Can Lollywood strike gold?

KARACHI: In 1998, Syed Noor’s Punjabi film Chooriyan was a huge critical and commercial success.

Over a decade after the Moammar Rana-Saima starrer released, Jawad Ahmad and Ijaz Bajwa are attempting to deliver hits with their Punjabi movies Virsa and Chana Sachi Muchi.

The films have been promoted heavily but can they deliver the goods?

Virsa

Directed by Pankaj Batra Produced by Jawad Ahmad, Amanullah Khan and Vikram Khakhar.

Release Date: May 7, 2010

Cast: The Pakistani actors in Virsa are Mehreen Raheal and Nauman Ijaz, while the Indian actors include Aryaa Babbar, Gulshan Grover, Kanwaljeet Singh, Aparna Sharma, Aman Dhaliwal and Roobie.

Plot: Virsa focuses on social and cultural ties. It tells the story of two friends from India and Pakistan who migrate to Sydney, Australia. As the two are influenced by different social elements in Australia, their relationship changes which is reflected in the personalities of their sons. While the film also features a romantic angle, its basic theme is about staying true to one’s identity.

Music: Besides co-producing, Jawad Ahmad has also directed the music for Virsa. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Alka Yagnik and Sunidhi Chauhan contributed to the soundtrack.

Producer’s note: Jawad Ahmad said, “Film is a very important medium and working for it is an honour in itself. I decided to meet international standards for this movie right from the time when it was being scripted. Through this film, we not only want to provide entertainment but also aim to educate people. To achieve our goal, I and my team have worked really hard.”

Chana Sachi Muchi

Directed and produced by Ijaz Bajwa. The movie is Bajwa’s debut as a film director and premieres tomorrow.

Release Date: April 16

Cast: Chana Sachi Muchi stars Babar Ali, Moammar Rana, Saima and Hina Shaheen

Plot: The film focuses on the post-Partition years. Bao (Moammar Rana) is a well educated Muslim boy who falls in love with Pooja (Saima), a Hindu girl. The plot reaches its climax when Bao’s fiance Lajo (Hina Shaheen) and Pooja’s fiance Sooria (Babar Ali) come to know about their affair. Music: Chana Sachi Muchi’s music is directed by Zulfaqar Ali. With lyrics of Khalilur Rehman Qamar, the songs are sung by Azrah Jahan, Saima Jahan, Naseebo Lal, Harash Deep and Babul Supriyo.

Director’s cut: Ijaz Bajwa said, “People are saying that I am taking a big risk in releasing this film but I am hopeful as I believe that people want to see good Pakistani movies and they will appreciate my efforts. The audience wants decent and entertaining films. If Indian movies can do well in Pakistan then why cannot Pakistani movies do the same? I have taken a step forward in this direction and I am confident that I will receive positive feedback.”