The year 2024 has passed, marking another eventful period for Pakistan’s film industry. Some artists reached new heights of fame, while others struggled to leave a mark despite their best efforts.
Overview of 2024 in Pakistan’s Film Industry
The filmmaking process remained sluggish in 2024, resulting in a lack of activity in cinemas. No big-budget films were released, although new directors and actors made efforts to win back estranged audiences. Unfortunately, none of the films achieved extraordinary success at the box office. In earlier years, over a hundred films were released annually, but this number has now dwindled to less than two dozen.
Debuts and Performances
The year saw several TV drama stars transition to the silver screen. Notable names include Yumna Zaidi, Faryal Mehmood, and Kinza Hashmi, who made their film debuts. Renowned actresses such as Mehwish Hayat, Kubra Khan, Sanam Saeed, Ayesha Omar, and Amna Ilyas also appeared in films.
However, male actors like Humayun Saeed, Fahad Mustafa, Ahsan Khan, Sheheryar Munawar, Sami Khan, and Bilal Ashraf were notably absent from the big screen. Established directors Nadeem Baig and Yasir Nawaz also remained silent during the year.
Challenges and Policies
There was visible disappointment among industry professionals, with little governmental support or acknowledgment. While work on a “film policy” was underway, its benefits were yet to materialize. The situation in 2024 mirrored that of 2023, where some big-budget films had been released, but overall activity remained subdued.
Films Released in 2024
A handful of films graced the silver screen at the start of the year, including Nayaab, Wakhri, and Taxali Gate.
Nayaab
This cricket-themed film marked Yumna Zaidi’s remarkable debut. Despite her stellar performance, the absence of a well-known male lead hindered the film’s commercial success. Directed by Umair Nasser Ali, the cast included actors from NAPA, such as Fawad Khan, Usama Khan, and Javed Sheikh.
Wakhri
Directed by the internationally acclaimed Iram Parveen Bilal and produced by Abid Merchant, Wakhri featured Faryal Mehmood in a central role inspired by the life of social media influencer Qandeel Baloch. Other cast members included Saleem Mairaj, Tooba Siddiqui, and Sohail Sameer. While it garnered limited local attention, it was well-received at international film festivals.
Taxali Gate
Directed by Abu Aleeha, this film explored the dynamics of Lahore’s famous red-light district. Ayesha Omar played the lead role alongside Yasir Hussain, Meher Bano, and Nayyar Ejaz.
Dagha Baaz Dil
Directed by Wajahat Rauf, this film starred Mehwish Hayat, Ali Rehman Khan, and comedian Momin Saqib, whose performance was highly praised. Mehwish Hayat’s acting stood out as a highlight.
Other Notable Releases
- Hum Tum Aur Woh, directed by Nauman Khan, featured Junaid Khan, Amna Ilyas, and others in key roles.
- Poopy Ki Wedding was a romantic comedy based on family traditions, with Khushhal Khan, Nazish Jahangir, and Rehan Sheikh in lead roles.
- Na Baligh Afraad by Nabeel Qureshi and Fizza Ali Meerza captured the essence of the 1990s with a cast that included Asher Wajahat, Samar Jafri, and Saleem Mairaj.
- Kubra Khan and Gohar Mumtaz starred in Abhi, a film admired for its music and scenic locations.
Animation and Sci-Fi Contributions
- Usman Riaz’s animated film The Glassworker received international acclaim and was even submitted for the Oscars.
- The sci-fi film Amro Ayyar, directed by Azfar Jafri, featured Usman Mukhtar, Farhan Tahir, Sanam Saeed, and Ali Kazmi. Despite its significant budget, it struggled at the box office.
Collaborative Ventures
In December, Jamal Shah’s Baati Girl, a joint Pakistan-China production, premiered in over 7,000 cinemas across China.
Looking Ahead
While 2024 brought mixed results, the hope remains that the new year will bring prosperity and innovation to Pakistan’s film industry.
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