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The time of Punjabi cinema is over, says Syed Noor

The time of Punjabi cinema is over, says Syed Noor

The veteran director talks about how he soldiers on in the fast changing world of Pakistani cinema
13 Apr, 2016

Lollywood gave us talented film directors such as Nazrul Islam, S. Suleman, Pervaiz Malik, Haider Chaudhary, Masood Pervaiz etc, but none has played such a long and successful innings as Syed Noor.

As a script writer Syed Noor aka Shahji penned scripts that initially earned him his good name, and then he stepped into film direction and wowed audiences with Ghoonghat, Majajan, Choorian, Daku Rani, Jeeva and more. However, the years are now starting to take a toll on his health, but his determination to create something worthwhile has not waned.

Currently, Shahji resides with his first wife Rukhsana Noor (Saima’s TV engagements keep her in Karachi) in a remote area of Lahore called Tricone Village surrounded by a peaceful and tranquil environment. It is also within easy reach of Shabab Studios where he mostly shoots his films and engages in office work. It is here, surrounded by familiar film paraphernalia, that he opens up and talks about the Pakistan film industry and his plans for the future.


“My greatest grievance is with Sharmeen; despite knowing that Price of Honour was lined up for release, she launched her documentary A Girl in the Water. I fully acknowledge her services and potential as a fellow film-maker, but she should have approached me before taking the initiative. She damaged my project.”


Is the film industry moving ahead or stagnating?

Frankly, considering all the damage caused during the past couple of years, I have little hope for its recovery. My guess was that it might take five to seven years for it to get back on its feet. It’s a miracle what has happened during these past two years. But don’t go measuring its success ratio just now as it’s the lowest in the world. I mean to say that a constant flow of film production is necessary for the success of any film industry and the proper cultivation of cinema.

Where did we go wrong?

Ten years ago, a young, energetic breed of professionals should have stepped in and taken over our film industry which unfortunately never happened. When the LSAs handed me the achievement award last year, I objected … that award put a full stop in my career ... a ‘no more room for you’. Should I sit at home now? I continued to accept challenges as they came along and shaped my ideas and destiny. I’m still sailing this ship. Unfortunately, my colleagues didn’t and were left behind.

Don’t you think that directors like Iqbal Kashmiri, Pervaiz Rana, Masood Butt etc can take on new challenges in film-making?

They belong to a different school of film-making. They are used to working on the outdated 35mm technology. When it converted to digital they got sidelined.

Secondly, the world of cinema has moved ahead with innovative ideas, angles, camera, lights etc. Since there is no academy or government patronage, the chances of studying film-making have always remained slim. But I say this with utmost sincerity that these directors have rendered great services to our film industry and can still persevere if they bring about an improvement within themselves.


"When the LSAs handed me the achievement award last year, I objected … that award put a full stop in my career ... a ‘no more room for you’. Should I sit at home now? I continued to accept challenges as they came along and shaped my ideas and destiny. I’m still sailing this ship. Unfortunately, my colleagues didn’t and were left behind."


Lahore-based Punjabi films have a mass appeal as compared to others. Comment.

It was once the case. But now the centre of film-making is back in Karachi, with a few shortcomings.

There have been some good films like Jawani Phir Nahi Ani. But I’m sorry to say that there are some movies that are not up to the mark, and declaring them as ‘feature’ films would be a mistake. Actually these are TV serials with songs. It’s shocking, really.

After the shifting of film-making to Karachi, shouldn’t we use the word Karawood instead of Lollywood. What do you say?

It’s all a fuss. There is only Hollywood, no Bollywood or Lollywood. It should only be called the Pakistan film industry and nothing else!

What do films mean to you?

In nutshell, the sole aim of films is to entertain. Film without entertainment is not a feature film but a documentary.

Under the present circumstances, you seem to be the only person who can revive Punjabi cinema after a glorious track record like Choorian, Majajan, Shareeka, Mehndi Walay Haath. What’s holding you back?

The time of Punjabi cinema is over. Waise bhi ab filmein Punjabi/Urdu mixup ho gaye hain. Many Urdu films now have two to three Punjabi songs.

Our owners hardly took any notice of the dingy, shabby cinema houses. They thought that despite sub-standard facilities films would continue to attract crowds. They also discouraged the exhibiting of Pakistani movies, preferring Indian content instead. Consequently, our film producers turned to other businesses.

I would like to credit Nadeem Mandviwala for the revival of films. Hats off to him.


"Some [recent] movies were not up to the mark, and declaring them as ‘feature’ films would be a mistake. Actually these are TV serials with songs. It’s shocking, really."


Can the situation be improved?

Sadly, the present government has no ministry of culture. Perhaps we are among the few countries which give the least importance to culture, despite India and Hollywood storming and capturing the world market, and focusing on the young generation.

I strongly believe that India is nothing without its film industry as it has vastly improved its image and economy through it. Our government does not keep this in mind. It should revive NAFDEC without further delay which could connect us to other worlds through culture.

Thirdly, Pakistani colleges and universities that teach film-making to students must have proper equipment like cameras, lights, set designing tools etc. Just mere theories won’t do.

Do you think Adnan Sami quit his Pakistani nationality due to his excessive Bollywood engagements?

Rubbish. At least Adnan Sami spoke the truth about him being an Indian. A number of Pakistani singers, artists work there but don’t care to work in our industry. What can you say about such hypocrisy?

Directors are often seen bragging about release dates, and the same seems to be the case when it comes to your film Price of Honour which was lined up for release in April 2015?

You’re right. I admit my fault. But the saying goes ‘Man proposes God disposes’. Issues like funds, publicity, cinema availability etc kept holding me back. But my greatest grievance is with Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy; despite knowing that my film Price of Honour was lined up for release, she launched her documentary A Girl in the Water — The Price of Forgiveness. It was as a real setback for me. I fully acknowledge her services and potential as a fellow film-maker, but she should have approached me before taking the initiative. She damaged my project.


"I made Shaan a supreme actor while low-calibre directors have damaged his reputation as an actor."


What other films do you have in the pipeline?

Bhai Wanted is almost complete but the biggest project of my life is on its way. I wrote a screenplay four years ago, keen to produce a different kind of message-oriented film. I was wondering whom to cast opposite Saima when I came across Dr. Amir Liaquat’s show and my heart said that I’d found the right man. I decided to convince him to sign my film. Initially, Amir Liaquat was reluctant to accept my offer but when I narrated the story to him, he agreed. He will be my next hero with Saima as the leading lady.

So when do you plan to start the film?

Soon. It all depends on Dr. Amir Liaquat’s availability.

Why has Saima switched to TV? Some argue that a film star should not work on the small screen as it undermines his/her stature?

I don’t agree. Saima has earned 10 times more popularity than films simply because TV has a much larger viewership.

Why was Saima absent at the premier shows of her own movie recently?

Uski marzi, main kya keh sakta hoon (It’s her decision, what can I say?).

Who is more accredited for a film’s success, actor or director?

Most certainly the director. I made Shaan a supreme actor while low-calibre directors have damaged his reputation as an actor.


Originally published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, April 10th, 2016

Comments

Ahmar Qureshi Apr 13, 2016 01:49pm
Noor sb, you can make a difference, kindly revert to URDU movies, you did great in Jeeva, you can make a sequel or remake of it, do try some contemporary technology as the on going urdu movies these days! Never back down!
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Suren Sahni Apr 13, 2016 01:55pm
Punjabi cinema is booming in East Punjab. I hope you continue to make Punjabi films.
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kash Apr 13, 2016 01:55pm
Syed Noor made some good films but Chooriyan was not one of them. It was such a bad film to be release in UK.
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A bitter truth Apr 13, 2016 01:57pm
Sad news - signs of dying Punjabi language.
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Malik Apr 13, 2016 02:08pm
I do not think so. Indian Punjabi Cinema is rocking all the way. Once the Punjab government will allow the screening of movies from Indian Punjab then everything will change. Also a Joint venture between Indian and Pakistani Punjabi films should be considered as well. It will make a turnaround.
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Malik Apr 13, 2016 02:10pm
Also I want to add that Syed Noor sahib totally forgot that Maula Jatt along with Hollywood collaboration is about to be released. How come Punjabi cinema is dead when Multi-million dollar movies are about to be inline.
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Jagga Apr 13, 2016 02:27pm
Indian punjabi films are surpassing bollywood movies in North America/Australia markets. Recent punjabi movies earned Rs. 50 crores ( close to 95 crores paksitani Rupees) . must watch movies like Angrej , Love punjab, sardar ji, jatt and juliet etc..
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Alexey Apr 13, 2016 03:09pm
Finally you caught up with that fact. Good luck!
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Khwarezmi Apr 13, 2016 03:27pm
I am a Punjabi speaker and I completely hate Punjabi cinema. Urdu cinema is the best!
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Shakil Ahmed Apr 13, 2016 03:31pm
No its not! if you make some decent movies, there are about 12 crore + across the border Punjabis who still can watch decent movies. You got it absolutely wrong!
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Aamer Apr 13, 2016 03:34pm
I am glad Syed Noor is making films. When did he complete Bhai wanted? I heard he recently signed Muamar Rana to play the main part in that movie. Now he is starting a movie with Saima and Dr Amir Liaqat, but there is no sign of his movie Price of Honour. Please Mr Noor, what ever you do don’t sign Saima, Reema, Neeli or Meera. We need new faces new actors and new ideas. Last 2 years were great for Pakistani Cinema. This year started with 2 major hits like Ho Man Jahan and Bachana which proves that the Pakistani cinema has revived and if Syed Noor wants to be a part of it he better come up with something fresh not same old Saima.
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rahul1 Apr 13, 2016 03:48pm
Sad demise of Punjabi in the mainland Punjab. Quite unfortunate
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Sanatani Apr 13, 2016 03:48pm
@Jagga completely agree with u quality and content of Punjabi movies vastly improved though I do not understand fully the Punjabi language still I enjoy the movie Juliet.
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Osmani Apr 13, 2016 04:24pm
@Shakil Ahmed : There is nothing wrong with making movies in Punjabi language. The problem is with the culture they show in those movies. Personally, I think that brief era of booming Punjabi cinema is what sank the Pakistani film industry in the long run.
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M. Saeed Awan Apr 13, 2016 04:42pm
Still a large portion of viewers starve to see Chooriyan, Mehndi walay hath, Shareeka etc type movies. Indian movie does not draw handsome crowd compare to newly release Punjabi film. Thus Syed Noor need to revise his decision. I spoke to him at this issue.
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Hassan Parvez Apr 13, 2016 04:50pm
Mr. Noor is wrong in criticizing Shermeen Obed. He may have made lots of Punjabi films and we all know the standard of these films, he is no where near the talent of Shermeen.
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sharath chandra Apr 13, 2016 05:25pm
I strongly believe that India is nothing without its film industry as it has vastly improved its image and economy through it. ------- This guy knows nothing about India
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Sandeep Bajwa Apr 13, 2016 06:31pm
Indian Punjabi cinema is making tons of money from around the world. Some of the latest punjabi movies have made up to 100 Crores around the world.
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fayza Apr 13, 2016 07:19pm
The only thing I agree with 'Sadly, the present government has no ministry of culture. Perhaps we are among the few countries which give the least importance to culture, despite India and Hollywood storming and capturing the world market, and focusing on the young generation. I strongly believe that India is nothing without its film industry as it has vastly improved its image and economy through it. Our government does not keep this in mind. It should revive NAFDEC without further delay which could connect us to other worlds through culture. Thirdly, Pakistani colleges and universities that teach film-making to students must have proper equipment like cameras, lights, set designing tools etc. Just mere theories won’t do.' Bollywood has played a major role in promoting Indian culture across the globe.
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Faisal Apr 13, 2016 08:08pm
Its a good move and it should have been done some 30 years back. We all know that Urdu is our national language, and we all should use entertainment for education purpose too.
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AXH Apr 13, 2016 10:38pm
I used to respect Syed Noor until he accused Sharmeen Obaid Chenoy of "stealing" his story.
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Sr Apr 13, 2016 11:00pm
@fayza how do you say India is nothing without its film industry? Did Google, Microsoft soft get Indiam CEO because of film industry or education
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Chatha Apr 13, 2016 11:18pm
Punjabi movies are doing just fine across the border making average 30 Crore (indian) to 60 Crores (indian) worldwide. Angrej movie based on pre partition punjab should be shown to everyone. You will always fails when ever you will try to make bollywood movie in punjabi/tamil/marathi/sindhi etc.. and will only do good if you try to show the respective culture and characters from regions in regional movies. today Indian punjabi movies beat bollywood movies in punjab and overseas only because they are punjabi movies not bollywood movies made in punjabi.. you cannot beat a masala movie with mega budget.
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Mohsin Khan Apr 14, 2016 12:29am
Sharmeen did amazing work. To blame her to steel your project is quite sad. I think you should concentrate on your work. If you have talent I think; you will rise to the challange and make a documentary like her. To comapre her documentary is nothing compared to what you have produced so far. Your plots are complex and are lenghy. You need to develop what has been talked about in the following. Fresh Ideas and current issues. Hopefully you can direct your talent in making new fresh cinema and worry less about how everyone is succeeding.
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Changez_Khan Apr 14, 2016 04:56am
Syed Noor needs to act like a grown up and stop this nonsense. The Urdu movies are fine BUT Punjabi films are also part of our culture, all needs to be done is our filmmakers should make decent Punjabi films like the good old days.
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Akil Akhtar Apr 14, 2016 06:13am
Sharmeen is only chasing her dreams of being recognised by the western nations and is willing to sacrifice Pakistan to achieve her goal...
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Humza Apr 14, 2016 08:49am
@Khwarezmi Can't understand what kind of Punjabi speaker would say what you said. I don't enjoy Urdu / Hindi films as much as I enjoy Pakistani Punjabi films. We already have enough Urdu films in the form of Bollywood films. Punjabi films are a important part of Pakistan's culture and it would be sad to see its demise in favour of Urdu / Hindi Bollywood movies.
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Nadeem Yousaf Apr 14, 2016 09:08am
I disagree... because punjabi cenima is flourshing only few hundrad kilometers away across borders and most of Punjabi love to watch their movies.. its means that something we are missing in Pakistani punjabi movie and we are unable to understand the demand and likelihood of our people.. Punjabi cenima is not over yet Sir.....
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Hassan Apr 14, 2016 10:59am
@Malik Dear Malik, the problem is rest of the country don't understand Punajbi, secondly people cannot relate themselves with Punjabi Jagga gujjar culture, so please spare us now, we have seen many punjabi films in the past people left going to cinemas over acting with loud dialogues...no way, now its time to move to movies like we r making now. do produce Punajbi moves but keep it to the regional cinema only do not release it countrywide or worldwide.
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Hassan Apr 14, 2016 11:02am
@A bitter truth No the language does not die, and it will never die, but lets be logical, rest of the Pakistan don't understand Punjabi secondly we cannot relate to things they present in the movie, with loud dialogues and gujjar jugga names, keep it to Punjab only and don't release it countrywide, simple Punajbi language will never die just because of non releasing in other parts of the country.
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Cinephile Apr 14, 2016 11:24pm
Syed Noor and his lot made the films which drove the audience away. Even his better productions such as Jeeva, Sangam etc. leave a lot to be desired when it comes to the production quality and content. His best films, Deewane Tere Pyar Ke and Sargam, were in Urdu, unfortunately Noor chose the easy route and make quick bucks by steamrollig 3-4 productions a year (most of them Sultan Rahi influenced Punjabi productions), greatly compromised on their quality, which eventually contributed negatively to his career and Pakistani cinema. It seems the Saima infatuation continues till this day, wonder when these guys from the old industry will learn their lesson.
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Harsh Apr 15, 2016 04:44pm
Punjabi movies fail because the tastes of Punjabi audience is not sophisticated like Marathi or a few other regional cinema. It is all crude and loud. Can't see that going very far, sorry.
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