Cinema of Pakistan

Lollywood (Urdu: لالیوڈ) refers to the Pakistani film industry, based in the city of Lahore. The name is a portmanteau of Lahore and Hollywood.

Lollywood is also commonly referred to as "Urdu cinema". There has been a growing presence of English in dialogues and songs as well. It is not uncommon to see movies which feature dialogues with English words and phrases, even whole sentences. A few movies are also made in two or even three languages (either using subtitles, or several soundtracks).

History

Pre-formation

During the 1930s, movies made in Lahore were strongly influenced by those made in Hollywood, not just with respect to their stories or action or drama but also the acting, the makeup and the wardrobe selection. The heroes would appear like Douglas Fairbanks or Errol Flynn. Lahore was trying to establish its own identity separate from that of the Bombay-based film industry.

This in mind, A.R. Kardar and M. Ismail started a studio named United People’s on Ravi Road, Lahore. Actors who worked for the studios included Heera Laal, Gul Hameed, Nazeer and Ahmed Deen while the actresses were mainly Kaushalya Devi, Gulzaar and Mumtaaz. As is detailed in the studio papers from 1929, different film projects that were planned out and, surprisingly, most had English titles like, Sweet Heart, The Prisoner, Masked Rider, The Golden Dagger, Passion Flower, The Sacred Flame, House Boat, Golden Temple, The Award, Paradise. There were others with Urdu titles such as Lala Rukh, Kafir (Infidel), Khawaja Sira and Firdaus. But not all such projects were completed: Not only were silent films on the brink of extinction but the very competitive Bombay and Calcutta film industries were already making many films with sound. Ultimately Bombay won, when it released its first sound film in 1931 called Alam Ara.

In Lahore the pioneer of making films with sound (or 'talkies' as they were called) was Hakeem Ram Parsaad, who made Heer Raajha (1932) which starred M. Ismail, Rafiq Ghaznavi, Nazeer and Anwari. This was to be the last film directed by Kardar in Lahore. From here on he moved to Calcutta and later Bombay.

The 1950s

On August 8, 1948, the first Pakistani feature film, Teri Yaad, premiered at the Parbhat Theater in Lahore. It starred Asha Posley as the heroine and Nasir Khan, who was Dilip Kumar's brother, as the hero. The lyrics were written and the music was composed by Inayat Ali Nath. The film was produced by Dewan Pictures, owned by Dewan Sardari Lal, and directed by Daud Chand. The film flopped at the box office.

Over the next few years, the Lahore-made films would establish audience patronage in the local theaters. On April 7, 1950, a film called Do Ansoo was released and became the first Pakistani Urdu film to celebrate Silver Jubilee (running for 25 weeks) from the Pakistani film industry. It starred Santosh Kumar, Ajmal, Allaudin as well as the newcomer actress Sabiha Khanum who had also appeared in a couple of other films over the previous months. The music was composed by Mubarak. Sheikh Lateef produced the film for Naubahar Films, and it was directed by Anwar Kamal Pasha.

On April 29, 1951, another breakthrough Punjabi film called Chanwey made headlines as it was the first Pakistani film to be directed by a woman, Madam Noor Jehan. It starred her along with Santosh Kumar, Jahangir, and Ghulam Muhammad. The music was composed by Feroz Nizami (his second undertaking). The film was produced by Madam Noor Jehan's husband Syed Shaukat Hussain Rizvi for their own Shahnoor Films, and script was written by Imtiaz Ali Taj.

Another landmark moment in the Lahore-based film industry occurred on June 3, 1954 when an Urdu film called Sassi was released. It became the first Pakistani film to run for over 50 weeks — the film attained Golden Jubilee status, in the local lexicon. It starred Sabiha Khanum, Sudhir, Asha Posley, Nazar, and Saleem Raza (not to be confused with the singer of the same name). The music was composed by Baba G.A. Chishti. The film was produced by J. C. Anand for Ever Ready Productions, and directed by Daud Chand.

March 12, 1956, was another ground-breaking day for the Pakistani film industry as Umar Marvi, released by Fazlani Films, was the first film made in the Sindhi language (native language of the Sindh province of Pakistan). It starred Nighat Sultana, Fazlani and Charlie. The music was composed by Ghulam Nabi Lateef. The film was produced by Fazlani and directed by Shaikh Hasan.

On July 17, 1958, film journalist Ilyas Rasheedi launched the first of an annual event called the Nigar Awards for outstanding performance in various categories of filmmaking. The event was showcased to give awards to recognised achievements by all who worked in the industry.

Jago Hua Severa released on May 25, 1959, received a cold response at the box office in spite of script and lyrics from popular poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz — a great surprise since Faiz was one of the most influential literary figures of his time in South Asia, and his works were widely read and greatly respected. Indeed, the film's poor show was unfortunate given the literary stature of Faiz. The film's music was composed by Timer Burnn. The film was produced by Noman Tasees for Century Films, and directed by A.J. Kardar.

The 1960s

During the 1960s, film director Munshi Dil and film producer Agha G.A. Gul's Urdu ilm Azra was the first film that introduced colour in Pakistani films with colour songs at the cinema. All the songs of the film were hits which were performed by (Jan-e-Baharan) Neelo, Ejaz, Laila, M. Ismail and Naeem Hashmi.

Also, film director Zahir Raihan made the Urdu film Sangam which was the first Pakistani full length feature color film released on April 23, 1964. It starred Rozi, Haroon, Samita, and Khalil. Some say that the film Mala was the first Pakistani color cinemascope film. Santosh Kumar and Sabiha Khanum starred in Naila, one of the first color films from West Pakistan. The music was composed by Ataur Rahman. The film was produced and directed by Zaheer Rehan for Sunny Circle Presentations.

On May 26, 1961, Kay Productions released a film titled Bombay Wallah, the only Pakistani film to have an Indian city name in its title. It was quite a surprise as it went through the Censors and the name was not objected to. For this the censors were credited for being reasonable.

In 1962, a film on the Palestine issue was made by the name of Shaheed which was an instant hit starring Talish. During this same period, in 1963, Mussarat Nazir, a popular actress shocked the film industry and broke countless hearts by emigrating to Canada after marrying a doctor at the height of her career. Her last film Bahadur was left unfinished, but during this time, Syed Kamal's debut as an actor in the film Tauba became an instant success.

In September, 1965, following the war between India and Pakistan, all Indian films were taken off the screen from cinemas in Pakistan and a complete ban on films from India was imposed, which still exists today but films are still played on television stations and can be bought on DVD, VCD and VHS widely anywhere in Pakistan.

The 1960s saw the introduction of Waheed Murad, who joined the Pakistani film industry and launched his cinema career with a bang and became the Marlon Brando and Elvis Presley of Pakistan. In 1966 the film Armaan was released and became a superhit and one of the most memorable films of the Pakistan film industry to date. It was also the first Pakistani film to complete 75 weeks (Platinum Jubilee) in the cinemas. Armaan's musical score was written by Pakistani composer Sohail Rana.

Actor Nadeem (real name Nazeer Beg), received instant success with his debut film Chakori in 1967. His looks and mannerism of Dilip Kumar to his credit with charisma of his own allowed him to secure a prosperous career. His colleagues testify to a level of professional seriousness that he is rare in the film industry.

In 1967, film director Habib conceived the idea to make the first Pakistani horror film, Zinda Laash which received great reviews and became a big hit in the industry [1]. It was also the first X-rated film in Pakistan. [2]. It starred Nadeem, Shabnam, and Rehan Qavi.

Eastern Films Magazine, edited by Said Haroon, became the most popular magazine for film buffs in Pakistan. Its peak coincided with The Golden Age of Karachi Cinema. Among the interviews, film reviews and gossip was a cheeky Q and A section, Yours Impishly, modelled by the sub-editor Asif Noorani after I. S. Johar's page in India's Filmfare magazine.

On January 3, 1969, Neela Parbat, the first adults only Pakistani film, was released. It starred Mohammed Ali (actor), Husna, Shahnawaz (Senior), Komal, Talish and Kamal Irani. It was produced and directed by Ahmad Basheer for Film Utopia and the music was composed by Piya Rang Qadir.

In October, 1969, writer, producer, director Riaz Shahid offered the distribution rights of Zarqa (released October 17) in the Middle East to the Palestinian guerrilla organisation, Al Fatah, whose activities are also depicted in the film. The film also features a sequence where the actress Neelo is forced to dance against her will, apparently based on the real life incident which took place on February 12, 1965. The song that goes with this dance is Habib Jalib’s famous poem Neelo, inspired by that incident:

Raqs zanjeer pehen ke bhi kiya jata hai. . . .

Urdu: رقص زنجیر پہن کے بھی کیا جاتا ہے۔ ۔ ۔

English translation: "One can also be made to dance in shackles..."

The 1970s

Released on February 7, 1971, Dosti, turned out to be the first Lollywood film to complete over 100 weeks at the box office. It was named the Diamond Jubilee film of the Pakistani film industry. It starred Ejaz Durrani, Shabnam, Husna, Rahman, and Saqi. The music was composed by A. Hameed. The film was produced by Ejaz Durrani for Punjab Pictures, and directed by Shareef Nayyar.

The makers of Tehzeeb, released on November 20, 1971, were asked to change the lyrics of a reference to Misr (Urdu word for Eygpt) that might prove detrimental to diplomatic relations with that country with Pakistan. The line

Laga hai misr ka bazaar, dekho was changed to Laga hai husn ka bazaar

in the movie soundtrack. The gramophone records, already sold in good numbers, were beyond redemption.

In 1976, the first Balochi film, Hamalo Mah Gunj was due to be released, but could not be released as an angry mob in Quetta burned down the cinema hall at which it was meant to be screened.

Javed Jabbar's Beyond the Last Mountain, released on December 2, 1976 was Pakistan’s first venture into English filmmaking and seemed destined to be its last. The film, as well as its Urdu version, Musafir, bombed at the box office. It starred Usman Peerzada, Zahoor Ahmad, Subhani Bayounus, and Raja Jameel. The music was composed by Sohail Rana.

Aina, released on March 18, 1977, marked a distinct symbolic break between the liberal Bhutto years and the increasingly conservative Zia regime. It starred Nadeem, Shabnam, Rehan, and Qavi. After over 400 weeks in the box office, the showing of Aina came to an end as the film was taken off the Scala in Karachi, where it ran for more than 4 years. It has been the most popular film in the country's history so far. The music was composed by Robin Ghosh. The film was produced by A. R. Shamsi for Kashif Films Ltd. and directed by Nazrul Islam.

The 1980s

Following the new registration laws for film producers in 1980s, which required film directors to be degree holders, the film industry took a sharp nose-dive. Films dropped from a total output of 98 films in 1979 (including 42 in Urdu) to only 58 films (26 in Urdu) in 1980.

Terror and Gundasa Culture in Lollywood

File:Lollywood Billboards - Terror (the movie) Billboard.JPG

Billboard of a Lollywood Movie called "Dehshut" which in Urdu means Extreme Fear

File:Lollywood Billboards - Tigers of Asia & Guns Billboards.JPG

Tigers of Asia and Guns Movies Billboards

With the release of Maulajut in 1979, which tells the story of its eponymous hero's blood feud with the local gangster Noori Nath, the 1980s saw the rise of the Punjabi film industry and growing censorship among other factors, which slowly killed off the Urdu film industry. Punjabi cinema came to dominate the large screen, boosted by the growth of Punjab's smaller towns and large-scale rural-urban migration. Violence, rather than sex, becomes the driving force of films as middle-class audiences drift away from increasingly dilapidated and rowdy cinemas.

The icons of this new cinema were Sultan Rahi and his statuesque counterpart in countless films, Anjuman. At the same time, soft core pornography becomes the forte of Pushto films, courtesy of Musarrat Shaheen, Chakori and powerful politicians whose cinemas are able to get around the censor's sharp scissors. This Gundasa culture and miled pornography threw away the soft and romantic image of Lollywood. Thats why any modern Lollywood film is considered incomplete without hundreds of bullets firing, people dying and relevant masala stuff.

1984 was the year of Waheed Murad, the chocolate hero who died in 1983 due to his alcohol abuse, stomach cancer and a broken heart. The year saw an unprecedented revival of his films on the silver screen, some of which were showing to packed audiences, forcing the director of his unfinished film, Hero to complete the film for release early in 1985, with a number of "cheat" shots.

Saeed Rizvi's Shaani, was Pakistan's first science fiction film boasting elaborate special effects, surpassed everyone's expectations. It starred actor Sheri Malik, Babra Sharif and Ghulam Mohiuddin and was released in 1987. Later, this film was also selected for the International Film Awards in Russia.

International Gorillay, released in 1990, was a religion formula film, portraying Salman Rushdie as a bloodthirsty maniac destined for a horrible end. In the film, Rushdie, played by Afzal Ahmed, satiates his lust for blood by putting away Muslim hostages with a sword. The film also included a dramatized version of the Islamabad police firing (February 12, 1989). Directed by Famous Film Director Jan Muhammad,Produces by Sajjad gull and Screenplay by Nasir Adeeb,starring:Javed Shaikh,Babra Sharif,Rangeela,Mustafa Qureshi,Neeli,Afzaal Ahmed,Ghulam Mohiuddin,Albela.It was a super hit film ,internationally acclaimed,very well produced and stylishly directed.The Subject was very difficult based on Salman Rushdi ,the writer of the controversial book "satanic verses".

The 1990s

There were 11 studios in the 1970s and 1980s that made over 100 films annually. Growing trends of cable television have sapped Lollywood's strength. The annual output has dropped to around 40 films, all produced by a single studio.

Most of the Lollywood films are independent productions. Though studio productions are there, very few of them are made every year. Lollywood peaked in the mid 1990s, a period during which films such as Syed Noor's Jeeva and Samina Peerzada's Inteha (Urdu word for Extreme) were released and revived the Pakistani cinema but only temporarily. Other films of this period that were big hits and worth the mention are, Deewane Tere Pyar Ke, Mujhe Chand Chahiye, Sangum, Tere Pyar Mein, and Ghar Kab Aao Gey.

Controversy was also raging over the filming of Jinnah in the late 1990s, a film produced by Akbar S. Ahmed and directed by Jameel Dehalvi. Objections were being raised over the choice of actor Christopher Lee as the actor portraying Jinnah, inclusion of Indian Shashi Kapoor in the cast and the experimental nature of the script.

In the late 1980s, Anjuman got married to Mobeen Malik and quit signing any new films. Then the thunderbolt that stunned the industry - the murder of Sultan Rahi in 1996. Lollywood went into mourning and Punjabi film production grounded to a complete halt. The industry was saved from complete destruction due to the Urdu films that still remained in production. However, even Urdu films were in a rut as renowned director Sangeeta was at home tending to her spawn. Javaid Faisal was pursued by producers but nothing came of it and meanwhile Nazrul Islam expired dealing another massive blow to an industry already reeling.

Thus the path was cleared for an ambitious Syed Noor to step up and try to fill the directorial vacuum. Then came Choorian, a Punjabi film. The Punjabi film industry was revived by the storming success of Syed Noor's [3] film in 1998, starring Saima and Moammar Rana. It grossed Rs. 180 million. Suddenly, the famous industry guns that had fallen silent following Sultan Rahi's death, returned with a roar of new announcements signalling an exciting new wave of Punjabi cinema. People realized that whatever the case, life was meant to go on, even after Rahi's loss.

The 21st Century

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One of the few older cinemas in Karachi still running

In July 2002, Javed Sheikh's Yeh Dil Aap Ka Huwa [4] (Urdu for This Heart is Yours) starring Moammar Rana and Ayesha Sana, was released and had grossed over Rs. 200 million (US $3.4 million) across Pakistan. However, the short period of successes in the industry could not keep the cinemas afloat and the same industry that at one time produced more than a 100 films annually a decade ago now reduced to a merely 32 in the year 2003 with only one partial success called Larki Panjaban (A Punjabi Girl).

Pakistan's First Cineplex

Main article: Cineplex

The Universal Multiplex in Karachi opened in 2002, and now the multiplex culture is set to take Pakistan by storm. The future viability of film-making business in Pakistan is evidenced by the fact that now many global companies are interested in investing in the theatre business in the country. Cineplex [5] is the first dedicated cineplex company in Pakistan that is building the country’s first nationally branded cineplex chain. The firm says that it is dedicated to introducing a world-class film-going experience to the people of Pakistan by building state of the art film theatres in the urban areas. Cinepax will have multiple cinemas in each location and is committed to screening premium content in a family-friendly environment. Eventually all the theatre managers would like to bring families back into the theatres by providing a quality experience, and the multiplex culture can only help.

Cineplex is targeting the larger cities of Pakistan: Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Multan and Hyderabad. Cineplex’s initial five-year build-out plan is for the development of 120 screens.

Cineplex will screen Hollywood films within a month of their international release dates. Cineplex will also screen the best of international and Pakistani cinema. Before the first cineplex opening, Cineplex’s sister distribution company will screen Hollywood content in existing cinemas around Pakistan.

New Age Lollywood

Much talent related to the entertainment scene lies unexplored in Pakistan, and this is especially true for cinema. However, things are rapidly changing in Lollywood with some interesting films coming out in 2007.

Ajnabi Shehr Mein (A Stranger in Town)

Lollywood is expected to get some major life from the Karachi filmmaking fraternity with Saqib Malik's directorial debut Ajnabee Shehr Mein (Urdu: "In an Alien City"). Saqib Malik is one of the most critically acclaimed directors in the Pakistani satellite entertainment circles, and his film, which brings together some of Pakistan's best talents, is being much awaited. The film pairs the latest teen sensation Ali Zafar along with the likes of megastar Shaan and Samina Peerzada. Ramp model Tooba Siddiqui also debuts on the celluloid with this film, while rumors are already floating about a sensational score whipped up by none other than Shanee, the music composer who has worked with some of the best people on the Pakistani pop scene. The film marks the forte of Lollywood into the urban thriller genre.

According to sources...Ali Zafar Backed off from this film aswell has Saqib Malik.

Khuda Ke Liye (In The Name of God)

Shoaib Mansoor's Khuda Ke Liye is another film which is blipping on the radars of all Lollywood buffs. The film bundles Pakistan's most established stars with some of the most promising newcomers. Iman Ali, Fawad, Shaan, Naseeruddin Shah and Hameed Sheikh make their celluloid debut with Khuda Ke Liye while the film will also establish television director Shoaib Mansoor's cinematic first.

Ramchand Pakistani

Recently Mehreen Jabbar, one of Pakistan’s outstanding young directors who has directed and produced a large number of highly acclaimed, award-winning TV serials and plays including New York Stories, Pehchaan, Kahaniyaan and Putli Ghar, completed the filming phase of her first directorial venture into big-screen cinema, it is called Ramchand Pakistani. The film is in Urdu, with a Hindi version, but for international audiences it will be sub-titled in English and other foreign languages Nandita plays Champa, a Pakistani Hindu woman who is left desolate when her young son and husband disappear one day from their village at the Pakistan-India border near Nagarparkar, in Tharparkar. Nandita Das is the only non-Pakistani actor in the large cast comprising well-known Pakistani TV and stage personalities including Rashid Farooqi, Noman Aijaz, Maria Wasti, Zhalay Sarhadi, Syed Fazal Ahmed, (who plays the title role) Farooq Pario, Shahood Alvi, Salim Mairaj, Tipu and Navaid Jabbar (no relation to the producer or director).

Zibahkhana (Hell's Ground)

Recently, Pakistan's first modern horror film Zibahkhana premiered to positive feedback from audiences and critics alike at film festivals around the world. Films like these comprise the New Wave Pakistani Cinema and are expected to give the Lollywood industry a reach to a wider audience and more worldwide international recognition!

See also

• Kara Film Festival - International Film Festival held annually in Karachi
• Cinema in Karachi
• List of Pakistani films
• List of Pakistani actors
• List of Pakistani actresses
• Billboards of Lahore
• Shahnoor Studios - One of the oldest film studios in Lahore
• World cinema
• Asian cinema
• South Asian cinema

Pakistan Film Magazine==External links==

• Pictures - Lollywood
• Lollywood portal based in USA
• Landmarks in Pakistani Cinema
• FILMAZIA - TV Channel showing Lollywood movies
• Annual Reports of the Lollywood Film Industry
• Site revolving around Lollywood Entertainment!
• Images of Lollywood through the ages

News articles (Web Based)

• Pakistani Film Industry Fights for Survival , Voice of America---2007
• First modern Pakistani horror movie
• Pakistani Cinema
• BBC report on Pakistani Cinema 2003
• Pakistan's dilemma - Bollywood or bust? 2005
• Cinema's taboo on partition
• Reema In India