Pakistani movies start getting international premieres

It was year 2007 when Shoaib Mansoor’s Khuda Key Liey was released in Pakistan. That film, arguably, digged the foundation of revival of Pakistani cinema. Fast forward to year 2015, Pakistani movies are now taking over international cinemas. One of them even premiered in Hollywood. That’s quite huge achievement, in very short time. Isn’t it?

This year has proved to be most beneficial for Pakistani cinema and movies. More than a dozen of movies have already been released and around half a dozen are in pipeline. Humayoun Saeed and Mahira Khan starrer Bin Roye became the second most grossing Pakistani movie ever. The movie was screened in various European countries and still running successfully. In fact, Bin Roye was one Pakistani movie which earned more revenue from abroad than home.

Yasir Nawaz’s Wrong Number did exceptionally well at home. Initially, the move was premiered only in UAE outside Pakistan. It took some time to release in other countries but when it did, it received great results. Even first full length animated movie of Pakistan, Sharmeen Obaid’s 3 Bahadur crossed 6 crores revenue on Box Office.

Jami’s Moor received mixed response from cinema audience in Pakistan. The movie was technically very strong and went to several international film festivals. Just recently, it was nominated by Pakistani Academy for Oscar Consideration for next Oscars awards.

Sarmad Khoosat’s Manto, Pakistan’s first cinematic biopic feature film encompassing the life and work of the rebellious writer, Saadat Hasan Manto did wonders. It was termed as the best Pakistani biographical drama film. The film review said that the short story writer Manto will find his much awaited recognition in the Pakistani community after a wait of seven decades.

Then the Pakistani film industry tooked the next step, or better say the biggest step when Wajahat Rauf’s Karachi Se Lahore premiered in Hollywood. The film and cast received huge positive response at Hollywood premiere. The red carpet of Karachi Se Lahore was attended by the whole cast, team and some well known Pakistani in US. In fact, a few Bollywood actors were also there to witness the history.

Following the same track, another Pakistani movie, Jawani Phir Nahi Ani, which is due to release on September 25 in Pakistan, is going for premieres in various States of America, including California, Florida, New Jersey, Texas, New York, Washington, and others. (Find details below)

It is a good omen for Pakistani artists, movies and on bigger scale, Pakistani cinema. The dream of “Revival of Pakistani Cinema” is about the come true. If not this year, expectations are very high that next year will definitely mark the revival of Pakistani cinema and we would be remembering this time while writing an article with a headline that “Pakistani Cinema has been revived.”