Critics blast Pashto Eid film releases for promoting violence, vulgarity

Movie buffs and music lovers in Peshawar got to enjoy three new Pashto movies on Eidul Azha.

Film directors Arshad, Shahid Usman and Arbaz Khan expect good business from their productions on Eid. The new Pashto flicks include Shadal Zalme, Lambe and Juram Auo Saza starring Shahid Khan, Dua Qureshi, Babrak Shah, Sidra Noor, Afreen Paree, Achhi Khan, Jahangir Khan, Tariq Jamal, Arbaz Khan, Khalida Yasmeen, Ajab Gul and Mohammad Hussain Swati.

Experts said that Pashto entertainment industry promoted violence and vulgarity instead of highlighting real issues of the people and boosting a soft image of the militancy-plagued province.

Film producers, on the other hand, said that terrorism and extremism could be countered through art and cultural activities. “People need entertainment and peace of mind. Our critics should know that we have been through a tough time as militancy has affected badly our art and artists,” said Zahid Irfan, a local art promoter.

The film directors are confident that their productions will attract movie buffs through popular actors, powerful storylines, dialogue, beautiful music, poetry and attractive locations. The films have been shot at the beautiful sites of Balakot and Naran valley.

Arshad Khan told this scribe that despite a slump market, his production always pulled a large crowd owing to his quality work, music and cast coupled with good locations. He said that Pashto movies went through the censors and never promoted vulgar scenes or substandard content.

“My film Shadal Zalme is a story of a simple young man. I have picked the story up from our own environment. We need to educate young men of numerous things around them. Such characters definitely make up an impressive story,” he said.

Pashto music industry will also release five telefilms and music albums on Eidul Azha. Noted music director Shakirzeb has also brought out his own album titled Ghazal while Nazia Iqbal’s album Musafara Yara will hit music charts in the market. Senior Said Rahman Sheenu and Ismail Shahid could not release any work due to their tight schedule. An album titled Attanr has also been well-received by the audience.

However, most critics have complained of glorifying using drugs, violence and rude behaviour in Pashto movies, telefilms and even music albums.

Rustam Jan Shahid, a local Pashto poet, said that it was regrettable that nobody took notice of substandard, immoral and violent messages being promoted through silver screen and telefilms.

He said that authorities should come forward to correct the so-called filmmakers and art promoters. “I understand that such stuff and contents have nothing even remotely with Pakhtun culture and lifestyle. That’s why educated, decent people and families never walk up to cinemas,” said Mr Shahid.

Originally published in Dawn, September 2nd, 2017