Rajab Butt Faces Backlash Over Rs2,000 Cinema Appeal

KARACHI: (Showbiz Desk) – Pakistani YouTuber-turned-actor Rajab Butt has sparked a fresh debate online after urging his followers to start saving Rs2,000 to watch his upcoming debut film in cinemas.

In a viral video circulating on social media, Rajab appealed to his followers to put aside money gradually so they could afford a cinema ticket and popcorn when his much-anticipated film is released.

“Start saving up money 100 rupees at a time from now on. I want every single kid in the cinema. 2,000 rupees covers both the ticket and popcorn. I promise you will not regret it,” Rajab said.

He also encouraged his followers to watch the movie with their families or friends, assuring them that the film would be suitable for a family audience.

“Whether you watch the movie with your family or with friends, you will not regret it. Just like you support me on YouTube, support me in the cinema as well,” he added.

The appeal comes as Rajab prepares to make the transition from digital content creation to mainstream Pakistani cinema. With more than nine million YouTube subscribers, the vlogger has built a large following and has previously expressed confidence that his supporters will turn out for his big-screen debut.

In an earlier statement that also circulated widely online, Rajab claimed that even if people outside his fanbase chose not to watch the film, his so-called “Rajab Family” of around one crore followers would still be enough to fill cinemas.

The upcoming film is being directed by Syed Faisal Bukhari, while Sarmad Ibrahim has written the screenplay. The cast includes Amar Khan in the female lead, alongside veteran actors Resham, Saba Faisal and Babar Ali.

The first major shooting spell of the project was recently completed in Chiniot, Punjab, marking another milestone in Rajab’s transition from social media to the big screen.

However, his latest appeal has also drawn criticism on social media. Some users sarcastically described the request as “bheeq” (begging), while others questioned whether asking followers to specifically save Rs2,000 for his film was appropriate.

Critics argued that the appeal could be viewed differently by ordinary Pakistanis facing financial pressures, particularly given Rajab’s success as a digital content creator. Supporters, meanwhile, have welcomed his confidence in his audience and his direct appeal for fans to support his cinematic debut.