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Cutting the nose to spite the face, again: How the Bollywood ban is a mistake Pakistan has made before

The ban on Indian films by Pakistani exhibitors has the potential to stop the growth of Pakistan’s cinema industry
Updated 16 Oct, 2016

An attack takes place on an army camp in the Indian-held Kashmir city of Uri in which 18 Indian soldiers lose their lives. A few days later, the Indian military claims to have conducted ‘surgical strikes’ at five points in Pakistan-controlled Azad Jammu and Kashmir and to have inflicted heavy casualties on militants gathered there to launch attacks across the Line of Control (LOC). Pakistan strongly denies these claims but says that two Pakistani soldiers were killed in cross-LOC artillery shelling by the Indians.

It is in the intrinsic absurdity of Indo-Pak relations that somehow the toll for this military bloodshed and claims and counter-claims is exacted from films and film-makers. Everything in the end boils down to cinema.

First in India, as a result of rising emotions and in particular the provocative jingoism and war drum-beating of its television media, the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) passes a resolution to ban Pakistani actors and technicians from working in India. In response, the Pakistan Exhibitors’ Association — basically cinema owners — announces with as much fervour that they are going to suspend showing Bollywood films in Pakistani cinemas ‘until the situation normalises.’

Pakistani cinema owners say that the ban on Indian films was put in place only as a response to the Indian film industry’s actions and because Pakistan’s honour was at stake after Pakistani actors such as Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan and Ali Zafar were forced to return from India. No doubt you’ve heard the saying ‘Cutting the nose to spite the face’ and can think of people who have done it (hopefully only) metaphorically. But I bet you’ve never heard the phrase ‘Cutting the nose to spite the face, again.’ Well, now you can hear and see it in action.

Fawad Khan’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil are facing an uncertain prospect in Pakistan
Fawad Khan’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil are facing an uncertain prospect in Pakistan

But first a clarification is necessary. There is no denying that Indian media is currently in the throes of war hysteria and Pakistan-baiting is, unfortunately, at its peak within it at the moment. There is also no argument that the resolution passed by the IMPPA — which has also been roundly criticised by well-known Indian film-makers and actors such as Salman Khan, Mahesh Bhatt, Karan Johar and Om Puri — was a pretty absurd piece of public posturing. After all, if throwing out three or four Pakistanis from India (or, conversely, Indian citizens from Pakistan) could bring peace and security, the subcontinent would already have been a shining example of peaceful coexistence over the last 60 or 70 years.

Read more: Indian film association member resigns after ban on Pakistani artistes

But if there are people in India who prefer mouthing off to bothering their brains, there is no shortage of people in Pakistan either who like to take flying leaps without looking at where they are jumping.

Consider a few facts about Pakistan’s cinema industry. It may be hard to believe now but until the late 1970s, Pakistan was counted as among the top 10 film producing countries in the world. Over 100 feature films were being produced annually and Pakistan boasted between 1,300 and 1,400 cinema houses. But the advent of home video, the satellite dish and the internet, coupled with the rise of television and the disastrously anti-film policies of General Zia, brought about such a precipitous decline that at one point only 20-odd feature films were being produced in Pakistan (most of which were in Pushto) and the number of functioning cinemas had gone down to less than 70.

In the last three years, revenue from Indian films has accounted for between 60 and 75 percent of the entire box office revenues of Pakistan. That is to say that of every 100 rupees earned by cinema owners, 60 to 75 rupees have been earned from Indian films. This is simply a function of the volume of Indian films being released.

During the tenure of General Musharraf, when Pakistan finally lifted the official ban on Indian films in 2007, the move had come about as a direct result of the pressure exerted on the government by cinema owners and organisations such as the KaraFilm Festival (in which, full disclosure, I had a role as well). The logic for repealing the ban was based entirely on economics: Pakistani cinemas needed films and audiences to function. Pakistan was just not producing the number of films required to keep cinemas functioning year-round, and audiences were watching the Bollywood films they wanted to watch anyway. They were simply watching them via cable, satellite dish and DVDs in their homes rather than in the cinemas.

Also read: Banning Indian films in Pakistan will only bolster piracy, say local cinema owners

In the beginning there was plenty of opposition from the moribund film industry in Lahore. But it soon became clear that this decision was the correct one with far-reaching positive consequences. Not only did cinema houses stop getting demolished, new cinema complexes began to come up, particularly state-of-the-art multiplexes. And as money began to flow into the box office and more screens went up, Pakistani film-makers too were encouraged to begin making films again. Films were becoming economically viable to invest in again. The so-called ‘revival’ of the Pakistani cinema, which the media does not tire of celebrating these days, has been built on the back of the decision to reopen Pakistani cinemas to Indian films.

A first look of Mahira Khan in Raees; the film's fate also hangs in the balance
A first look of Mahira Khan in Raees; the film's fate also hangs in the balance

In the last three years, revenue from Indian films has accounted for between 60 and 75 percent of the entire box office revenues of Pakistan. That is to say that, of every 100 rupees earned by cinema owners, 60 to 75 rupees have been earned from Indian films. This is simply a function of the volume of Indian films being released. Since 2011 — when the first multiplexes were established in the country — the revenue from Indian films has grown annually between 24 and 31 percent. This year, which has been comparatively weak in terms of financials, the highest earning film in Pakistan has been the Salman Khan-starrer Sultan, which raked in 34 crore rupees. No Pakistani film has come even close to it in terms of earnings so far this year.

But this rebirth of the Pakistan cinema industry has only just begun. There are still only about 80 cinema screens in all of Pakistan. (Compare this with the United Kingdom, which has over 4,000 screens; India which has over 13,000; China which has over 31,000; and the US which has over 40,000 cinema screens. Even tiny UAE has over 250 screens.) The number of Pakistani films released nationwide this year is still not likely to cross 20 — add in Pushto and Punjabi films which have limited circuits and the number is still not much above 30. Only a few films have done well at the box office. The ban on Indian films has the potential to stop all growth in the Pakistan cinema industry in its tracks.

Read on: Pakistani cinema needs Indian films right now, says Humayun Saeed

Already there is news coming in that work on 16 new screens coming up in Karachi, Lahore, Abbottabad, Bahawalpur and Sialkot has been stopped because those building them are scared they will lose their investments. Feasibilities have obviously been thrown out of whack. If this is not cutting off one’s nose to spite one’s face, it’s hard to tell what is.

At the beginning I had used the phrase ‘Cutting off one’s nose to spite one’s face, again.’ There was a reason for that. Most people are not aware that long before Pakistan officially banned Indian films after the 1965 war, an informal ban had already been imposed on Indian films in 1960. This was a ban that had been imposed by cinema owners with the encouragement of the Pakistan film industry itself. Then, as now, emotions had got the better of them. The repercussions of that ban took some time to manifest themselves — remember there was no TV then, no VCRs, no satellite dishes, no cable, no internet — but it is my considered view that the decline of Pakistani cinema can be traced back to this time.

Ali Zafar with his co-stars in Dear Zindagi — the ban on Pakistani stars is likely to affect this film too
Ali Zafar with his co-stars in Dear Zindagi — the ban on Pakistani stars is likely to affect this film too

This short-sighted protectionism eventually sank the Pakistani film industry. Since there was no immediate competition — either from Indian films or alternative sources of entertainment — and because it takes time for momentum to fade, Pakistani films did roaring business initially. But quality continued to dwindle and trends such as making poor copies of Indian films (which Pakistanis could not see to compare) gathered force. Then, with the separation of East Pakistan, Pakistan lost an important and vibrant part of its film industry. When the real challenges came — in the shape of television and home video and piracy and censorship — the Pakistan film industry simply did not have the strength to combat them.

The question of course arises, that knowing this history, why did cinema owners take the course of action they have taken. My assessment is that they thought they were being smart. The fact of the matter is that the three Pakistani films released over Eid had done well and were still running in the cinemas. The month of Muharram was coming up, in which cinema footfalls decline anyway. Cinemas are shut for at least two days during Ashura. In addition, there was no big ticket film being released until at least the end of October.

Cinema owners probably thought this would be a perfect time to demonstrate their patriotism — a patriotism that would be showcased without requiring much financial sacrifice on their part. The Pakistan Exhibitors’ Association doubtless thought matters would cool down in a few weeks, after which they would call off their suspension of Bollywood films to great acclaim of their nationalism.

The problem, of course, is that the consequences of such opportunism are not always as expected. History is full of acts of brinkmanship whose results have been entirely different to what had been hoped for. The political situation between India and Pakistan can still take a turn for the worse. And if it does, all the plans of the Pakistan cinema industry will be left high and dry.

As it is, it took 45 years to overturn a bad decision that the Pakistani cinema owners had in effect imposed on themselves by showing the government the way. If, once again, something were to go wrong, Pakistan’s exhibitors will have no one to blame but themselves.

The writer is a journalist and film-maker and was one of founders of the KaraFilm Festival — the Karachi International Film Festival. He is also Editor Magazines at Dawn.


Originally published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, October 16th, 2016

Comments

pakst Oct 16, 2016 12:30pm
Some good article at last. Indian filim industry will not loose 1 bit, and is not made of bollywood alone, there are many more woods that build the indian film industry that's where the secret lies.
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Abbasi Oct 16, 2016 12:48pm
While there is no denying the fact that screening indian films is good for local business, those 30ish crores transferring to India is also a big disgrace. In the end its about the public; i say welcome indian movies in Pakistan ans those of us who want to punish our neighbours should stop themselves from enjoying indian entertainment. Obviously if cinema houses run empty screenings of SRK and Sallu mians flicks then its no use importing them right? Its that simple.
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Asif Oct 16, 2016 12:52pm
Banning sports or arts is like 'biting one's own hand', it may serve immediate purpose but the larger purpose and competitiveness takes a backseat thereby inducing mediocrity in the longer run. Pakistan has seen the consequences in 1970s and repeating the same mistake again. India may claim that banning one country doesn't make much dent in its business but its not just matter of one country.......the whole cinema/sports industry credibility gets reduced. Apart from losing over 20crore audience and many talented actors/players who add to the diversity of industry/game.....there is greater danger of strangulating new source of creativity and ideas and losing interest of our own audience.
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nida Oct 16, 2016 12:56pm
I am from Delhi and I think you can ban films selectively like the ban on "phantom" and that is understood. I met a taxi driver in Brooklyn who liked Sultan movie and told that two young ladies from his family back home got jobs in a big Multiplex in Islamabad and were earning well. Thats good. Cinemas increase healthy and clean business - Good movies--good footfall--good for shops in the mall -- good for food courts -- good for supplies.....and larger the multiplex, more infrastructure requirements -- good for hardware supplies ---good for maintenance companies........... this is endless........just think from the point where all young ones working in these set ups are about to loose their jobs with no alternatives created.
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Ray Oct 16, 2016 01:09pm
Keep banning bollywood. It's your theaters that will suffer. Pakistan is as foolishness as it were under zia
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Prateik Oct 16, 2016 01:14pm
Disagree. Pakistan is right in banning Indian cinema.
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wasim Oct 16, 2016 01:18pm
no, we make our few or less than anyways
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Indian Oct 16, 2016 01:24pm
Nice mirror! Forget Kashmir. Only pro-India policies can save Pakistan.
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Giri Oct 16, 2016 01:24pm
First businesses then Films then Cricket...slowly nothing will be left in Pakistan. Every thing is dying. While India charges ahead like lion.
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Rana Oct 16, 2016 01:25pm
You mean to survive our Cinema industry we should let our enemy's movies playin in our cinema despite Indian ban on our movies and actors? whats wrong with you people?
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DocOne Oct 16, 2016 01:31pm
80 screens? And Sultan grossed 34 crores?
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Satya Oct 16, 2016 01:33pm
Indian Media is instigating ppl but 99% ppl don't think on those lines. I hate Indian media for bombarding the same hatred day in n out. They hv stooped lowest to get more TRP. India n Pakistan becoming the laughing stock due to such stupid steps.
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yaqut khan Oct 16, 2016 01:36pm
But country comes first .
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Baba Oct 16, 2016 01:39pm
Dawn in full form of speaking without fear. Good job sir
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yaqut khan Oct 16, 2016 01:41pm
We didn't lift the ban on bollywood movies for revival of pakistani cinema but we lifted it as good well gesture so that both countries should become less hostile.and on the other side indian people and indian media is constantly insulting pakistan.
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Movie Lover Oct 16, 2016 02:00pm
Brilliantly written article that makes sense. We are so short sighted in our decision making and literally don't know what patriotism is. Making ourselves economically strong should be our focus. This decision will not benefit anyone. We need to make our market substantially big that indian movie industry should feel the pinch if we drop their movies. But now we are just hurting ourselves.
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wellwisher Oct 16, 2016 02:01pm
I prefer India and Pakistan to stay away
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Khwarezmi Oct 16, 2016 02:07pm
Bollywood ban is not a mistake unless you unban it.
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Anir Oct 16, 2016 02:11pm
@nida Phantom was not against Pakistani people. In the movie Pakistani people actually helped to kill the terrorist in the movie. Hence, ban was not necessary. Culture between India and Pakistan is so similar, that there is no other option but to accept the movies. Political reasons and emotions are directing this act in both sides of the border. Our target should be the people who are cause of the divide and not the people who in some form or other break the divide.
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PPP Oct 16, 2016 03:59pm
well said!!
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Kumar Oct 16, 2016 07:50pm
Bollywood has little artistic value. Pakistan would be well off banning this mind numbing entertainment.
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Thoroughthinker Oct 16, 2016 08:40pm
Let it be! Patriotism first!
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Myview Oct 16, 2016 09:18pm
Our cultural ties must be strengthened instead of weakened to get closer for mutual respect and co-operation. Differences should be mended and not widened.
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Pak Sar Zameen Oct 16, 2016 09:19pm
You make sense from an economic point of view, but that's only one perspective. We need to look at it from every angle, not just money. Bollywood movies quite blatantly promote Hinduism and their Hindu values, something I am not comfortable with since being in the advertisement industry my self, I recognize the fact that TV has a major influence on people, especially kids. So culturally and religiously, it's not appropriate. From our military point of view, it's time to support our troops who are fighting for our security on the borders against a hostile enemy and you want to make money? Maybe get your priorities straight? We must consider the moral of our soldiers and show them that we stand with them. I agree with you in a way though, it's absurd to just ban Bollywood films in cinemas when anyone can still watch them online, buy them at video stores or via cable. All Indian content should be banned, including advertisements being shot and produced in India.
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Babar Hussain Oct 16, 2016 09:54pm
Is revenue important or Pakistan? simple question?
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Az Oct 16, 2016 10:18pm
Ban is not a mistake.
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Tamilsrlven Oct 16, 2016 10:37pm
A big chuck of Bollywood is controlled by Mafia industry where illegal money is converted to legitimate money. Most of the do gooders of the industry are just pawns. This has been going on since the early 80's but has come down s little in the past few years.
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ibn batuta Oct 16, 2016 10:38pm
Pakistanis never understand business they are always concerned about trade deficit with India whereas they import hugely from india indirectly via Dubai and in that process, they end up paying additionally to dubai. Look at India, how trade between india and china is deficit but we are still going on and hopefully one day make this deficit to zero but this trade has helped inida to normalize relation with china.
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Sonu Oct 16, 2016 11:15pm
Whether Pakistan bans Indian films or not, it will not affect Bollywood growth. India film industry has very well home grown and international market. Dhoni and many other movies are not released in Pakistan but its earning more than 100 to 200 crores from Indian audience.
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Tickleme Elmo Oct 16, 2016 11:23pm
@Rana. I will tell you what's wrong- you calling Indians your enemies.
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Sarwar, USA. Oct 16, 2016 11:24pm
Indian movies Ban is very much appreciated. India even ban our Kabaddi team and don't want to play cricket, Throw out our actor ... what this article wants to prompote???
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Observer Oct 16, 2016 11:30pm
Pakistan and India should develop normal relations as neighbors. Stop all activities against one another and try mature friendship.
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Tickleme Elmo Oct 16, 2016 11:40pm
Author made a very cogent argument to show how foolish the decision to ban Indian movies. But you will always those that can't help but see others as just enemies ...no matter what.
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Sri1 Oct 16, 2016 11:43pm
@Rana "You mean to survive our Cinema industry we should let our enemy's movies playin in our cinema despite Indian ban on our movies and actors?" You hit the nail on the head. Its called pragmatism. But then for some, it is much harder to think with the head than that thing down below.
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Iftikhar ali khan Oct 16, 2016 11:53pm
This article is an argument , favoring indian culture, which has already done a lots of demage to our society, as far as cinema business is concerned, we should write articles encouraging pakistani quality movie's production again in Pakistan and we should take it as an opportunity to bolster our production houses in Pakistan. We should encourage more quality movies , made in Pakistan. We shouldn't write in favor of indian , cinema. As they will be again aired as soon as their hysteria for war is over. I think we should take it as an opportunity to build our own cinema stronger, rather than advocating for indian movies, our worst opponents at every point in this world.
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Ahmad Junaid Raza Oct 17, 2016 12:03am
Dear, this mistake we are going to make, until people of Pakistan realise and remember the forgotten truth for the meaning and making of Pakistan. At last stoppage of Indian channel has given us some relief from low quality material and culture having no resemblance with ours.
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sonu Oct 17, 2016 12:20am
@Rana I am from India. Ur logic is right but at first place we must think we are neighbors. Moreover, We had same culture for past thousands of year. I liked the way wasim akram use to bowl and many things related to you. There should not be hatred based on what circulate in media. Both the country is engaged in unnecessary tension which is hampering both country's economy and others will gain out of it. I wish to see your country grow economically stronger. We should grow stronger together. Only now CITIZENS of both country can bring changes. I have started...hopefully everyone else from both side will come together.
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GREAT Oct 17, 2016 12:45am
You can ban them (India) but you can't ignore them! Its that simple.
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Iftikhar ALi Khan Oct 17, 2016 01:15am
Pakistan First .... Say No to Indian Atrocities in Kashmir. Say no to Gullu Butts. We do not want indian movies in our cinemas. We want quality movies. This is the opportunity. Say no to Indian movies and bolster, our own culture and made in and by Pakistanis, movies.
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a k gupta Oct 17, 2016 01:23am
@Asif Just to give you perspective, there is a strong reason why there is absolutely no economic loss to Indian movie makers here. The overall size of Indian Film Industry is NR193 billion or INR 19300 crores). So 20 crores is a paltry amount of money here. The losses are more intangible to India as compare d to Pak, where some cinema owners may run out of business Anyway, technically, I am never against cultural exchange, but I just feel time is not ripe. The reasons are more for security (flashing Indian movies in Pak or Indian movies with Pak artists in India) may be dangerous with anti-social elements from both countries vandalizing public property or causing harm to artists. So better to put pause and be practical
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Khan-Haqiqi Oct 17, 2016 02:22am
Country come first business later
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only Oct 17, 2016 03:04am
why not get Chinese movies. you people feel closer to xhina than india??
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K Maliks Oct 17, 2016 03:35am
Pakistans loss is only the small percentage the cinema owners make and the fractional taxes government collects. Major chuck of the profits flow back to India. This article doesn't truly reflect the economics.
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Anser Oct 17, 2016 03:58am
Disagree! It's the right thing to do ! Rising fascism in India will be the greatest challenge in coming 50 years!to the neighbors of India!
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Akil Akhtar Oct 17, 2016 04:10am
Why don't anyone in india speak against banning everything from Pakistan but when we take a stand against india our elite seems to have a problem with it....
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Adeel Oct 17, 2016 04:21am
Our Cinema's should promote Pakistani films instead of Indian films. If some Pakistanis want to work there please stay there and don't come back.
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Abx Oct 17, 2016 04:48am
We should ban indian movies and promote Pakistani industry. The local movies and theaters should be tax free. Indian govt has stopped the cricketand other sports. They have banned Pakistani artist. We should also ban trade with india. We can imports from other countries.
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Naveed Akbar Oct 17, 2016 05:36am
i agree 100%.
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Shabaz Oct 17, 2016 06:11am
Bollywood media consumption should remain completely banned in Pak. Such a ban should only be uplifted when Pakistani dramas and movies are played at-least 8 hours on all their channels and the language spoken in the movie shall be Urdu, not hindi. The utter brainwashing that has occurred due to open viewing of indian entertainment has ruined at-least two generations in Pakistan. The very generation suffers from low national pride and self-esteem. About time, its been put to stop!
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P Setra Oct 17, 2016 06:11am
@pakst Exactly!Pakistani market is only for Bollywood. No market for Tamil , Telugu,Kannad, Bhojpur, in all about 20 different languages of India.
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Siva D Oct 17, 2016 06:12am
Despite our penchant to stand apart, the fools on both sides unite us.
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MK Oct 17, 2016 07:27am
These look like good films too that we're talking about (Raees and ADHM). Under normal circumstances, ADHM would end up a blockbuster in India. Plus, off topic but I for one was really looking forward to Fawad and Katrina's next film. A fresh pairing and I think it should happen. Let the dust settle on the political situation first though. I don't think it should be the end of Indo-Pak relations. Not to mention that art is usually beyond and above these things.
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Subho Oct 17, 2016 08:52am
Lots of Respect for Dawn for calling "spade a spade". Writing from India. Banning is hardly a solution. The ban on Pakistani actors is not a move which will in anyway help matters. It just is to earn some spectacle in the already a biased and jingoist media.
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Alam Oct 17, 2016 09:22am
If everything is looked in business perspective then no country should spend money on defending the borders. Audience need quality films, does not matter from Hollywood, Bollywood, Lollywood or any "wood". Iranian movies are much better than India's. Each year only few quality films are made. Rest all rubbish
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yamir Oct 17, 2016 09:25am
I just dont understand why bharati films are so important for us. They have never made the grade at any forum and are pathetic in quality and theme-to say the least....! I think we have seen more than enough of their films to ensure our own quality.........!
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AHMADALI Oct 17, 2016 10:37am
I am glad India in banning our artistes. Why they need Pakistani people in their movies when they have so much talent in India?
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Adnan Oct 17, 2016 11:16am
Like everything else, Indian movies in our cinemas had a time and a place. Granted they undoubtedly helped start the revival of interest in local cinema, but our own industry seems to be finding its feet now. With the increasing hyperbole and hatred across the border (we have been talking war, for God's sake!), why should we be doling out dollars to finance the Indian movie economy?? If people still insist on watching these (mostly rubbish) packages, they can do it at home through pirated DVDs. And as for the artists, well, they need to learn a thing about self-respect from Shaan. Maybe not in crores, but there is now a lot of money to be made from working our own teleplays and cinema. About time Ali Zafar, Fawad, Mahira et al showed some patriotism over sheer personal greed. The way they chase after opportunities across the border, I can see little difference between them and Adnan Sami - atleast he had the guts to show his colours in the open.
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Abdul - USA Oct 17, 2016 11:45am
How about promoting our films in China and screening Chinese films in Pakistan. This will help Pakistan & China move closer faster.
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Peace Oct 17, 2016 11:54am
I feel as long as we have dawn and writers like this who can rise above the hatred, there is hope for India and Pakistan. Applaud the courage of dawn staff
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Nusrat Oct 17, 2016 12:03pm
@Indian this thinking is very welcome from Pakistani point of view. It will itself lead you to disastrous end and make forget hegemonic plans.
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KnowTheTruth Oct 17, 2016 12:32pm
"That is to say that of every 100 rupees earned by cinema owners, 60 to 75 rupees have been earned from Indian films. This is simply a function of the volume of Indian films being released." This is not only a function of volumes, but quality as well. And finally, at the end of the day economics will win.
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Bad Karma Oct 17, 2016 12:33pm
Banning Pak Artists in Bollywood barely has any effect at the macro level.. whereas banning Bollywood in Pakistan has serious consequences... Therefore sentiments such as Nationalism are Luxury of the Rich....
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Anandh Oct 17, 2016 01:46pm
An excellent article, purely from economics point of view. Economics exists only for controlling the demand side. If somebody worries about money flowing to India, the proper way to improve is to increase tax for all the cinemas. This way a level playing field will be created and most of the benefit will be enjoyed by Pakistan. At the same time it will keep pushing the creators to be more creative to take larger share of pie irrespective of the origin. At the end of the day it is good to have money to spend.
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Sara Tariq Oct 17, 2016 02:35pm
I support the ban on Indian movies.
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Irfan UK Oct 17, 2016 02:44pm
I don't want to see the Indian films banned in Pakistan but if the Indians are banning our actors and artists then we should ban everything from India including vegetables, meat and much more. I think this article should not have been written at this moment because we need to support our country first. We can not let a Bully (India) dictate us.
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abdul Oct 17, 2016 03:11pm
Cynicism at its very best..!
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Amrita Oct 17, 2016 04:35pm
@DocOne "80 screens .... 34 crores" Communlative figures over months. In India that is less than one good weekend collection.
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Hamaad Oct 17, 2016 05:57pm
National pride cannot be weighed in Rupees and paisas.
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Payal Queshi Oct 17, 2016 08:21pm
@Ray absolutely!
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Afsar Oct 18, 2016 10:05pm
@pakst Still banning Indian films is a decision that should be welcome by every patriotic Pakistan. There is nothing in Blloywood films that can not be missed. They are just version of western stories presented badly.
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Arun Oct 19, 2016 01:16am
@Satya Majority in India are against Pakistan. It seems that you have never been to India in your while life
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Sameer Oct 19, 2016 05:08am
Today I watched a Pakistani movie called Actor in Law. It was great. But the buzz in the cinemas is missing. Indians banned Pakistani sportsmen and artists Which was foolish. , but we should play the bigger moral hand here and disconnect politics from sports|films. No need to ban Indian movies, our censor board should ban anything against Pakistan but no need to ban Indian movies altogether. The cinema houses of Karachi are running empty all of a sudden!
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Good going Oct 19, 2016 03:40pm
@Abbasi allow me to correct you sir! The 30ish croces does not flow into india. Period. Distributors from your side purchases the rights at 'xx' amount. Accordingly number of prints gets delivered. Furthermore, distributors engages exhibitors to screen the film by paying for theatre rentals, publicity etc etc. This is the system. By the way, I must emphasize here, nothing more than US$ 80-100k is paid to the makers, plus extra print costs. Therefore, if your distributors rake 30ish croces if that is true, then the amount enters the pockets of all involved out there. I request you to clam down. We acknowledge your business to a certain extent, but no great shakes. More of this ype of amount is generated in our regional area distribution. Smiles and Cheers.
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Seema Oct 20, 2016 12:09pm
Two stupid countries...God help us. One outdoes the other in stupidity! seema
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julius machado Oct 21, 2016 09:40am
@GREAT The same thing applies to the present movement in India to boycott Chinese goods. Apart from not making economic sense, it has to be accepted that China is too big to be ignored. Similarly increased trade with India will have a good effect on Pakistan's economy. All this "Ban" business is only hurting all countries in the region.
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