From ‘Maula Jatt’ to Netflix Originals: 75 Years of Pakistani Cinema

Introduction

In 2025, Pakistani cinema celebrates a monumental milestone—75 years of storytelling, spectacle, and resilience. From its post-partition inception in 1947 to the high-octane global release of The Legend of Maula Jatt in 2022 and the streaming era of Netflix Originals, the journey of Pakistani film is nothing short of cinematic.

The evolution has been marked by soaring highs and sobering lows. There was a time when Lollywood, the Lahore-based film industry, produced dozens of films each year, filling cinemas and capturing the hearts of a generation. Films like Heer Ranjha, Armaan, and Maula Jatt (1979) are still remembered as golden relics from an era when Pakistani cinema could rival its regional counterparts.

Yet, the road has not been easy. Political censorship, dwindling infrastructure, piracy, and a lack of investment led to a prolonged period of decline through the 1980s and 1990s. Many thought the glory days were over. But the last two decades proved otherwise. A fresh wave of passionate filmmakers, state-of-the-art studios, and audiences hungry for local content sparked a revival. The modern renaissance of Pakistani cinema was perhaps crowned by the mega-success of The Legend of Maula Jatt—a reimagined tribute to the classic that smashed records globally.

Today, the industry is not just back—it’s evolving. With Pakistani films now premiering on Netflix, earning international festival acclaim, and fostering cross-border cultural conversations, the future of cinema in the country looks brighter than ever.

In this blog, we chart this 75-year journey—from the grainy reels of old Lahore to the streaming era—highlighting how Pakistani cinema has transformed, survived, and stunned across generations.

The Golden Era of Pakistani Cinema (1947–1970s)

Birth of Pakistani Cinema and Early Milestones

Following independence in 1947, Pakistan faced the mammoth task of building a cultural identity. Cinema quickly became a powerful tool in that pursuit. The first Pakistani feature film, Teri Yaad (1948), marked the dawn of a national film industry that would soon flourish in the studios of Lahore—eventually dubbed Lollywood.

The 1950s and 60s witnessed a surge in cinematic output with landmark films like Do Ansoo, Sassi, and Saheli. These productions showcased both creative ambition and technical innovation. Directors like Anwar Kamal Pasha and Khwaja Khurshid Anwar became household names, setting the stage for a golden age of filmmaking.

Rise of Lollywood and Iconic Films

By the late 1960s, Lollywood had become a cultural force. This era saw the rise of timeless classics such as Armaan (1966), starring Waheed Murad, Pakistan’s first true screen heartthrob. The film industry enjoyed strong box office performances, growing audiences, and creative freedom.

Genres flourished—romance, musicals, social dramas, and historical epics captured the imagination of a diverse audience. Films like Heer Ranjha (1970), written entirely in verse, and Maula Jatt (1979), a gritty action film that would become a cult classic, epitomized the creativity and diversity of Lollywood's golden years.

Cultural Impact and Audience Reception

During this time, going to the cinema was not just entertainment—it was a cultural event. Families, couples, and youth frequented theaters, many of which became iconic landmarks in urban centers. Music played a key role too; legendary playback singers like Noor Jehan, Mehdi Hassan, and Ahmed Rushdi helped define the soundscape of the nation.

Cinema influenced fashion, language, and societal trends. It was a time when Pakistani films spoke directly to the hopes, struggles, and aspirations of a post-colonial society forging its identity.

Decline and Challenges (1980s–1990s)

Political and Economic Factors Affecting the Industry

The 1980s marked a turbulent chapter in Pakistani cinema history. Under General Zia-ul-Haq’s regime, state censorship intensified, targeting art and media deemed "un-Islamic" or politically sensitive. This crackdown severely limited creative freedom, leading to watered-down narratives and formulaic storytelling. Many filmmakers turned to safe, repetitive tropes to avoid conflict with authorities.

Simultaneously, Pakistan’s economy suffered instability, making it harder for studios to secure funding. Imports of Indian films were banned, restricting competition but also isolating the industry from global trends. The lack of fresh talent and investment led to stagnation across production quality, scriptwriting, and innovation.

Shift in Audience Preferences and Competition

As television gained popularity—particularly with the rise of PTV dramas—audiences began drifting away from the big screen. The intimacy of the living room, combined with strong storytelling on television, offered a new kind of entertainment that cinema was failing to provide.

Meanwhile, the few films that did make it to theaters leaned heavily on violent action and formulaic plots, losing the narrative richness that had defined earlier decades. Cinemagoers, especially urban middle-class families, started avoiding cinemas altogether, which had begun to deteriorate in quality and become associated with lower-grade entertainment.

Efforts to Revive the Struggling Cinema Landscape

Despite the decline, a few filmmakers and actors attempted to inject new life into the industry. Veteran actors like Sultan Rahi dominated screens with action-packed performances in Punjabi cinema, keeping the industry afloat in rural markets. Films like Choorian (1998) became surprise hits, showing that the appetite for local cinema wasn’t dead—it just needed reimagining.

These two decades underscored a crucial truth: while Pakistani cinema was down, it wasn’t out. Beneath the challenges, a revival was brewing—one that would draw on nostalgia, talent, and technology to rewrite the nation’s cinematic narrative.

Revival and Global Recognition (2000s–Present)

Emergence of New Filmmakers and Narratives

The early 2000s marked a slow but determined rebirth for Pakistani cinema. Independent filmmakers, many trained abroad or inspired by global cinema, began telling stories that broke away from outdated formulas. Films like Khuda Kay Liye (2007) by Shoaib Mansoor tackled bold themes such as extremism, identity, and generational conflict. This was followed by Bol (2011), which explored gender, patriarchy, and religious hypocrisy.

This new wave of Pakistani cinema emphasized realism, strong scripts, and modern filmmaking techniques. Directors like Mehreen Jabbar, Sarmad Khoosat, and Asim Abbasi brought refreshing depth and genre variety—ranging from political dramas to indie romances—revitalizing both local viewership and diaspora engagement.

Success of "The Legend of Maula Jatt" and Its Significance

In 2022, Pakistani cinema reached a global pinnacle with The Legend of Maula Jatt, directed by Bilal Lashari. A reimagining of the 1979 cult classic, the film featured top-tier production values, a star-studded cast, and groundbreaking visuals for South Asian cinema. It became the highest-grossing Pakistani film ever, collecting over PKR 300 crore globally and attracting widespread acclaim from critics and international audiences alike.

The film’s success wasn’t just commercial—it was symbolic. It showed that Pakistani stories, when told with ambition and authenticity, could compete on the world stage. Maula Jatt also sparked renewed interest in Punjabi-language cinema, proving that regional content has universal appeal when backed by cinematic excellence.

Pakistani Content on Netflix and International Platforms

The digital revolution brought another game-changer: streaming. Platforms like Netflix began acquiring Pakistani titles and co-producing original content. Shows such as Jo Bachay Hain Sang Samait Lo (2024), Pakistan’s first official Netflix original, opened doors to a global audience hungry for diverse narratives.

Participation in international film festivals—Toronto, Busan, Locarno—has also grown, with Pakistani films like Joyland (2022) and Kamli (2022) receiving standing ovations and critical honors. For the first time in decades, Pakistani cinema is not just reviving—it’s being celebrated across continents.

Conclusion

Seventy-five years on, the story of Pakistani cinema is one of resilience, reinvention, and rediscovery. From its humble beginnings in the post-partition years to the dazzling heights of global acclaim, the industry has endured political upheavals, cultural shifts, and economic stagnation—only to rise again, more vibrant and ambitious than ever.

The early years painted cinema as a mirror of society, capturing the emotions, struggles, and aspirations of a young nation. The golden era brought glamour and substance, but also laid the foundation for an art form that could evolve. Even during its darkest periods in the 80s and 90s, Pakistani cinema retained a quiet pulse—kept alive by the rural masses, indie creators, and a few stubborn visionaries.

Today, with films like The Legend of Maula Jatt breaking box office records and Netflix embracing local stories, Pakistan's cinematic voice is louder, bolder, and more relevant than ever. Digital platforms, diaspora engagement, and international festival circuits have enabled Pakistani filmmakers to speak to a global audience without diluting their cultural essence.

The future is rich with promise. If nurtured with creative freedom, institutional support, and continued audience curiosity, Pakistani cinema has the potential to become a defining pillar of global storytelling.