Pakistani cinema showed promising growth in the 1970-80s era but the setback of the next two decades was enough to let it down! Another growth era was traced in the new millennium with the change in the outlook of the cinema. The support of the new talent in the fields of acting and music revitalised the cinema in the present age.
Let us have a review of the timeline with throwing some light on the ups and downs and the role of various age talent in this context.
Timeline
Silent Era: The concept of Urdu cinema emerged in 1929 when a studio was set up with the main aim to promote Urdu as a film language. This was a slow growth pace and it ended in 1946.
Independence and Growth: After the emergence of Pakistan as a separate nation in 1947, East Pakistan had more support for cinema houses with about 80 cinemas at that time. The first Pakistani film was released in 1956 by Umar Marvi. The era ended in 1958.
Golden Era: The golden era was nourished with the promotion on behalf of West Pakistan in 1959. The era promoted the culture of Urdu films as the main focus and this was the memorable rise of a shift from black and white to the colour picture. Anarkali (1958) and Umaro Jan Adaa (1972) were the memorable movies of this era. It ended in 1977.
Decline: The new era removed the influence of Urdu films and shifted the culture of the Punjabi movies with vulgarity and Gundasa. Mola Jutt (1979) was a memorable one! The era continued for a long but it was not showing any promotional growth to the cinema. It ended in 1990 but people lot of interest during this era.
Collapse: The new era started in 1991 with proving the last stage of decline as collapse. The dominating Punjabi culture was responsible for this loss till it completely collapsed in 2002.
New Wave: In 2002, the new wave of music tracks of Atif Aslam’s Indian movies supported Pakistani cinema for another time. The new wave has shown visible progress till present and is continued. Movies like Jinnah (1998), Bol (2011), Khuda Kay Liyay (2007) and Waar (2013 ) gave cushion to this era,
Memorable Movies
The rise and fall of the Pakistani cinema were observed. But still, the movie makers tried their level best to give some memorable movies. Bol (2011) came up with a message from the families of religious preachers. The storyline was strong and appreciable with the acting of Humaima, Mahira, Atif and Manzar. Khuda Kay Liyay (2007), was a true support to Pakistani people’s sacrifices and supporting role of the army. Ayesha Khan and Shan did it tremendously! It gave the true image of Pakistan and its problems after the 9/11 attacks. Who can forget the movie Jinnah (1998), the potential storyline and the animated scenes’ recording gave the exact image of the founder of Pakistan.
Unforgettable Actors and Actresses
Pakistani soil is fertile, it provided great actors, actresses and singers to the world. Some of the actors and actresses from the historical timeline cannot be forgotten ever! Shan- the Handsome Hero, took a huge audience to the cinemas in the 1990s and changed the movie’s outlook with marvellous acting in Khuda Kay Liyay. Mehwish Hayat is a true addition to the glam of film industry, she gave tremendous hits like Main Punjab Nahi Jaoungi! Shehryar Muawar is also included in the list of influential heroes, he gave the hit movie, Ho Mann Jahan. Mahira Khan effort a lot to make it for Hollywood, her marvellous piece of art were Bin Royee Ansu and Ho Mann Jahan. Fahad Mustafa gave lovely movie hits like Jawani Phir Nahin Aani, to prove his acting skills.
Music Tunes
Music was additional support in the cinema halls till the end of the last millennium. But the opening of the new millennium changed the opinion of the world about the Pakistani music industry by the introduction of Ali Zafar, Abrar-ul-Haq, Atif Aslam, and many others gave support to open up the millennium. The song Tooti Fruiti from Karachi Se Lahore broke the records but one should admit that the dance’s dressing was vulgar. The title song of Zarrar movie is another addition to the musical tunes. Jawani Phir Nahin Aani tracks are above the mark!
What’s Next?
Pakistani cinema has surely proved itself to be doing better than past! Now the improvement on behalf of better movies and musical tracks is there. But there is a long way to move forward. Pakistani cinema is shaping to decency for more attraction for the viewers. Society stereotypes are also not the same as like the past, so probably the growth plan and vertical progress will ensure further promotions with time! The cinema needs to promote new talent too but should keep the decent support of Atif Aslam, Fahad Mustafa, Humayun Saeed, Mahira Khan and many others as models for newcomers.
