That the bans do not work and robbed Pakistan of a major source of revenue had forced Islamabad to lift a blanket ban on Bollywood films in 2007. The ban was imposed following the 1965 war, but it became ineffective starting 1980s when film buffs began smuggling VHS tapes to watch Indian movies. Satellite, cable TV and DVD piracy made the embargo even more pointless, prompting reconsideration of the ban to tap into crucial revenue that was otherwise going to underground piracy industry.
Pakistan is believed to have emerged among five top markets for Bollywood since `Goal' in 2007 became the first Indian film to be screened there in 42 years. The screening of Bollywood movies has since been credited with reviving cine-going culture, fueling multiplex boom and revitalizing Pakistan's decaying film industry.
Upper and middle-classes had virtually stopped going to cinemas due the proliferation of vulgar Punjabi movies like `Maula Jatt,' which were a hit with working classes and peasants empowered during socialist Bhutto era in the 70s. Before 2007, old cinemas were being razed to make way for malls as they made no business sense. Businesses were reluctant to invest in new halls, where the middle and upperclass families could go.
Super Cinema has pioneered the multiplex boom in Pakistan while multinational
Pakistan is believed to have emerged among five top markets for Bollywood since `Goal' in 2007 became the first Indian film to be screened there in 42 years. The screening of Bollywood movies has since been credited with reviving cine-going culture, fueling multiplex boom and revitalizing Pakistan's decaying film industry.
Upper and middle-classes had virtually stopped going to cinemas due the proliferation of vulgar Punjabi movies like `Maula Jatt,' which were a hit with working classes and peasants empowered during socialist Bhutto era in the 70s. Before 2007, old cinemas were being razed to make way for malls as they made no business sense. Businesses were reluctant to invest in new halls, where the middle and upperclass families could go.
Super Cinema has pioneered the multiplex boom in Pakistan while multinational
IMAX launched its first theater in Lahore in 2014 with the screening of `Transformers: Age of Extinction'.IMAX had earlier collaborated with Cine Star Cinema to install digital theaters in Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi in 2012. Even a small town like Gujranwala has at least six multiplexes.
Pakistani cine goers have since 2007 mostly lapped up Indian movies at these multiplexes. In December 2015, 'Dilwale' was reported to have earned around Rs 5 crore on the first day of screening, making it the most successful film in Pakistan. 'My Name Is Khan' was a super hit in Pakistan in 2010 before it could be released in Mumbai as Shiv Sena stalled its release there following Shah Rukh Khan's statement regretting exclusion of Pakistani cricketers from IPL.
The supporters of Bollywood movies argue they have led to the revival of Pakistani films like 'Khuda Kay Liye' by reviving cine-going culture and creating demand for good local content. The number of privately-owned TV channels in Pakistan went up to over 50 in 2008 compared to three state-run channels six years back. The small screen offered new opportunities for actors, filmmakers and technicians.
Shoaib Mansoor's 'Bol' in 2011 was a product of this revival and dealt with sexuality.
Pakistani cine goers have since 2007 mostly lapped up Indian movies at these multiplexes. In December 2015, 'Dilwale' was reported to have earned around Rs 5 crore on the first day of screening, making it the most successful film in Pakistan. 'My Name Is Khan' was a super hit in Pakistan in 2010 before it could be released in Mumbai as Shiv Sena stalled its release there following Shah Rukh Khan's statement regretting exclusion of Pakistani cricketers from IPL.
The supporters of Bollywood movies argue they have led to the revival of Pakistani films like 'Khuda Kay Liye' by reviving cine-going culture and creating demand for good local content. The number of privately-owned TV channels in Pakistan went up to over 50 in 2008 compared to three state-run channels six years back. The small screen offered new opportunities for actors, filmmakers and technicians.
Shoaib Mansoor's 'Bol' in 2011 was a product of this revival and dealt with sexuality.
It was the first Pakistani movie to make $1m at the box office. 'Bol' has inspired many films of international quality like 'Zinda Bhaag', which became the first Pakistani film to be nominated for Oscar in 50 years in 2013.
No comments:
Post a Comment