Outstanding Pakistani Films Everyone Should Watch

There is absolutely no doubt in anyone’s mind that there is constant animosity in conflict between the two neighboring nations India and Pakistan. From years of war and socio-cultural issues, both the countries have had a magnitude of problems for decades. However there are aspects of Pakistani art and culture that somehow become known to many Indians and to our good luck they turn out to be cinematic masterpieces that we feel sad about as we didn’t know about them earlier. Discussing some Pakistani films, here are five outstanding Pakistani films everyone should watch:

RAMCHAND PAKASTANI (2008)
A 2008 film directed by Mehreen Jabbar, Ramchand Pakistani is definitely an extremely under appreciated film from Pakistan. Featuring great performances from Rashid Farooqui and Nandita Das, the film focuses on a real story of a boy who mistakenly crosses the border between India and Pakistan. During the time both neighboring countries were in constant tension and the pandemonium and trauma that the family goes through both learning about the event. The twists and turns that follow as a young Ramchand runs away in a fit of rage and a Pakistani father is captured. Really does make for a nail-biting movie that keeps you constantly wondering what’s going to happen next.

MANTO (2015)
 A 2015 biographical film based on the life of Pakistani short story writer Sadat Hassan Manto, the eccentric an extremely well known individual whose work is still celebrated today was played with full commitment and fearlessness by Sarmad Khoosat. The movie focuses on the last seven years of the writers life in which he had written most of his most talked-about and controversial work including stories like “Thanda Gosht” and “license”. The writer created such impact that he was faced with multiple charges for obscenity in his stories. Beautifully crafted and performed, it will definitely leave you wondering about this much talked-about individual.

JINNAH (1998)
There cannot be a list of recommended movies from Pakistan if it does not include the 1998 Jamil Dehlavi directed film Jinnah. Narrated beautifully by Shashi Kapoor and acted with absolute perfection by Christopher Lee, who plays the title role. This epic biographical film really does take us through all the key events before and after India and Pakistan’s partation. Beautiful scenes including Jinnah after his demise being judged in heaven, the negotiations with Lord Mountbatten and the ultimate destiny of United India history mulches personal life with Maryam Jinnah the disturbing arrival of a train packed with dead bodies the structured and final packaging of the film is simply captivating leaving you wondering and digging deeper on the dark and grim truth after the British left the subcontinent.

BOL (2011)
One of the most engaging, disturbing and thought-provoking films from Pakistan is the short months all directed and produced by Shoaib Mansoor. The movie was released in 2011 focused on a conservative and patriarchal Muslim family that keeps on producing children despite their financial impediments, and who dream of having a son who can grow up to make a good living and create a better future for the parents. As of course they believe that women cannot financially help the family. Focusing on important aspects such as the destiny of the girl child societal norms heated for your own blood an absolute disdain for going against the grain. The movie focuses on social aspects that many third world countries are still plagued by, and is definitely a must watch for everyone.

KHUDA KAY LIYE (2007)
The most powerful cinematic works from Pakistan has to be the 2007 drama film Khuda Kay Liye directed by Shoaib Mansoor. A film that focuses on two Muslim brothers who professionally sing and how their lives take a dramatic turn from the 9/11 attacks in USA. The film that highlights how the youth are manipulated in the name of God and are taught to focus on misinterpreted ideals of Jihada s the sole purpose of life is simply riveting and eye-opening. From brilliant performances by Shaan Shahid, Fawad Khan and an iconic cameo appearance by Naseeruddin Shah, this movie hands down will go down as one of the best from Pakistan.