Pakistani cinemas are set to witness an unprecedented 16-film lineup this Eidul Fitr, reflecting the industry’s desperate attempt to revive dwindling audiences. The releases include six Pakistani films, two Hollywood productions, three Indian Punjabi movies, and four foreign horror films. However, with cinemas struggling to sustain operations, the sheer volume of releases raises concerns about their viability.
Industry experts question the strategy of dumping multiple films at once, especially when the number of screens has nearly halved since 2018. Many fear that none of these films will turn a significant profit, as cinemas may only be able to accommodate a select few, leaving the rest with limited screenings.
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Punjab’s cinemas, which heavily rely on Indian Punjabi films, might benefit from titles like Carry on Jatta 3, while foreign horror releases are being experimented with after the success of Indonesia’s Sijjin. However, the absence of a major star-studded Pakistani film further weakens the local industry’s revival prospects.
The continued reliance on Eid releases instead of a year-round strategy reflects the industry’s struggles. With a few major releases planned for the next Eid and summer, the long-term future of Pakistani cinema remains uncertain, making this Eid a test for its survival.
