Bouquet of films from Pakistan

Few social issues when dramatised seriously do make an impact and they also create a sense of curiosity when it is with reference to our neighbouring country– Pakistan. In India, such films have done some good business and are etched in the memories of cinephiles.

In case, you have never read or heard about such films that explore the divide between the two nations, their social milieu and how in these differences lie a similarity, then the Pakistan High Commission is giving an opportunity to get an insight into Pakistani films where the directors have dealt with these issue in their own style of filmmaking.

Khuda Kay Liye, Ramchand Pakistani and Bol – three films on distinctive subjects, border issues, life in a male-dominated society, and inter-relationship between Islam and global terrorism will be screened from August 18 till 20 at India Habitat Centre from 7 pm onwards.

Khuda Kay Liye, (In the Name of God), which was screened on Monday, was about three different people struggling with the misinterpretation of Islam in Pakistan's society.

The 167-minute film, directed by Shoaib Mansoor revolves around two brothers, artistes, experiencing major changes at the hands of Islamic fundamentalists and the US Government, while their female cousin is abducted, forced to marry, and sexually molested. Interestingly, Fawad Khan, recognised as Zaroon of Zindagi Gulzar Hai has played the lead role in the film. He will be seen opposite Sonam Kapoor in Khoobsurat.

On August 19, Bol will throw light on the male dominated society of our neighbouring country. Another social drama by Shoaib Mansoor in Urdu, the film is about a father's desire for a male successor in the family after half-a -dozen daughters.

A typical family, run in a male-chauvinistic manner, it is finally blessed with a boy but the lad seems to have feminine traits, leading the father to disregard his presence in the family. The film begins in with a flashback with the protagonist, the eldest daughter, who is to be hanged, tells the story to the media about the family.

The much-acclaimed Ramchand Pakistani, directed by Mehreen Jabbar will be screened on August 20 at 7 pm. The film is based on the true story of a boy and his father who unknowingly crossed the border between Pakistan and India.

Actor Nandita Das plays mother to this seven-year-old Pakistani boy. The family belongs to an untouchable Hindu caste and the father and son accidentally cross the border. They spend years in an Indian jail while Das, who plays the role of Champa, who doesn't know what has happened to them, spends her life waiting for them on the other side of the border.