Shamoon Abbasi, a prominent figure in the Pakistani film industry, has made a mark through numerous films and successful performances. As one of the industry’s leading personalities, we had the privilege of conducting an exclusive interview with Shamoon Abbasi at Lollywood Pictures.
During this conversation, we delved into various topics within the film and entertainment industry, including the resurgence of Bollywood, his forthcoming film and drama projects, The Future of Pakistani Cinema, and much more.
You’ve been quite active in Pakistani films throughout 2023. How do you feel about being a major part of Pakistani Cinema?
As a significant contributor to the cinema scene in recent years and a vital component of the industry, we inquired about his perspective on the current state of the Pakistani film industry.
I have been lucky to be one of the actors that were almost seen in every movie that was released in 2023. After the COVID-19 crisis I believe that the Dynamics of Cinema have been shifted to digital platforms where audiences are more inclined to binge watch their favorite shows online, hence the cinema-goers have taken a break from theatres. untill there is not a massive release.
Could you share some insights into your upcoming projects? Have you recently committed to any new movies or television dramas?
Yes, my upcoming projects are Rayan the super hero an animated movie , dehli gate , and dhai chaal are about to release this year on 8th December, 2023.
I am also working on a few web series as my own production and acting in television with some ace directors like Anjum shehzad for Green Entertainment TV and a few more that I cannot disclosue at the moment.
Why do Patriotic Films work well in India and not in Pakistan?
Looking at the recent trend in Bollywood, we have seen various patriotic films making 1000s of Crores at the box office meanwhile in Pakistan, patriotic films like Zarrar just fell flat on its release.
Patriotism in Pakistan has been a way to go a few years ago . I believe the recent generation of audience is more interested rather in live action films or true stories. Instead of patriotic movies we need to focus on films related to masses that offers high octane action and masala which has nothing to do with our forces.
Do you think it’s a good idea for Bollywood movies to return to Pakistan?
We’ve witnessed Bollywood’s remarkable performance in Pakistani cinemas numerous times, with several blockbuster films like Sanju, Sultan, Chennai Express, Dilwale, and many others making a significant impact at our domestic box office. Additionally, Indian Punjabi movies are gaining substantial traction in Pakistan, as evidenced by Carry On Jatta 3’s impressive 28 crore rupees in earnings within Pakistan alone.
It’s noteworthy that a considerable portion of the Pakistani audience is currently watching Bollywood’s latest mega-blockbuster, ‘Jawan,’ through pirated versions. Given these factors, is it now opportune to reintroduce Bollywood officially in Pakistan?
I think Bollywood was a good idea 3 years ago but not anymore as it’s time Pakistani Film Makers and distributors start working together on making a cinematic universe from Pakistan and let every one make movies without any politics. So no I don’t think Bollywood should return now !
Waar stands out as your most significant commercial success. Why you haven’t collaborated with Bilal Lashari and Shaan Shahid again since then?
Bilal Lashari offered me The Legend of Maula Jatt but because of some personal reasons I was unable to do it, Where as Shaan Shahid is concerned I don’t mind working with him again if he is ok to share the screen with me after Waar.
Why do you tend to focus more on dark thrillers rather than Commercial Films?
I have been a successful Antagonist/Villan since a while in the industry aur yahan har koi repeat per Laga deta hey.. kia Karen haha.
I am deciding to do comedy roles too from this year ahead and hoping that the audience will love me in this avatar as well.
In your opinion, do you believe that Pakistani Cinema would thrive better with a higher number of low-budget films or a smaller number of big-budget productions?
Frequency of films is what we require in Pakistan we don’t have huge investment companies or banks or individuals to finance movies in Pakistan, but we have financers that are ready to produce small budgeted movies anytime of the day. It’s about time we give space to indie film makers and decrease the extra ordinary expenses we are doing on films that are running in cinemas these days.
Yes big budgeted films should also be made but not just them.
2023 has been very dull so far for Pakistani Cinema, What do you think about the future of our Film Industry?
2023 has been dull for Pakistan in many ways. Cinema going is a luxurious act if you have extra money u will go and if your financial condition is not stable your priority changes and you won’t really look to go especially for a movie. 2023 was the first year after the COVID-19 pandemic ended and many things were to be learned and we did that too.
Now that you’ve recently launched your own Online Streaming Platform, how do you perceive the significance of OTT platforms in the current Entertainment landscape?
I always believed in the Digital Content and I will keep on doing that, it might take me some years to prove that it’s a better business module for film makers. People are easily attracted to online content these days but going to cinema has become a liability for them after the expensive ticket rates by cinema owners.
We are eagerly anticipating Shamoon Abbasi’s upcoming projects and extend our best wishes for his continued success in all his future endeavors.
