Pashto filmmakers' business thriving on vulgarity

Islamabad, Dec 16 (ANI): Once upon a time cinema halls in Karachi used to show Pashto movies that depicted the Pakhtoon culture, but now the halls are thriving on movies with vulgarity in them.

Cinema owners claim that the films are the sole reason for the survival of the industry in the city, and they also attract youngsters, who serve as a replacement of the old fans.

But many are criticising the new films as they are now attracting the audience at the cost of Pakhtoon cultural norms and traditions, with the increase in the number of viewers of pollywood films attributed to the sensually attractive scenes and dances.

Ismail Shah, 63, who runs a travel agency, claims that he had enjoyed watching all of the classical Pashto films on the big screen but now he does not want to go watch Pashto films.

"The new generation has killed our culture and tradition," the Daily Times quoted Shah as saying.

Shah, seated in his office in a wooden chair, gazes towards a picture of Badar Munir and the colour of his face changes.

"There were times when Badar Munir ruled the industry and only traditional films were produced. However, nowadays Pashto films are only known for their vulgarity," he stated.

"Most of the people watch Pashto films on the big screen in order to get sexual satisfaction out of them," he said.

"It is not possible for a family to come and watch such a film," he added.

Javed Babar, an artist and producer of Pashto films and dramas, revealed that those financing Pashto films were from Lollywood and that they only do it for financial purposes.

"They only include vulgar scenes to attract viewers and increase revenue," Babar said, as he expressed anger at the lack of investment in the industry by Pakhtoons.

"Non-professionals in the industry have destroyed Pashto cinema for mere pennies," he added. (ANI)