Shamoon Abbasi challenges Shaan on TikTokers in films

Shamoon Abbasi has questioned veteran actor Shaan Shahid’s stance on social media personalities entering the film industry, arguing that it is too early to determine whether TikTokers can build lasting careers in cinema.

The comments came after Shaan questioned whether social media fame could translate into a sustainable career in acting and filmmaking. He argued that online popularity could be temporary and that digital creators entering showbiz would need to learn the craft if they wanted to remain relevant in the long term.

Shamoon questioned whether established figures should dismiss newcomers before audiences have had the chance to see what they can bring to the industry.

In a video shared on Instagram, Abbasi addressed Shaan respectfully, making it clear that his comments were directed at the subject of the debate rather than the veteran actor personally.

Referring to Shaan’s argument that TikTokers making films could prevent the industry from progressing, Shamoon questioned how far Pakistani cinema had progressed in the first place.

“Shaan brother gave this statement that if Tik Tokers make films, the film industry won’t go anywhere but please tell us where the industry has even reached?” he said.

He suggested that before dismissing new entrants, established figures should also examine the industry’s existing challenges and shortcomings.

According to Abbasi, the attention surrounding Butt’s film could ultimately work in its favour, regardless of whether people were discussing it positively or negatively. He argued that both criticism and support generate publicity, meaning the ongoing debate itself was keeping the project in the public eye.

Shamoon also questioned the assumption that a TikToker entering cinema would necessarily be a short-lived phenomenon.

“But is it decided that a TikToker will come in movies and just be there temporarily? Who is the one to decide what will be permanent for someone in Pakistan’s film industry? I respect Shaan a lot and have worked with him,” he said.

Shamoon broadened the discussion beyond social media personalities, pointing to the structural challenges facing Pakistani cinema and the difficulties filmmakers face when trying to finance their projects.

He recalled that it took around two years for him and other artists involved in filmmaking efforts to secure funding from government institutions. While the process involved significant delays and bureaucracy, Abbasi said the government ultimately provided financial support.

For Abbasi, the issue therefore extends beyond whether TikTokers should be allowed to make films and into the wider question of how Pakistan can create an environment in which filmmakers are able to produce cinema.

His remarks add another perspective to the debate over whether digital fame can translate into success on the big screen and whether newcomers should be assessed before or after audiences have had the opportunity to see their work.