Pakistani film industry is still evolving and seems to have successfully passed through its declination phase. The modern era of this industry is quite recent. The industry was prospering in the decades of 70’s and 80’s. However, it saw a downfall after losing some of its renowned faces. The millennials barely recall any childhood memories they can relate to Pakistani films. Bollywood replaced Lollywood and Pakistani millennials grew up hard watching some of the famous Indian movies that were usually the talk of the city. Fortunately, the industry rejuvenated with a couple of successful movies. The young minds received the movies very well as they brought to light the stigmas of our society rather than the traditional romantic plots. Here, we have gathered for you the top 10 movies that will build your perception of the successful revival of the Pakistani Cinema.
Khuda Ke Liye 
The movie “Khuda Ke Liye” is a 2007 Pakistani drama film that depicts the shifting lives of radical and liberal Muslims. It condemns hypocrisy and the extremist ideologies of the radical community of the country. The movie puts forward the message about the manipulation of Islam in the name of war, hatred, and forced rituals of our society. The film is directed by Shoaib Mansoor. The heart throbbing, internationally recognised actors Fawad Khan and Shaan and actress Iman Ali comprise the main cast. A cameo appearance by the Indian actor Naseeruddin Shah is also appended. The film received world-wide fame and is attributed to mark the revival of the Pakistani film industry.
Bol
Bol is 2011 drama film that focuses on the social issues, usually self-created, of the poor society of Pakistan. The customary desire of a male child, that sometimes results in big low-income families, is the major part of the plot. However, another issue of having an intersex child, which is considered a stigma in our society, is also portrayed. The film is directed by Shoaib Mansoor and Manzar Sehbai, Shafqat Cheema, Humaima Malik, Mahira Khan, and Atif Aslam make up the leading cast. The reception has been highly positive among the critics and the audience.
Na Maloom Afraad
Na Maloom Afraad is a 2014 comedy-thriller film series, the title being a very common term among Karachiites in the contemporary years. The movie represents the chaos and the uncertainty of events that the city has faced for many years. The plot revolves around a struggling trio that engages in questionable moral ways to become rich. The film was shot in Saddar Town, Karachi, making it one of the movies entirely developed in Pakistan. The director of the film is Nabeel Qureshi and the lead roles are played by Fahad Mustafa, Mohsin Abbas Haider, and Javed Sheikh. The film got an overall positive response and has high ratings among the professional sources. A sequel to the movie was also released in the year 2017.
Karachi Se Lahore
Karachi se Lahore is a 2014 comedy thriller film. A major part of the film is plotted to a road trip. The movie shows the protagonist as a person being mistreated all the time. He finally takes a stand for himself and sets off to stop the marriage of his girlfriend. The difficulties and obstacles that they encounter in their expedition is portrayed comically. The film is directed by Wajahat Rauf and has an ensemble cast including Shehzad Sheikh, Ayesha Omar, Yasir Hussain, Ahmed Ali Akbar, Ashir Wajahat and Eshita. It was the first Pakistani film to be premiered in Hollywood. A spin-off titled “Lahore Se Aagey” was also released in 2016.
Jawani Phir Nahi Aani
Jawani Phir Nahi Ani, abbreviated as JPNA, is a 2015 comedy adventure film that revolves around the lives of four friends, played by Humayun Saeed, Ahmed Ali Butt, Hamza Ali Abbasi, and Vasay Chaudhry, the latter three being married and dominated by their wives. The fourth friend pays a visit to them only to find them in a miserable situation and tries to lift their spirits by planning a secret trip to Bangkok. The film was directed by Nadeem Baig. With its release, it became the highest grossing Pakistani film at that time. It still enjoys third place among the highest grossing Pakistani films. Its sequel JPNA 2 was released in 2018.
Janaan
Janaan is a rom-com released in 2016. The female protagonist, portrayed by Armeena Rana Khan, is a sweet, innocent girl, who returns to her coun
try to meet her family after a longtime. The events that follow are the usual activities of a common Pakistani household, shown in whimsical ways. She eventually falls in love with her cousin and the confession takes place in the closing scenes of the film. A distressing case of child abuse is also part of the movie. The movie was directed by Azfar Jafri with the leading roles played by Armeena Khan, Bilal Ashraf, and Ali Rehman Khan. Guest appearances of the movie comprise Hareem Farooq and Osman Khalid Butt. The film was well-received due to its entertaining plot and its beautiful set.
Actor in Law
Actor in Law is a 2016 comedy film portraying the protagonist as a lawyer who actually wanted to be an actor. It shows the struggle he went through and how he eventually becomes an inspiration and strives for the betterment of the society and the norms around us. The film light-heartedly depicts the bitter realities of the so-called moral values. The film is directed by Nabeel Qureshi and Fahad Mustafa and Mehwish Hayat are the lead cast members. The veteran Indian actor, the late Om Puri has also played a significant role in the movie. It is one of the many other Pakistani movies that have been received very well by the audience.
Punjab Nahi Jaungi 
Punjab Nahi Jaungi is a rom-com released in 2017. It also volunteers women empowerment. The plot of the movie shows the protagonist as a literate man who runs his family’s business of dairy. The female protagonist also returns to the country after pursuing her degree in Economics. Both of them end up marrying each other in spite of already having an inclination towards others. The rest of the movie shows the ebb and flow of their relationship. The film is directed by Nadeem Baig, and the protagonists’ roles are played by Humayun Saeed and Mehwish Hayat with Ahmed Ali Butt and Urwa Hocane playing their parts in supporting roles.
Parwaaz Hai Junoon
The movie “Parwaaz hai Junoon” is a 2018 aerial combat-war romantic film and was developed as a tribute to the Pakistani Air Force. The story is about the brave fighter pilots of the PAF, their passion, patriotism, and love for their home country and a spark of romance between a PAF pilot Hamza and a cadet, Sania. The film has an ensemble cast with Hamza Ali Abbasi, Ahad Raza Mir, Hania Aamir and Kubra Khan in leading roles. The film was directed by Haseeb Hassan. It received a good response on its day of release. It had also been premiered in foreign countries including Saudi Arabia and China.
Teefa in Trouble
Teefa in Trouble” is a 2018 romantic action film. The scenes include a lot of comedy and uncertain turn of events while spicing up the plot with some action. An impoverished upbringing, power of money, and conspicuous crimes are some of the aspects of the film. The film is directed by Ahsan Rahim, and Ali Zafar and Maya Ali have played their film debuts in the main roles. It has been one of the highest grossing films of Pakistan and has received positive reviews.
These movies commemorate the Pakistani Film Industry. Some of them might give you an adrenaline rush or uncontrollable laughs, cries, shrieks and moments to contemplate but all of them are definitely going to make you stick to your couch.
