Eid releases give hope for revival of Pashto cinema

All three film releases attracted a large footfall at theatres over holiday weekend

LAHORE: Pashto cinema seemed to have finally taken a hit in 2016. The industry had been hanging by a thread for long enough and we were destined to see its downfall. In 2017, the situation remained the same, with Pashto films having taken a backseat compared to Punjabi and Urdu blockbusters. Just when the entertainment industry thought there was no chance of revival, it seems as though Pashto films are back in the game for a fruitful 2018.

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With as many as five new Pashto films released on Eidul Fitr this year, they attracted a large footfall at cinema houses. And, surprisingly the same was the case with Eidul Azha. Three films hit theatres over the holiday weekend and garnered a huge fan following. These included Da Ganda Girou Ganda Geer, Raqeeba noun Lay Darshan and Da bud Amlou bud Amla.

PHOTO: HINDUSTAN TIMES

Meanwhile, local artists believe Pashto cinema is trying its best to survive. “I am very happy that producers invested great amounts of money into Pashto films this year. The pre and post production was really good as well,” actor Jahangir Khan Jani told The Express Tribune. “The storylines of all three films were different and brought something new to the table. The music of all three films was above the mark too.” However, he maintained that Pashto films have specific viewership and are not given top priority in cinema houses across the country. “I hope such films are given preference in the future. This weekend’s success has made us hopeful about the success of Pashto cinema,” Jahangir added.

Besides good stories, the film-makers of all three Pashto releases have roped in new talent. “I feel like Punjabi cinema has more politics. Pashto artists are all very united and respectful towards each other. We are hoping this will be a blossoming year for their films as they have put a lot of hard work,” said senior stage actor Shiba Butt. “Young Pashto actresses have also been cast in all three films… And this is a major reason for attracting public,” she joked.

PHOTO: FILE

Due to political unrest in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the past few years, cinema houses were forced to shut down. Following this, some Pashto producers and film-makers left the profession and joined other businesses. However, a handful of directors are working tirelessly for the revival of films in the region. These include the masterminds behind Da Ganda Girou Ganda Geer, Sheikh Akram and Haji Nadi, both of whom were satisfied with the box office collection. The cast of the film comprises Arbaaz Khan, Ajab Gull, Mahak Noor, Wardha Khan, Shiba and Jahangir. It was shot at Bala Kot and different areas of Naraan.

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Out of the three films that released on Eidul Azha, Raqeeba noun Lay Darshan had the biggest budget. Directed by Arshad Khan, it was also shot in the northern areas. The cast included Wardha, Shahid Khan, newcomer Feroza Khan, Zamaan Bhagadai and Imran Khan among others. Da bud Amlou bud Amla was helmed by actor-director Arbaaz and produced by Zahoor Abaas. Arbaaz starred in the film alongside actors Afreen Pari, Ajab Gull, Shiba and Jahangir.

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