Pakistani Film industry had consistently been on the on top of the hill during 1970’s and 1980’s. Our elders still recalls the style and content it contained, all aspects of films were superlative. We had splendid on-screen characters like Waheed Murad, Muhammad Ali, Nadeem and Shabnam. They gave us amazing melodies, for example, one of the iconic hits were ”Mujhey Tum Nazar Se” by Mehdi Hassan sahab and Akeley Na Jana by Ahmed Rushdi from the film “Armaan.” However, after 1980’s, the decline started. The reasons were evident; firstly, the formation of various religious policies by the government that our film failed to follow effectively and makers were constrained to execute their thoughts under the strict censorship.
Huge taxes were imposed on this industry, the benefit was no where. Director had to be a graduate else, he would not be called for this designation. Pakistani audience had no real option except to purchase tapes of Bollywood movies to watch through VCR.
Moreover, on-screen characters went less in number, and the eminent ones never paid attention to this work, consequently this brought in vague content, portrayal of feudal culture ended up as vital element subsequently, film industry crumbled.
Time started to sway around when Filmmaker Shoaib Mansoor released ”Khuda ke Liye” in 2007 which featured Shan, Fawad Khan and Eman Ali. This time the masses had got something worthy to watch from this cinema, the film stimulated Pakistani industry with the business of ₨ 15.06 crore (Worldwide) and ₨ 5.50 crore (Pakistan).
Shoaib Mansoor was not coming slow during the time, as he intended to support the business with another enormous hit “Bol” which featured Mahira Khan, Humaima Malik and Atif Aslam. This urged different filmmakers to come up with valuable and bang the industry with ‘no-stop’ in making films. After these successful hits, “Waar” was the one which didn’t fail to pull in crowd with unique storyline that incorporates enthusiasm and patriotism. Shaan, Hamza Ali Abbasi, Meesha Shafi and Shamoon Abbasi were featured in it.
From that point forward, our producers did not lose the inspiration and as the days are passing, we are getting quality films for e.g Dobara phir se, Janaan, Ho man jahan and Teefa in a trouble with it’s excellent cinematography. Recently, Superstar and Parrey Hut Love are on trending. One reason for these hits is ‘ Ban on Indian movies’ which made up the chances for the producers to give films that don’t exhaust our masses neither feel regret of losing Bollywood films.
In spite of the fact that, a lot of work needs to be done. New faces in industry are in progress be it directors or actors. This industry will without a doubt go on to win awards and Pakistani movies will be recognized around the world, as not to forget Maah-e-Meer was included in ‘Oscar awards’ and Punjab nahi jaungi won Foreign Academy Awards.
