Stepping into the storied halls of Roxy Cinema in Gujranwala, one is immediately transported to an era of unbridled glamour, where the silver screen held a nation spellbound. This historic venue, once a dual-purpose theater and cinema capable of seating over 700, forms the evocative backdrop for Roxy Cinema, Mohsin Naveed Ranjha’s latest collection. Much like the cinema it celebrates, the collection is a tribute to a bygone era-a shimmering ode to the golden age of Lollywood in the 1960s and 1970s.
The collection is a symphony of sumptuous velvets, diaphanous organzas, and intricate craftsmanship. Each ensemble is named after an iconic Pakistani actress, evoking the larger-than-life personas of stars like Shabnam, Neelo, and Anjuman. These legendary women not only graced the screens but also defined an era of unrestrained elegance and cinematic grandeur.
Central to this collection by MNR is a meticulous exploration of texture, color, and embellishment. Take Shabnam, for instance, rendered in a rich pomegranate noir. The vintage-inspired frock is adorned with Mughal crown motifs along the hem, paired with an embroidered shalwar featuring delicate floral vines, and completed with a mustard-yellow dupatta shimmering with sequins. It’s an ensemble that speaks of opulence and drama, much like the actress herself.
Meanwhile, Neelo captivates in mellow azure, with a short velvet shirt showcasing floral bunches and adda work. The contrasting kacha tilla organza dupatta in vibrant hues of blue and green adds a playful yet regal flair. Similarly, Anjuman dazzles with a golden-brown angrakha in cotton net, paired with a velvet shawl finished with traditional kiran trims-a poetic nod to Lollywood’s penchant for grandiosity.
Ranjha’s choice of velvets in jewel tones-muted blues, meadow greens, and peach blossoms-underscores the collection’s cinematic essence. These lush fabrics are intricately embroidered with Mughal floral vines, geometric scrolls, and shimmering motifs, brought to life with the finest adda work, beadwork, and sequins. Paired with voluminous shalwars, pleated dupattas, and embroidered shawls, the ensembles evoke the nostalgia of family outings to grand theaters like Roxy, where drama unfolded both on and off-screen.
For designer Mohsin Naveed Ranjha, this collection is as much about honoring Lollywood’s golden era as it is about preserving cultural landmarks. “Before the Internet, Cinemas and theaters like Roxy were more than venues; they were places where dreams came to life,” he reflects. “Through our Roxy Cinema collection, I wanted to showcase not just the glamour of Lollywood but also the importance of celebrating these historic spaces so the next generation doesn’t forget their significance.”
The campaign, set against Roxy Cinema’s aging grandeur, juxtaposes the glimmer of these ensembles with the elegance of its past. The resulting imagery is both poignant and celebratory, a testament to Ranjha’s mastery in blending cultural nostalgia with modern design.
With Roxy Cinema, Mohsin Naveed Ranjha offers more than a collection-it’s a love letter to Pakistan’s cinematic past and the iconic women who defined it. As the lights dim on this era, Ranjha ensures its brilliance continues to shine.
