The Cinema of Pakistan, popularly known as, Lollywood (Urdu: لالی وڈ) refers to Pakistan's film industry. Urdu ( ur '''{{Nastaliq اردو}}''' trans Urdū, historically spelled Ordu) is a Central Indo-Aryan language Urdu is a standardised Pakistan () officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country located in South Asia, Southwest Asia, Middle East and The name is a portmanteau of Lahore and Hollywood. Additionally, Lollywood is known as Urdu cinema because most of its feature films are shot in Urdu, the national language of Pakistan. Pakistan () officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country located in South Asia, Southwest Asia, Middle East and The use of English with Urdu has produced a new ambience in Pakistani films. A few films have even been made using two, or three different languages, this code switching is meant to signify a marker of youth or social mobility of a character in a film. Code-switching is a term in Linguistics referring to using more than one language or variety in conversation

In 1947, Pakistan established three film production centres in: Lahore, Karachi, and Dacca. ( lahor is the capital of the Pakistani province of Punjab and is the second largest city in Pakistan after Karachi. (ڪراچي) is the largest city in Pakistan. It is the world's second largest city proper behind Mumbai in terms of population which exceeds 10 million Dhaka (also known as Dacca ( Bangla: ঢাকা ɖʱaka is the Capital of Bangladesh and the principal city of Dhaka District. These three centres supported and competed against each other. Indian films were also released in Pakistani cinemas, and Pakistani films were shown in India. India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country However, at present, Lollywood has suffered from a series of issues that have almost caused a once thriving industry to cease to exist. ^[1]. The Dacca centre has broken away and the Karachi centre has collapsed leaving Lahore as the sole focus of the film industry.

Contents 1 History 1.1 Pre-formation 1.2 The 1950s 1.3 The 1960s 1.4 The 1970s 1.5 The 1980s 1.6 The 1990s 1.7 The 21st Century 2 Issues 2.1 Indian film ban 2.2 Loss of Dhaka 2.3 Rivalry instead of Competition 2.4 Loss of Cinemas 2.5 Taxes 2.6 Censor policy 2.7 VCR introduction 2.8 Revival attempts 3 Pakistan's First Cineplex 4 Current Releases 4.1 Khuda Ke Liye (In The Name of God) 4.2 Ramchand Pakistani 4.3 Zibahkhana (Hell's Ground) 4.4 Freedom Sound 4.5 The Untitled Jami Project 4.6 Spate 5 See also 6 External links 7 References

History

See also: List of Pakistani films

Pre-formation

During the 1930s, films 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. A list of film produced in Pakistan ordered by decade and year of release on separate pages pre 1947 Cinema of Lahore

With this progressive intention, A. R. Kardar and M. Ismail started a studio named United People’s in Lahore. ( lahor is the capital of the Pakistani province of Punjab and is the second largest city in Pakistan after Karachi. Actors who worked for the studios included Heera Laal, Gul Hameed, Nazeer, Pran and Ahmed Deen, while the actresses were mainly Kaushalya Devi, Gulzaar and Mumtaaz. Many of the films produced had English titles, although Urdu titles were also used. Urdu ( ur '''{{Nastaliq اردو}}''' trans Urdū, historically spelled Ordu) is a Central Indo-Aryan language Urdu is a standardised Indian cinema workers succeeded in equipping themselves with the needed technology, and started producing films with sound earlier than the Pakistani cinema did.

In Lahore, the pioneer of films with sound was Hakeem Ram Parsaad, who made Heer Raajha (1932), starring M. Ismail, Rafiq Ghaznavi, Nazeer, and Anwari. This was the last film directed by Kardar in Lahore; from here, he moved to Calcutta and then to Bombay.

The 1950s

On August 7, 1948, the first Pakistani feature film, Teri Yaad, premièred at the Parbhat Theater in Lahore. Events 322 BC - Battle of Crannon between Athens and Macedon following the death of Alexander the Great. Year 1948 ( MCMXLVIII) was a Leap year starting on Thursday (link will display the 1948 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Teri Yaad is the first-ever Feature film released in Pakistan after the Partition of India on 7 August 1948, on ( lahor is the capital of the Pakistani province of Punjab and is the second largest city in Pakistan after Karachi. It starred Asha Posley as the heroine and Nasir Khan, who was Dilip Kumar's brother, as the hero. Asha Posley ( آشا پوسلے) (died 1998 was the first actress in Pakistani films Yusuf Khan (यूसुफ़ ख़ान Urdu: یوسف خان; jusʊf xan (born December 11, 1922) popularly known as Dilip Kumar 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.

Over the next few years, the Lahore-made films would establish audience patronage in the local theatres. On April 7, 1950, a film called Do Ansoo was released and became the first Pakistani Urdu film to celebrate Silver Jubilee from the Pakistani film industry. Events 529 - First draft of Corpus Juris Civilis (a fundamental work in Jurisprudence) is issued by Eastern Roman Emperor Year 1950 ( MCML) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. A Silver Jubilee is a celebration held to mark a 25th anniversary It starred Santosh Kumar, Ajmal, and Allaudin as well as the newcomer actress Sabiha Khanum, who had also appeared in several other films over the previous months. Santosh Kumar ( December 25, 1925 &ndash June 11, 1982) ( Urdu: سنتوش کمار real name Syed Musa Raza Sabiha Khanum ( Urdu: صبیحہ خانم) is a Pakistani film Actress. 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, a film called Chanwey became the first film made by female director, Madam Noor Jehan. Events 1429 - Joan of Arc arrives to relieve the Siege of Orleans. Year 1951 ( MCMLI) was a Common year starting on Monday. Events of 1951 January Noor Jehan ( was the adopted stage name for Allah Wasai (born September 21, 1926 – December 23, 2000) who was a Pakistani It starred her, along with Santosh Kumar, Jahangir, and Ghulam Muhammad. Santosh Kumar ( December 25, 1925 &ndash June 11, 1982) ( Urdu: سنتوش کمار real name Syed Musa Raza Nuruddin Salim Jahangir (full title Al-Sultan al-'Azam wal Khaqan al-Mukarram Khushru-i-Giti Panah Abu'l-Fath Nur ud-din Muhammad Jahangir Padshah Ghazi ''( September 20 Malik Ghulam Muhammad ( Urdu: ملک غلام محمد) served as Governor-General of Pakistan from 1951 until 1955 shortly before his death in 1956 The music was composed by Feroz Nizami. The film was produced by Madam Noor Jehan's husband Syed Shaukat Hussain Rizvi for their own Shahnoor Studios, and the script was written by Imtiaz Ali Taj. Syed Shaukat Hussain Rizvi (1914–1999 was a pioneer of the Indian film industry The Shahnoor Studios (also spelt as Shahnur Studios) is the studio founded by Syed Shaukat Hussain Rizvi and his first wife Noor Jehan.

Another landmark was achieved in the film industry, when an Urdu film called Sassi was released in June 3, 1954. Events 350 - Roman usurper Nepotianus, of the Constantinian dynasty, proclaims himself Roman Emperor, entering Year 1954 ( MCMLIV) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1954 Gregorian calendar) It became the first Pakistani film to run for over 50 weeks and the film attained Golden Jubilee status. A Golden Jubilee is a celebration held to mark a 50th anniversary of a monarch's reign It starred Sabiha Khanum, Sudhir, Asha Posley, Nazar, and Saleem Raza. Saleem Raza (born 5 July 1964, Lahore, Punjab Pakistan) is a former Cricketer After playing in eight first-class games 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.

On March 12, 1956, a film Umar Marvi, was released by Fazlani Films. Events 538 - Witiges, king of the Ostrogoths ends his siege of Rome and retreats to Ravenna, leaving Year 1956 ( MCMLVI) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Umar Marvi (عمر مارويis a Sindh love story written in Shah Jo Risalo. It became the first film made in the Sindhi language. Sindhi ( Arabic script: سنڌي Devanagari script: सिन्धी Sindhī) is the language of the Sindh region of South Asia It starred Nighat Sultana and Fazlani. 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 an annual event called the Nigar Awards for outstanding performance in various categories of film-making. Events 180 - Twelve inhabitants of Scillium in North Africa are executed for being Christians Year 1958 ( MCMLVIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The event was showcased to give awards recognizing the achievements of all who worked in the industry. It has become Pakistan’s premier movie award. ^[2]

The 1960s

During the 1960s, the film director Munshi Dil and the film producer Agha G. A. Gul's Urdu ilm Azra was the first coloured film of Pakistani cinema. All the songs of the film were hits which were performed by (Jan-e-Baharan) Neelo, Ejaz, Laila, M. Laila ( Arabic:: ليلى) is an Arabic feminine name meaning "night Ismail, and Naeem Hashmi. NAEEM HASHMIAREAL ACTOR NOT A STAR HE WAS BORN PAISA AKHBAR LAHORE PAKISTAN IN 1919 == NAEEM HASHMI

The film director Zahir Raihanalso made the Urdu film Sangam, which was the first Pakistani full length and coloured film. Zahir Raihan (জহির রায়হান (1935-1972? was a Bangladeshi novelist writer and filmmaker The Tamil Sangams are legendary assemblies of Tamil scholars and poets that according to traditional Tamil accounts existed in the remote past It was released on April 23, 1964. Events 215 BC - A temple is built on the Capitoline Hill dedicated to Venus Erycina to commemorate the Roman defeat at Year 1964 ( MCMLXIV) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the 1964 Gregorian calendar. It starred Rozi, Haroon (actor)|Haroon, Samita, and Khalil. It is also said by some people that the film Mala was the first Pakistani, colored cinemascope film. Santosh Kumar and Sabiha Khanum starred in Naila, one of the first colored films from West Pakistan. Naila is a town in the Frankenwald hills in the Hof district of Bavaria. West Pakistan was the popular and sometimes official (1955&ndash1970 name of the western wing of Pakistan until 1971 when the eastern wing became independent 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 the same name as one of the cities of India. Events 451 - The Battle of Avarayr between Armenian rebels and the Sassanid Empire takes place Year 1961 ( MCMLXI) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country This film was censored by the censor board of Pakistan . Pakistan () officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country located in South Asia, Southwest Asia, Middle East and

In 1962, a film on the Palestine issue by the name of Shaheed was made, starring Talish. Palestine is a name which has been widely used since Roman times to refer to the region between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River. It was an instant hit. During this same period in 1963, Mussarat Nazir, a popular actress jerked the film industry and broke countless hearts by emigrating to Canada after marrying a doctor at the height of her career. Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page 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. Syed Kamal ( Urdu: سید کمال) is a Pakistani Film and TV actor

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 was imposed on the Indian films . This ban still exists. However, the CDs of these Indian films are easily available in Pakistan. Pakistan () officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country located in South Asia, Southwest Asia, Middle East and These Indian films can also be enjoyed on television on certain private channels of Pakistan. Pakistan () officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country located in South Asia, Southwest Asia, Middle East and 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. Waheed Murad ( Urdu: ﺩﺍﺮﻣ ﺪﻴﺣﻭ ( October 2, 1938 - November 23, 1983) was a Pakistani film actor producer Marlon Brando Jr (April 3 1924 – July 1 2004 was an Academy Award -winning American Actor, whose body of work spanned over half a century In 1966 the film Armaan was released and became a super-hit and one of the most memorable films of the Pakistan film industry. It was also the first Pakistani film to complete 75 weeks (Platinum Jubilee) in the cinemas. A Platinum Jubilee is a celebration held to mark an Anniversary: 70th in British and Commonwealth Realm usage Armaan's musical score was written by Pakistani composer, Sohail Rana. Sohail Rana (born 1938 is a Canada based Pakistani Composer most widely known for writing the scores to several Pakistani films, including Armaan

Actor Nadeem (real name Nazeer Beg), received instant success with his debut film Chakori in 1967. Nadeem ( Urdu: ندیم born 1941 is a film star in Pakistan. Looks and mannerisms similar to those of Dilip Kumar accompanied by his personal charisma allowed him to secure a prosperous career. Yusuf Khan (यूसुफ़ ख़ान Urdu: یوسف خان; jusʊf xan (born December 11, 1922) popularly known as Dilip Kumar He was a very professional actor. His professionalism was also accepted by his colleagues. 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 [15]. Habib or Habeeb ( Arabic: حَبيبْ "beloved"The following are some well-known people who had Habib as part of their name;Habib as a surname Zinda Laash is a 1967 Pakistani Urdu Feature film, directed by Khwaja Sarfraz. It was also the first X-rated film in Pakistan. [16]. It starred Nadeem, Shabnam, and Rehan Qavi. Nadeem ( Urdu: ندیم born 1941 is a film star in Pakistan. Shabnam (( Bengali: শবনম Urdu: ﻤﻨﺒﺷ from the Persian word meaning dew drops on the flowers is a

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 questions and answers section, Yours Impishly, modeled by the sub-editor Asif Noorani after I. S. Johar's page in India's Filmfare magazine . Asif Noorani ( Urdu: آصف) (b Mumbai, 1942 is a Pakistani newspaper and television writer Inder Sen Johar ( 16 February, 1920 - 10 March 1984) better known as I Filmfare is a Bollywood magazine published fortnightly in India.

On January 3, 1969, Neela Parbat, the first adult's Pakistani film, was released . Events 1431 - Joan of Arc is handed over to the Bishop Pierre Cauchon. Year 1969 ( MCMLXIX) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. It starred Mohammed Ali, Husna, Shahnawaz (Senior), Komal, Talish, and Kamal Irani. Mohammad Ali ( Urdu: محمد علی) ( April 19 1931 &ndash March 19, 2006) was one of the greatest actors of Husna was a Pakistani film actress in the late 1950s 1960s and 1970s Komal is an ancient and traditional Indian name most commonly taken to mean 'delicate' or 'gentle' For the town in Armenia see Talish Armenia. Agha Talish (best known as Talish) (died February 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, and 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 were also depicted in the film. Zarqa ( BGN: Az Zarqāʼ; local pronunciation ez-Zergā or ez-Zer'a) is a city in Jordan located to the northeast of Amman The Middle East is a Subcontinent with no clear boundaries often used as a synonym to Near East, in opposition to Far East. Fatah (فتح literally opening, is a reverse Acronym from the Arabic name Harakat al-Tahrir al-Watani al-Filastini (حركة التحرير The film also featured a sequence where the actress Neelo was forced to dance against her will, apparently based on the real life incident that had taken place on February 12, 1965. Events 1429 - English Forces under Sir John Fastolf defend a supply convoy carrying rations to the army besieging Orleans from attack by the Year 1965 ( MCMLXV) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full calendar of the 1965 Gregorian calendar. The song that goes with this dance was Habib Jalib’s famous poem Neelo, inspired by that incident:

Raqs zanjeer pehen ke bhi kiya jata hai. Habib Jalib ( Urdu:) (1928 – March 12, 1993) was one of the renowned Pakistani Urdu poets of 20th century . . .

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

English translation: "One can also be made to dance in shackles. Urdu ( ur '''{{Nastaliq اردو}}''' trans Urdū, historically spelled Ordu) is a Central Indo-Aryan language Urdu is a standardised . . "

The 1970s

Released on February 7, 1971, Dosti turned out to be the first Lollywood film to complete 100 weeks of success at the box office. Events 457 - Leo I becomes emperor of the Byzantine Empire. 1074 - Battle of Montesarchio in which the Prince Year 1971 ( MCMLXXI) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full calendar of the 1971 Gregorian calendar. It was named the Diamond Jubilee film of the Pakistani film industry. A Diamond Jubilee is a celebration held to mark a 60th Anniversary in the case of a person (e It starred Ejaz Durrani, Shabnam, Husna, Rahman, and Saqi. Shabnam (( Bengali: শবনম Urdu: ﻤﻨﺒﺷ from the Persian word meaning dew drops on the flowers is a Husna was a Pakistani film actress in the late 1950s 1960s and 1970s For other meanings see Rahman (disambiguation. Rahman is the Transliteration of an Arabic given name رحمن that comes 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 with a reference to Misr (Urdu word for Eygpt) that might prove detrimental to diplomatic relations of Eygypt and Pakistan. Events 284 - Diocletian was chosen as Roman Emperor. 762 - Bögü Khan of the Uyghurs, Year 1971 ( MCMLXXI) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full calendar of the 1971 Gregorian calendar.

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 displayed. Balochi (بلوچی also Baluchi, Baloci or Baluci) is a Northwestern Iranian language. ( Urdu: کوئٹہ) ( Pashto: کوټه) also spelled Kwatah City is a variation of kwatkot a Pashto word meaning “fort

Javed Jabbar's Beyond the Last Mountain, released on December 2, 1976 was Pakistan’s first venture into English film-making, and seemed destined to be its last. Beyond the Last Mountain ( 1976) is a Pakistani English language film directed and written by Javed Jabbar. Events 1409 - The University of Leipzig opens 1755 - The second Eddystone Lighthouse is destroyed by fire Year 1976 ( MCMLXXVI) was a Leap year starting on Thursday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Pakistan () officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country located in South Asia, Southwest Asia, Middle East and English is a West Germanic language originating in England and is the First language for most people in the United Kingdom, the United States 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. Sohail Rana (born 1938 is a Canada based Pakistani Composer most widely known for writing the scores to several Pakistani films, including Armaan

Aina, released on March 18, 1977, marked a distinct symbolic break between the liberal Bhutto years and the increasingly conservative Zia regime . Aina, ( Urdu: آئینہ) also known as The Mirror, is a 1977 Pakistani Film directed by Nazr-ul-Islam Events 37 - The Roman Senate annuls Tiberius ' will and proclaims Caligula emperor Also 1977 (album by Ash. Year 1977 ( MCMLXXVII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays It starred Nadeem, Shabnam, Rehan, and Qavi. Nadeem ( Urdu: ندیم born 1941 is a film star in Pakistan. Shabnam (( Bengali: শবনম Urdu: ﻤﻨﺒﺷ from the Persian word meaning dew drops on the flowers is a Rehanski Rehan الريحان is an Arabic word meaning "Fragrant Flower" 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. (ڪراچي) is the largest city in Pakistan. It is the world's second largest city proper behind Mumbai in terms of population which exceeds 10 million It has been the most popular film in the country's history so far. The music was composed by Robin Ghosh. Robin Ghosh (born 1939 in Baghdad Iraq) is a film Composer. Early life Ghosh's father worked for the International Red Cross and was The film was produced by A. R. Shamsi for Kashif Films Ltd and directed by Nazrul Islam. For the Bangladeshi politician see Syed Nazrul Islam Kazi Nazrul Islam (কাজী নজরুল ইসলাম Kazi Nozrul 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 .

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, which slowly killed off the Urdu film industry. Maula Jatt ( Punjabi: مولا جٹ) is one of the most popular films in the history Pakistani cinema Punjabi cinema over-shadowed the large screen, boosted by the growth of Punjab's smaller towns and large-scale rural-urban migration. Violence, rather than sex, became 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. Sultan Muhammad ( Urdu: سلطان محمد) (popularly known as Sultan Rahi) ( 1938 - January 9, 1996) was a Pakistani At the same time, soft core pornography became 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 . Pashto ( Naskh: پښتو‎ pəʂ'to also rendered as Pakhto, Pushto, Pukhto, Pashtu, Pushtu, also known as This Gundasa culture and miled pornography threw away the soft and romantic image of Lollywood.

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 pack audiences, forcing the director of his unfinished film, Hero to complete the film for release early in 1985, with a number of "cheat" shots . A hero (from Greek grc ἥρως hērōs) in Greek mythology and Folklore, was originally a Demigod, the offspring of a mortal and

Saeed Rizvi's Shaani, was Pakistan's first science fiction film. Saeed Rizvi ( Urdu: سعيد رضا) is a Pakistani Film director /producer/writer/special effect supervisor "Shanee" is a 1989 Pakistani film starring Babra Sharif, Sheri Malik and Ghulam Mohiuddin and directed by Saeed With elaborate special effects, it surpassed everyone's expectations. It starred actors Sheri Malik, Babra Sharif, and Ghulam Mohiuddin, and was released in 1987. Babra Sharif ( Urdu: بابرہ شریف, Baabra born 1954 is an Actress in the Pakistani film industry during the 1980s and late 1970s Ghulam Mohiuddin ( Urdu: غلام محی الدین) (also spelled as Ghulam Mohi-Ud-Din) is a Pakistani actor of Urdu and Punjabi Later, this film was also selected for the International Film Awards in Russia .

The 1990s

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

Most of the Lollywood films were independent productions. Studio productions were there, yet very few of them were 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. Syed Noor ( Urdu: سید نور) is a Pakistani film director based in Lahore. Jeeva ( Urdu: جیوا) is an Urdu film directed by Syed Noor. Samina Peerzada ( Urdu: ثمینہ پیرزادہ) was born to Moinuddin Butt and Almas Butt in Lahore These revived the Pakistani cinema, but only for a short time. Other films of this period worth mentioning were, Deewane Tere Pyar Ke, Mujhe Chand Chahiye, Sangum, Tere Pyar Mein, and Ghar Kab Aao Gey. Deewane Tere Pyaar Key ( Urdu: دیوانے تیرے پیار کے, English title Love Crazy) is an Urdu film which was released in March 1997 Mujhe Chand Chahiye ( Urdu: مجھے چاند چاہیے) is a Pakistani Urdu film which was released in March 2000 in Pakistan Tere Pyar Mein ( Urdu: تیرے پیار میں) (lit In Your Love) is a Pakistani film which was released in December 2000

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. Jinnah is a film about the life of the founder of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Akbar Salahuddin Ahmed ( Urdu: اکبر صلاح الدین احمد) SI, commonly referred to as Akbar S 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. Christopher Frank Carandini Lee CBE, CStJ (born 27 May 1922 is a two-time Screen Actors Guild Award-nominated Saturn Award-winning English Actor Shashi Kapoor ( Hindi: शशि कपूर born Balbir Raj Kapoor on March 18, 1938 in Calcutta is an Indian film actor and

In the late 1980s, Anjuman got married to Mobeen Malik and quit signing any new films. Then came the thunderbolt that stunned the industry: Sultan Rahi was murdered in 1996. Sultan Muhammad ( Urdu: سلطان محمد) (popularly known as Sultan Rahi) ( 1938 - January 9, 1996) was a Pakistani Lollywood became immersed in a river of sadness. The Punjabi film production came to complete halt. The industry was saved from complete destruction due to the Urdu films that still remained in the production. Urdu ( ur '''{{Nastaliq اردو}}''' trans Urdū, historically spelled Ordu) is a Central Indo-Aryan language Urdu is a standardised However, even Urdu films were in a rut as renowned director Sangeeta was at home tending to her children. Sangeeta, is a successful Pakistani film actor and director Her work includes Society Girl, Tarap and her latest film Gulabo. Javaid Faisal was pursued by producers, but nothing came of it, and meanwhile, Nazrul Islam expired, dealing another massive blow to an already reeling industry. For the Bangladeshi politician see Syed Nazrul Islam Kazi Nazrul Islam (কাজী নজরুল ইসলাম Kazi Nozrul Islam

Thus the path was cleared for an ambitious Syed Noor to step up and attempt to fill the directorial vacuum. Syed Noor ( Urdu: سید نور) is a Pakistani film director based in Lahore. Then came Choorian, a Punjabi film. Choorian ( Punjabi: چوڑیاں) ( Bangles in English) is a Pakistani Punjabi film by Ch The Punjabi film industry was revived by the storming success of Syed Noor's [17] film in 1998, starring Saima and Moammar Rana. Saima is a Pakistani actress from Multan. Saima's debut was directed by Akram Khan. Moammer Rana ( Urdu: معمر رانا) aka Momi ( Urdu: مومی) is an actor from Pakistan's Lahore based film industry called "Lollywood" 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 signaling an exciting new wave of Punjabi cinema. Sultan Muhammad ( Urdu: سلطان محمد) (popularly known as Sultan Rahi) ( 1938 - January 9, 1996) was a Pakistani People realized that whatever the case, life was meant to go on, even after Rahi's loss.

The 21st Century

In July 2002, Javed Sheikh's Yeh Dil Aap Ka Huwa ^[3] (Urdu for This Heart is Yours) starring Moammar Rana and Ayesha Sana, was released and had grossed over Rs. Javed Sheikh ( Urdu: جاوید شیخ, also spelled Javaid) is a Pakistani actor director and producer who is involved with Bollywood Yeh Dil Aap Ka Huwa ( Urdu: یہ دِل آپ کا ہوا) is a 2002 Pakistani Urdu film starring Sana, Moammar Rana and Moammer Rana ( Urdu: معمر رانا) aka Momi ( Urdu: مومی) is an actor from Pakistan's Lahore based film industry called "Lollywood" Ayesha Sana ( Urdu: عائشہ ثناء) is a Pakistani actress who has appeared in Film, Television, and Theatre 200 million (US $3. 4 million) across Pakistan. Pakistan () officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country located in South Asia, Southwest Asia, Middle East and 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 was now reduced to merely 32 per year, in the year 2003, with only one partial success called Larki Panjaban] (A Punjabi Girl)^[4]. Larki Punjaban ( Urdu: لڑکی پنجابن, lit Punjabi Girl is a 2003 Pakistani film directed by Syed Noor and starring Saima, In August, 2007, a new movie titled Khuda Ke Liye was released. Khuda Kay Liye ( Urdu: خدا کے لیے Hindi: ख़ुदा के लिए Translation: For the sake of God; also known It became popular due to its controversial theme of the current problems faced in Pakistan. It was also released internationally, including in India, where it became the first Pakistani film released after four decades ^[5]

Issues

Indian film ban

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 was imposed on Indian films. This protected Pakistan's film industry from its competition in India. However, Indian films are still easily available in Pakistan. Pakistan () officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country located in South Asia, Southwest Asia, Middle East and

Loss of Dhaka

After the 1971 war, Pakistan lost its East wing which contained a film studio in Dhaka. Dhaka (also known as Dacca ( Bangla: ঢাকা ɖʱaka is the Capital of Bangladesh and the principal city of Dhaka District. This was the second major mishap that happened to the Pakistani cinema industry within a short period of time.

Rivalry instead of Competition

A few years later, a rivalry began between Lahore and Karachi film production centers and the healthy environment started to fade out. ( lahor is the capital of the Pakistani province of Punjab and is the second largest city in Pakistan after Karachi. (ڪراچي) is the largest city in Pakistan. It is the world's second largest city proper behind Mumbai in terms of population which exceeds 10 million Lahore had some sort of an edge over Karachi and soon film people began to move to Lahore. Although the best film processing lab of Pakistan was located at the International Studios in Karachi. The Karachi centre began to lose its colour.

Loss of Cinemas

On the other hand, as a city, Karachi began to grow at a fast pace, and the price of the property shot up significantly. (ڪراچي) is the largest city in Pakistan. It is the world's second largest city proper behind Mumbai in terms of population which exceeds 10 million At the peak of Pakistani cinema industry in the mid 1970s, Karachi alone had more than 100 cinema halls and more than 200 films were produced and released each year. Now, fewer than ten of these houses remain. The same happened a little later in Lahore as well. ( lahor is the capital of the Pakistani province of Punjab and is the second largest city in Pakistan after Karachi. This caused the film industry to loose a lot of revenue, making the industry even less attractive for investment. Many professional financiers left the cinema industry of Pakistan.

Taxes

Another problem had been the rate of taxes on the film industry as a whole. This has made investors reluctant, and going to the cinema expensive.

Censor policy

Still another problem was the censor policy, which had become very strict in Gen. Zia-ul-Haq's tenure as President (from 1977 to 1988). General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq ( Arabic: محمد ضياء الحق) (b

VCR introduction

Introduction of Video Cassette Recorder in the late 70s and early 80s provided yet another blow to the already ailing Pakistani cinema. PLEASE BEAR IN MIND THAT THIS IS A GENERAL ARTICLE ABOUT VCRs/VIDEOCASSETTE RECORDERS Now, Pakistani film viewers had options:

1) They could watch Indian films which had been banned for about a decade, and the Indian film industry had improved a lot since then. Pakistani film goers fell in love with the Indian films, especially since they were made in Hindi/Urdu and the culture of both Pakistan and India had a lot of similarities, as they both were a single country just a few decades back. Hindi ( Devanāgarī: hi [[wiktहिन्दी हिन्दी]] or hi [[wiktहिंदी हिंदी]] IAST:, IPA:) is Urdu ( ur '''{{Nastaliq اردو}}''' trans Urdū, historically spelled Ordu) is a Central Indo-Aryan language Urdu is a standardised Pakistan () officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country located in South Asia, Southwest Asia, Middle East and India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country

2) They could watch films at the luxury of their own homes.

3) They could watch those films at very inexpensive rates; the whole family could watch any films for a 24-hour rental of Rs 10 (US$ 1 at that time) only, while the cinema ticket cost was about Rs 12 per head. As a result, most people stopped going to cinema halls altogether.

Revival attempts

Another attempt of reviving the industry is underway by producing some high quality movies with proper advertising campaigns. Even a few Indian movies are permitted for release. Some people are trying to co-produce films with India, while others from outside the industry, but belonging to the related fields like television and advertising, are also trying to make movies that are different and better from the ordinary films produced in the film industry, now located mainly in Lollywood.

Pakistan's First Cineplex

Main article: Cineplex

The Universal Multiplex in Karachi opened in 2002. 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 theater business in the country{Fact|date=December 2007}}. Cinepax is the first dedicated cineplex company in Pakistan. Cinepax is a cineplex company based in Pakistan. Starting 2004 it has built the country's first nationally branded cineplex chain They are building the country’s first nationally branded cineplex chain. ^[6] The firm says that it is dedicated to introduce a world-class, film-going experience to the people of Pakistan by building state of the art film theaters 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, they intend to bring families back into the theaters by providing a quality experience, and assert that the multiplex culture can only help. ^[7]

Cinepax is targeting the larger cities of Pakistan: Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Multan, and Hyderabad. (ڪراچي) is the largest city in Pakistan. It is the world's second largest city proper behind Mumbai in terms of population which exceeds 10 million ( lahor is the capital of the Pakistani province of Punjab and is the second largest city in Pakistan after Karachi. |name = Islamabad|native_name = |nickname = |settlement_type = Capital City |total_type ( is a city located in the province of Punjab, Pakistan. It was formerly known as Lyallpur. Gujranwala ( is a city in Punjab, Pakistan with a population of 1132509 (1998 census ( Urdu:, Punjabi ملتان، ਮੁਲਤਾਨ is a city in the Punjab Province of Pakistan and capital of Multan District ( Urdu, Sindhi:; Haidarābād is located in the Sindh province of Pakistan. Cinepax’s has an initial five-year build-out plan for the development of 120 screens. ^[8]

Cinepax will screen Hollywood films within a month of their international release dates. United States cinema has had a profound effect on cinema across the world since the early 20th century Cinepax 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 the existing cinemas around Pakistan. ^[9]

Current Releases

Khuda Ke Liye (In The Name of God)

Shoaib Mansoor's Khuda Ke Liye is a film released on July 20, 2007. Shoaib Mansoor ( Urdu: شعیب منصور) PP, SI, is an acclaimed Pakistani producer, director, Writer Khuda Kay Liye ( Urdu: خدا کے لیے Hindi: ख़ुदा के लिए Translation: For the sake of God; also known Events 1304 - Wars of Scottish Independence: Fall of Stirling Castle - King Edward I of England takes the last rebel stronghold Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. 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. Iman Ali ( Urdu: ایمان علی) (born December 19, 1980) is a popular Pakistan -based model and Actress Shaan ( Urdu: شان) real name Armaghan Shahid ( Urdu: ارمغان شاہد) is a popular film star in Pakistan. Naseeruddin Shah aka Nasiruddin Shah (नसीरुद्दीन शाह (b Hameed Sheikh ( Urdu: حمید شیخ) was born in Quetta, Pakistan. Khuda Kay Liye ( Urdu: خدا کے لیے Hindi: ख़ुदा के लिए Translation: For the sake of God; also known Shoaib Mansoor ( Urdu: شعیب منصور) PP, SI, is an acclaimed Pakistani producer, director, Writer

The film is about the difficult situation in which the Pakistanis in particular and the Muslims in general are caught up since 9/11. ^[10]. It has been endorsed by Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, who has personally seen the movie^[11]. General (ret Pervez Musharraf ( (born 11 August 1943 NI(M, HI(M, TBt, is the former Military dictator and President of It also became the first movie to be released in India, ending a four decade ban. India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country ^[12]

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 her first directorial venture into big-screen cinema, 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, Adarsh Ayaz, Salim Mairaj, Tipu, and Navaid Jabbar (no relation to the producer or director).

The film is scheduled to be released in Pakistan in early 2008. Screenplay by Mohammad Ahmed and written and produced by Javed Jabbar. The music director is Debajyoti Mishra, lyrics by Anwar Maqsood and the songs are sung by Shuba Mudgal and Shafqat Amanat Ali. The cinematographer is Sofian Khan, the associate producer is Mariam Mukaty, and the creative consultant is Sonia Rehman Qureshi.

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^[13]. Zibahkhana (English Hell's Ground) is an Urdu - English film directed by Omar Khan 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. The movie was written and directed by Omar Ali Khan. He is a horror film fanatic and is considered one of the foremost authorities on sub-continent horror cinema. The movie's cinematography was done by Najaf Bilgrami, who is a graduate from the London Film School. The film stars Kunwar Ali Roshan, Rubya Chaudhary, Rooshanie Ejaz, Osman Khalid Butt, Haider Reza, and the legendary Dracula of Pakistani cinema, Rehan. Music was provided by Stephen Thrower. Make up and gore effects were handled by another Lollywood veteran, Nawab Saghar. Adnan Malik, Najma Malik, Salim Meraj, Razia Malik, Shagufta Humayun, Asfaq Bhatti, Abida Shaheen, Mai Billi, Zafar Khamakha, and Baba Gulzar are also included in the cast of film. The Sound Mix was designed by Martin Pavey.

ZIBAHKHANA - HELL'S GROUND awarded the BEST FILM Jury Award 2008 at the RIOFAN Film Festival, Rio,Brazil Zibahkhana recently won the Special Jury Award at the Fantastic Film Festival in Austin, Texas for Best Gore ^[14].

Freedom Sound

Main article: Freedom Sound (film)

A upcoming film about Pakistan 30 years in the future. Freedom Sound is an upcoming movie in Pakistan releasing in 2008

The Untitled Jami Project

Jamshed Mehmood, aka Jami, is responsible for directing some of the most memorable advertisements and music videos in Pakistan. It has now been reported that he is busy working on his feature film, portions of which have already been shot. Hailed as one of the most talented figures in the Pakistani media, his film is bound to stir interest of Pakistani cinema aficionados.

Spate

UT and Ammar, two young individuals from the twin-cities of Pakistan are working on a dream about to turn reality. "SPATE" is a suspense/thriller with elements of Horror currently under pre-production in Islamabad. It's more than just an ordinary college teen flick. The new blood of Pakistan's dying film industry are paving the way towards the revival of cinema in Pakistan. .

See also

• Kara Film Festival - International Film Festival held annually in Karachi
• Cinema in Karachi
• List of Pakistani films
• 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

External links

• Unofficial web site of Lollywood
• Official web site of Karachi film industry
• News about Lollywood
• The Central Film Censor Board of Pakistan - Official Site
• Pak Vision (Lollyood Movies)
• Landmarks in Pakistani Cinema
• FILMAZIA - TV Channel showing Lollywood movies
• Images of Lollywood through the ages
• The comeback of urdu cinema...Not

News articles (Web Based)

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

References

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