This weekend marked the end of the drought in Pakistani cinemas as the cinema owners decided to lift the self-imposed ban on Indian films.
While many, audiences and filmmakers alike, rejoiced at the decision, some opposed the move; citing neglect of Pakistani films as the reason.
Film Distributors Association (FDA) Chairman and Pakistan Film Producers’ Association (PFPA) elected member Chaudhary Ejaz Kamran said they are set to challenge the release of Indian films.
“We will challenge the release of new Indian films in the court,” Kamran said, He added there is already a stay order dated November 8 on older Indian films that are planned for release after the ban lift.
Regarding the stay order on new films such as Dangal, Kamran cited a lack of exhibitors’ will to support Pakistani cinema as the reason. “We don’t have a stay order on new films yet but we will definitely challenge them in court if the exhibitors’ release them. Cinema owners don’t support Pakistani films; they allocate prime time shows to Indian films and give Pakistani films shows from 12-3PM, so who’s going to come watch them?”
The absence of Indian films resulted in huge losses for cinemas owners in the last few months.
When asked whether pushing for a quota system would be better instead of outright banning Indian films, he said, “We need to understand that a quota system isn’t followed here. Indian films are played all the time, leaving no space for Pakistani films.”
It is interesting as Hollywood films are also screened in Pakistan but the fraternity is not bothered by that.
“We wouldn’t even challenge Indian films if the exhibitors at least supported Pakistani films and gave them their right space in cinemas.”
While the association is hell bent on keeping Indian films away, Pakistani filmmakers have other thoughts on the subject.
Janaan director Azfar Jafri thought bringing Indian films back was a positive move.”I was against the boycott in the first place. We need Indian films at this stage, the cinema owners need to maintain their business so we can have more screens,” he said. “And until that happens, Pakistani filmmakers should work on their films, speed up their process and deliver quality films so that people keep coming.”
Jafri was also concerned about good Pakistani films being affected by the large number of mediocre films. “If we have one good film after every 16 films, the nth film is going to be affected so the ban lift gives us an opportunity to improve our work while maintaining the influx of people in cinemas.”
However, he added, “A balance must be maintained so that both Indian and Pakistani films do well on the box office and one shouldn’t be overshadowed by the other. Zindagi Kitni Haseen Hay director Anjum Shahzad accepted the exhibitors’ decision as well. “If the business flourishes, it’s definitely going to help Pakistani filmmakers. Therefore, if the cinema owners think they can recover the losses of the past few months, it’s a welcome move.”
He added that India should show the same heart that Pakistan has shown as well.
Manto director Sarmad Khoosat found the situation quite absurd. “I just find this entire situation, banning and again unbanning Indian films, quite preposterous. I would not go as far to say we ‘need’ them but of course, the cinema owners need to sustain their business so it’s a good move,” he said.
“However, I find it quite desperate to use the word ‘need’. I mean, even with the ban, everyone was watching the films so why just corner films and cricket? I know there have been losses but now we shouldn’t just get back in a mad rat race again. We should take it as a lesson learned and strategise accordingly. Balance the films out.”
Regarding some stakeholders criticising the move, Khoosat said, “I’m definitely not speaking from a patriotic point of view. I think it’s very childish that some want Indian films banned because they think they affect their films. It’s obvious our filmmakers must produce good films. We have had enough of the mercy thing.”
Women chat as they stand near a poster of Pakistani film Dobara Phir Se at Atrium Mall & Cinemas in Karachi, Pakistan, on Monday.
