We have limited ourselves, says Bushra Ansari

Veteran actor reflects on Pakistani cinema, creative freedom

KARACHI:

Veteran actor Bushra Ansari has called for greater creative freedom in Pakistan's film industry, saying Pakistani cinema cannot compete internationally if filmmakers remain restricted to a limited range of subjects and themes.

Speaking to Express Tribune, Ansari reflected on the state of Pakistani cinema after recently praising an Indian Punjabi film 'Main Vaapas Aaunga' based on the Partition of India. She said the comparison had also made her think about the creative freedom available to filmmakers across the border.

"We cannot compete with Indian Punjabi cinema because they have a lot more freedom. They have the freedom to talk about many things. It is not only about what they wear; they have much greater freedom," Ansari said.

She said Pakistani artists and filmmakers faced several restrictions, both in terms of what could be shown on screen and the subjects that could be discussed.

"We have to face so many restrictions, and then we ourselves make fun of them. That is why we have made ourselves very limited," she said.

According to Ansari, filmmakers across the border are able to explore a wider range of subjects, while Pakistani cinema often finds itself restricted to a few themes.

"They talk about one thing or another. They do not limit themselves in the same way. We have limited ourselves so much that we can only talk about a few things and then we end up making films like 'Jawani Phir Nahi Ani'. So there is a big difference between their freedom and our freedom," she said.

Ansari also pointed to filmmaker Sarmad Sultan Khoosat's Lali as an example of what Pakistani cinema can achieve when filmmakers take risks, but said that the film was not allowed to be screened in Pakistani cinemas.

The Punjabi-language film revolves around a young woman whose previous suitors have died before marriage, leading to rumours that she is cursed. Directed by Khoosat, the film explores marriage, superstition, fear and social expectations through the story of its central character.

Lali also received international attention after its premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival, highlighting the potential for Pakistani stories to reach audiences beyond the country.

Ansari said Pakistani cinema needed more opportunities to tell such stories and compete in the international market.

She also expressed optimism about the growing presence of OTT platforms in Pakistan.

"I am very happy that OTT platforms are also being made in Pakistan. I think others should also join in, so that we have a space where we can speak openly. There should be such a space, and we should be there," she said.