas 3’ dominates weekly sales despite slight dip

This week, ‘Texas 3’ has maintained its strong position in the weekly sales table.

Although its sales dipped slightly compared to the previous week, it still outperformed other films significantly.

‘Don't Be Embarrassed 2: Separation of Qanbar from Sanam’ held onto second place, while ‘Intoxicated by Love’ was edged out by ‘Bloody Crocodile’ by a narrow margin.

2. ‘Fragrant’ to become best-selling romantic movie of month

The movie ‘Fragrant’ has attracted over 76,000 viewers and is on the brink of earning the title of the best-selling romantic movie of the past month.

As the second phase of its release coincides with the beginning of Muharram and the pause of comedy films, a new poster for the film has been unveiled.

The romantic melodrama, written by Hossein Hosni, stars Mustafa Zamani, Hoda Zeinolabedin, Kourosh Tahami, Homayoun Ershadi, Hessam Mahmoudi, Soudabeh Beyzaee and Shahrouz Ebrahimi.

3. Filming for ‘St. Petersburg 2’ to begin next year

Rambod Javan has confirmed the production of ‘St. Petersburg 2’.

In a recent interview, Javan announced that Peyman Qasemkhani has yet to write the script, but plans to start next year.

The sequel continues the popular comedy directed by Behrouz Afkhami in 2009, with Mohsen Tanabandeh and Peyman Qasemkhani reprising their roles.

Hamid Faridian will produce the film.

4. ‘Hotel’ to premiere globally post-Copa América and the Euros

The world premiere of ‘Hotel’, directed by Masoud Atyabi and produced by Mohammad Shayesteh, is to kick off after the conclusion of the Copa América and the Euros.

Released in theaters last year, ‘Hotel’ broke numerous records.

The film stars Pejman Jamshidi and Mohsen Kiaee as the main duo, with Vahid Shemshadian handling global distribution.

5. First photo of comedy ‘Pressure Cooker’ released

The first photo of the comedy ‘Pressure Cooker’, starring Navid Mohammadzadeh and Mohsen Tanabandeh, has been released.

Directed by Rambod Javan and produced by Mansour Sohrab, the film is set during the ballistic missile attacks on Tehran in 1988.

The plot revolves around a pressure cooker explosion that seriously injures the father of a family, leading to his death.

This marks Javan's sixth directorial effort, following notable films like ‘Son of Adam and Daughter of Eve’, ‘No Men Allowed’ and ‘Murphy's Law’.

6. Poster for ‘The Unfinished Story of Sima’ unveiled

The poster for the Iranian film ‘The Unfinished Story of Sima’, directed by Alireza Samadi, has been unveiled.

The film hit Iranian cinemas on Wednesday, July 03.

This marks Samadi's third feature film, featuring Hamed Komeili, Azadeh Samadi, Qazzal Shakeri, Mehran Ahmadi, Massoud Keramati and Maryam Saadati.

The synopsis of the flick reads, “A bad reputation isn't as bad as some people think; it also has its own fans!”

MM/MM