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Drama thriller

Verna (2017): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Verna (2017) movie poster

Verna is a 2017 drama thriller directed by Shoaib Mansoor, starring Mahira Khan as Sara, Haroon Shahid and Naimal Khawar. It runs 2 hours 38 minutes and earned $168,552 worldwide on a $20 million budget. Its Echo Score is 69/100.

worldwide gross
$168.6K
Echo Score
69
budget
$20M
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Verna (2017) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 38m (158 min)
Director
Shoaib Mansoor
Genres
Drama , Thriller
Original language
Urdu
Budget
$20M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Verna About?

The premise of Verna without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

A married couple’s life falls apart as they face extraordinary circumstances.

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Cast & crew

Verna Cast & Characters

Mahira Khan leads the cast as Sara, with Haroon Shahid as Aami and Naimal Khawar as Mahgul. Directed by Shoaib Mansoor; 13 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Shoaib Mansoor

More films directed by Shoaib Mansoor: Bol and Khuda Kay Liye.

Full filmography
Ratings

Verna Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 69/100, strongest in art & craft (78) and weakest in story & flow (60).

69 /100

Verna Echo Score Breakdown

Verna delivers a socially important drama that divides viewers on its execution. Critics commend Shoaib Mansoor’s direction and the film’s striking cinematography, calling the visual palette and sound design effective. However, many note a meandering plot, uneven pacing, and under‑developed characters that weaken the narrative thrust. The combination of potent performances with structural flaws results in a mixed but earnest cinematic experience.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 78

    In terms of art and craft, the film’s direction and visual presentation receive strong praise. Reviewers highlight the spot‑on direction and phenomenal cinematography that give each scene a vivid quality. Some mention that the music, while pleasant, does not always match the impact of previous works. Overall, the technical execution is regarded as solid and contributes positively to the film’s impact.

  • Character & Emotion 68

    When it comes to character and emotion, the leads are consistently lauded. Mahira Khan’s performance is described as intense and nuanced, with Zarrar and Haroon also earning commendation. Conversely, secondary roles are criticized as laughable and the overall character development is deemed minimal, leaving many figures static throughout the runtime. The acting strengths are balanced by noticeable gaps in depth.

  • Story & Flow 60

    Story and flow present a mixed picture. The film tackles a vital social issue and offers moments of gripping drama, yet several reviewers point to a loose script, redundant sub‑plots, and pacing that drags. Plot holes and watered‑down treatment of the core theme are cited as detracting factors. Consequently, the narrative cohesion is seen as moderate rather than compelling.

  • Sensory Experience 75

    Sensory experience receives largely positive feedback. The soundtrack is praised for its melodic yet grim tone that aligns with the film’s mood, and the sound design supports the emotional beats. Visual style, especially the cinematography, is described as phenomenal, providing a picturesque quality. Minor critiques note that the music could have matched earlier benchmarks, but overall the sensory elements enhance the viewing.

  • Rewatch Factor 65

    Rewatch factor is moderately favorable. Viewers find the film engaging enough to merit another look, citing its powerful themes and moments that deliver a solid punch. Yet the lengthy runtime and uneven pacing discourage repeated viewings for some, and the lack of commercial appeal limits broader replay desire. Thus, the film holds a respectable but not overwhelming replay value.

Plot

Verna Plot Summary

What happens in Verna from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Verna follows Sara Mahira Khan, a joyful partner to Aami Haroon Shahid, a man living with a disability, as they share a seemingly perfect life. Their days are brightened by the presence of Mahgul Naimal Khawar, Aami’s sister, and the small, quiet rituals that make their bond feel unbreakable. The mood shifts in a single, jarring moment at the park when a black SUV pulls up and men attempt to seize Mahgul, forcing Sara to step in and shield her loved ones. What begins as a terrifying intrusion into their happiness quickly reveals how fragile safety can be in a world where power and fear collide.

Full summary

The whole story of Verna, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Verna Box Office & Budget

Verna grossed $168,552 worldwide on a $20 million budget.

2017 box office

Worldwide gross

$168.6K

International
$168.6K
Budget
$20M
Videos

Verna Videos

The clip of Verna.

Sambhal Sambhal Kay | Song | Verna | Shoaib Mansoor's movie
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Verna?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
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  10. Question 10: not answered

What is the name of Sara's disabled husband?

Details

Verna Also Known As

Also known as “Or Else”.

Also known as
  • Or Else

Seen Verna?

FAQ

Verna FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, post-credit scenes and language of Verna, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Verna?

Verna runs 2 hours 38 minutes (158 minutes).

When was Verna released?

Verna was released on November 17, 2017.

Who directed Verna?

Verna was directed by Shoaib Mansoor.

More films by Shoaib Mansoor

Who is in the cast of Verna?

Verna stars Mahira Khan as Sara, Haroon Shahid as Aami and Naimal Khawar as Mahgul, among 13 credited actors.

How much did Verna make at the box office?

Verna grossed $168,552 worldwide on a budget of $20 million.

Does Verna have a post-credit scene?

No. Verna has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Verna in?

The original language of Verna is Urdu.

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