KARACHI, July 6: A spurt of activity on the celluloid front may well signal the much talked about revival of local cinema culture that has long been on the skids. Apart from media ace Shoaib Mansoor’s eagerly awaited Khuda Kay Liye (In The Name of God), the Pakistani debut of Indian film Awarapan in local theatres on Friday has fuelled expectations that a fully-fledged revival may be on the cards.

Though termed a co-production between Pakistan and India, in reality it seems to be a mostly Indian affair, backed by a share of Pakistani money. Produced by brothers Mahesh and Mukesh Bhatt, UAE-based Pakistani distributor Sohail Khan is listed as executive producer, while Mohit Suri (Kalyug, Who Lamhe) has called the shots from the director’s chair.

Shot and based in Hong Kong, the film stars Emraan Hashmi as Shivam, a somewhat directionless thug who works for local mob boss Malik (Ashutosh Rana). Shivam is tasked with guarding Malik’s mistress Reema (Mrinalini Sharma) who is supposed to be a Pakistani caught up in the flesh trade.

The film, already released in India and international markets, has met with mixed reviews.

Many local film distributors have welcomed the censor board’s decision to pass these films claiming that they will grant a new lease of life to local cinemas.

But some in the Lollywood establishment are not as optimistic, observing that allowing Indian films into local theatres may well sound Pakistani cinema’s death knell.—QAM