Year 2014 is ending within few weeks and the recap of foreign films released in this year is the subject of this article.
Indian films:
Indian films are extremely popular in our country and like previous years more than 40 Indian films were released this year. Five Indian films also feautred Paksitani artists in lead roles which is perhaps maximum in a calendar year.
The films released this year includes Dedh Ishqiya, Yaaryian, Jao Ho,Hansi to Phansi, Yarab, Kaho Na Kaho, Gulab Gang,Total Siyyapa, Highway, Shaadi Ke Side Effects, Ragni MMS, O Teri, Youngistan, Mein Tera Hero, Bhootnath Return, Revolver Rani, Purani Jeans, Angry Youngman, Heropanti, Holiday, Figli, Humshakals, Hate Story 2, Kick,Mardani, Raja Natwarlal, Creature 3D, Finding Fenny, Bobi Jasoos, Khoobsorat, Bang Bang, Happy New Year, Queen, Super Naani, The Shoqins, Kill Dil, Happy Ending, Ungli, Action Jackson whereas few other films will also release in concluding weeks of this year like PK. Most of the films were distributed by Geo Films while few were by Hum Films and Express Films.
Business wise Dhoom3 tops the list, though it was released in last week of 2013 the film was superhit throught out the country making all time new records of revenue collection. Dhoom 3 earned more than 25 crores and it was distributed by Geo Films.
In February, screening of Indian films was put on hold for few weeks due to a hearing in Lahore High Court and it deserted the cinema halls. Thus proving that Indian films are essential for cinema industry in Pakistan. However the ban was lifted after few weeks, as the case was removed from Lahore High Court.
It is not possible to discuss each film, so this article is limited to most successful and films featuring Pakistani artists.
Total Siyyapa
Featuring Ali Zafar in lead role Total Sayyapa is released in March. Despite a good starting weekend overall the film business was disappointing in Pakistan. Geo Films was the distributor.
Kick
Kick featuring Salman Khan is screened on Eidul Fitr in end of July. The film made new record of opening week earning bypassing Waar and Dhoom3. Hum Films was the distributor.
Raja Natwarlal
Featuring Humaima Malik and Emran Hashmi in lead roles the film was released in August 2014 and failed to attract viewership. Geo films was the distributor.
Creature 3D
Imran Abbas and Bipasha Basu were in the lead cast of this film. Despite first Bollywood film of Imran Abbas, business wise it was a disappointment. Geo Films was the distributor.
Khoobsorat
The first Indian film of Fawwad Khan was quite successful in multiplexes. The film released the same week Pakistani film Dukhtar was released in September 2014 and it was a clear winner in the race. Hum Films distributed the film.
Bang Bang
Starring Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif, the film was released just before Eidul Azha in October 2014 and was quite successful.Geo films distributed the film.
Happy New Year
Starring Shahrukh Khan, the film is released in last week of OCtober 2014 and was quite successful.Geo films distributed this film.
Kill Dil
Starring Ali Zafar the film is released in November 2014. Despite a good starting weekend overall the film business was disapponting. Geo Films was the distributor.
PK
Starring Aamir Khan this film is due to release in coming weeks and is also expected to do good business like Dhoom 3 last year which also featured Aamir Khan.
Turkish Films
After seeing the overwhelming success of Turkish Dramas, first Turkish film was also released in Pakistan this year.
Mohabbat Ek Ittefaq
It was the first ever Turkish film to be released in Pakistan and distributed by Express Films. The film was released in February when screening of Indian films were temporarily banned by a stay order from Lahore High Court. Mohabbat Ek Ittefaq i.e. Ask Tesadüfleri Sever in Turkish is one of the successful film of Turkey released in 2011.
The film has an interesting story. But despite no competitor the film proved dead flop at box office. The failure of this film dashed the hopes of the other distributors who were planning to import further Turkish and Iranian films.
English Films
English films or Hollywood movies are also released. Hollywood movies were distributed by Geo Films, Express Films and Hum Films. Unlike other foreign films the details of English films and their business is not published in press.
So it wraps up the roundup of foreign films released in the year 2014.
Do share your views. Thanks for your time.
Reference: The information of Indian films released is taken from this article in Urdu Daily Dunya
http://e.dunya.com.pk/index.php?e_name=LHR&edate=2014-12-02&page=29
Rashid Nazir Ali