News Desk |
There may still be cynics of the flourishing Pakistani Film Industry but our new President isn’t one of them. The 13th President of Pakistan was sworn in this month following the presidential election. Mr. Alvi took to twitter to share his appreciation for the film Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2.
I watched the movie
جوانی پھر نہیں آنی yesterday.
An excellent production. I am glad Pakistan cinema is catching up and creating good entertainment.— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) September 27, 2018
The President’s stamp of approval is certainly a good thing for the Pakistani film industry. For some time the entertainment industry has experienced a revival of sorts with the Pakistani dramas and films being well received by the public. Of course, not everyone in the government is happy with the state of the Pakistani entertainment. PEMRA recently lashed out at the TV dramas in Pakistan calling them “bold” and “indecent”
“Plots of Pakistani dramas are influenced by alien cultures. Unnecessary glamour, as well as bold scenes, is being shown in the TV serials while ignoring religious, social, cultural and ethical values of the country. The TV channels are required to endure their corporate social responsibility and produce such content that is strictly in line with the Pakistani culture, standards of decency and PEMRA laws.”
Read more: President Arif Alvi is impressed by Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2
While PEMRA’s statement was met with some backlash, President of Pakistani appreciating Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2 likely won’t be met with criticism. The movie has already become the highest grossing Pakistani film to date. The blockbuster has also been received warmly by critics who have liked the films’ comedy, drama and blend of action.
And although some have criticized certain aspects of the movie (such as the transphobic and fat-shaming remarks) the success of the film has forced many to claim that the movie marks a new chapter for Pakistani cinema at large. So far JPNA 2 has grossed 62 crores and while the movie is still running successfully in cinema halls across Pakistan, it’s leading in the list of highest grossing Pakistani films by a margin of a whopping 11 crores.
Because the previous part in the franchise was such a big hit, JPNA is also the biggest film franchise in Pakistani history. The combined worldwide gross of both Jawani Phi Nahi Ani and its sequel make a hefty sum of about 112 crores, with the second successful film franchise, Na Maloom Afraad series having a total worth of Rs 35 crores.
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Interestingly the two, Na Maloom Afraad films and the second Jawani Phir Nahi Ani movie feature actor Fahad Mustafa in leading roles. So the star power of the actor is certainly growing with each hit. Even more amazing is Humayun Saeed’s box office appeal.
The 47-year-old actor and producer is the lead in three of tops highest grossing Pakistani films. Saeed not only acted in Jawani Phir Nahi Ani series and Punjab Nahi Jaungi (the three biggest Pakistani films to date), he has also produced all three. Suffice it to say, our industry and its actors and producers are finally getting their due and it’s nice that our President is acknowledging that.