While Hollywood has always churned out some great content, there was always the issue of inclusivity. Not seeing people or topics you can actually relate to on-screen, until now. Even before commercial cinema caught on with the trend, Netflix was sharing foreign content. So there were dramas and Pakistani movies to watch on Netflix.
However, the Pakistani dramas on the digital streaming platform are serials we’ve seen several times on television. A big plus for subscribers of the streaming service is access to Pakistani movies. Cinema isn’t as accessible as it used to be back in the days of classic Lollywood.
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Additionally, unlike Bollywood movies that are easily pirated in Pakistan, people actually have to make the effort to go to theaters to watch contemporary Pakistani films or wait for them to hit Netflix. In the sea of options, our own films can get lost in the crowd, so we made a list of Pakistani movies on Netflix you should check out.
Sitara: Let a Girl Dream
This short film by Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy highlights the social issue of child marriage. Set in set in 1970s Pakistan, the movie follows 14-year-old Pari who dreams of becoming a pilot. However, the child’s dreams are cut short amid her father’s plans to marry her off to a much older man.
This movie is a real tear-jerker.
Abdullah: The Final Witness
This is really a hidden gem not many people know about. This indie movie is an example of gems that cannot be compared to commercial cinema because this film is on another wavelength.
Unlike other movies on terrorism like Waar and Yalghaar, this is not an ISPR production. The Hashim Nadeem creation focuses on the Kharotabad Incident, allegedly by suicide bombers of Frontier Constabulary, at the Kharotabad check post in Quetta.
The Abdullah: The Final Witness cast includes Imran Abbas, Sajid Hassan, Sadia Khan,
Saawan
This indie film follows a young boy’s journey battling polio and then the stigma that came with a disability. Watching the young boy bullied, outcast, and left to die in the wilderness for a disability caused by societal pressure to begin with, will break your heart.
However, the silver lining is watching the young boy connect with his mother.
Dukhtar
Another award-winning, thought-provoking film. The realization that stellar content like this was churned out in Pakistan gives you hope for the contemporary film industry.
Dukhtar follows a mother’s instincts and quest to protect and place her child above all else. We see families bend to social pressure and obsolete tradition. We see the kindness of strangers serves as hope for humanity.
The movie includes an impressive cast including Sumiya Mumtaz and Mohib Mirza. Not to mention it was Pakistan’s submission to the Oscars 2015.
Cake
Pakistan’s entry for the Oscars 2020 is perfect in every aspect. From the culturally set but progressive storyline to the quality production. Asim Abbasi really brought out the best of Karachi. Most families have their secrets and wounds.
This movie really brought out how you’re not the only brown person with a dysfunctional family. performances star-studded Cake cast included Sanam Saeed, Aamina Sheikh, Adnan Malik, Muhammad Ahmed, etc will sweep you into a whirlwind of emotions.
Pinky Memsaab
This indie film based in Dubai unwrapped the problems that Pakistan’s elite have. Pinky Memsaab drew comparisons between the lives and problems across the lower class and elitists. While the working-class dream of having the lives of their employers they miss the darkness that dwells in society regardless of class.
Pinky Memsaab highlighted how we all have problems, we just fail to recognize each other’s suffering. The film marked Hajira Yamin’s film debut.
Teefa in Trouble
If you haven’t seen this blockbuster already, here’s your chance. Created under the banner of Yash Raj Films’ aside from Pakistani production house Lightingale Productions Teefa in Trouble follows a gangster with a good side that falls for his mark, or she falls for him.
Starring Maya Ali, Ali Zafar, Mahmood Aslam, Javed Sheikh, Fia Khan, Faisal Qureshi, Simi Raheel, Nayyar Ejaz, Asma Abbas, Moiz Kazmi and Mahenur Haider, the movie has many big names on board. This movie has a little bit of everything, a rom-com with action and comedy.
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Hard Kill
Last but not the least, Hard Kill. This is actually a Hollywood movie, but it has a Pakistani creator. Pakistani-American filmmaker Habib Paracha’s lastest film was even trending on Netflix.
So in support of a countryman, watch this action thriller. With Bruce Willis in the mix, this is one movie that will not disappoint. The rest of the Hard Kill cast includes Eva Marie, Jesse Metcalfe, and Lala Kent.
So watch are you binge-watching this weekend? Let us know in the comments below.
