Spirit of freedom!

This week, You! rounds up films and dramas that are the perfect way to rejuvenate our national enthusiasm…

By Faiza M.
August 09, 2022

entertainment

The Pakistan television and film industry have offered an array of movies and dramas that continually serves to raise our spirits of patriotism. In the spirit of Independence Day, this week, You! rounds up films and dramas that are the perfect way to rejuvenate our national enthusiasm…

Ek Thi Marium (2016)

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Ek Thi Marium is a Pakistani biographical television film or telefilm based on the life of Pakistani female fighter pilot Marium Mukhtiar. Produced by Nina Kashif, it is directed by Sarmad Sultan Khoosat and written by Umera Ahmad. It features Sanam Baloch as Marium Mukhtiar, the first jet pilot lady who sacrificed her life for the nation. In the end, she gives her life for her country. She was mentally prepared for such hardships and received Tamgha-e-Basalat for her bravery. It is a remarkable short film which will give you goose bumps. It overflows with scenes and dialogues which are deep, meaningful, endearing and emotional. The film captivates everyone with its lesson and inspires all parents to sacrifice their ‘Marium’ for their country.

Sinf-e-Aahan (2022)

Penned by Umera Ahmed, Sinf-e-Aahan, which loosely translates to ‘Women of Steel’, is premised on the lives of six fearless, passionate and opinionated women, who defy conventions as uniformed lady cadets. It includes women from different socioeconomic backgrounds, religions and even nationalities to relate to a far wider audience, and ultimately proving that the military is equal and ethical for all those who bear talent and passion to serve. Starring Sajal Aly, Yumna Zaidi, Syra Yousuf, Kubra Khan, Yehali Tashiya Kalidasa, Dananeer Mobeen and Ramsha Khan in the lead roles, the iron ladies are introduced fighting their foes in their individual lives as they gear up to apply for the military.

Jinnah (1998)

The story of Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. The British-Pakistani biopic made on the life of Muhammad Ali Jinnah was originally released in 1998 and till date, it remains the most critically acclaimed patriotic film to come out of Pakistan. The film was re-released in 2015 in a high definition format. Directed by Jamil Dehlavi, Jinnah boasts of an ensemble cast with names such as Christopher Lee, James Fox, Maria Aitken, Richard Lintern, Shireen Shah, Indira Varma, Shakeel, Vaneeza Ahmad, and Shashi Kapoor who also narrates the film. The film is a treat to watch for its captivating screenplay, dialogues, and accurate portrayal of the independence era.

Dastaan (2010)

Based on Razia Butt’s novel ‘Bano’, Dastaan, directed by Haisam Hussain, was unique because it took the audience on a journey down the events of the partition.

Leading drama celebrities of this generation Sanam Baloch, Fawad Khan, Saba Qamar, Ahsan Khan, Mehreen Raheel played alongside Samina Peerzada and Qavi Khan, and they all did justice to their roles in presenting the history of the country.

The story, which opens with the blossoming love between Bano and Hassan ends with the portrayal of true love for the homeland.

The drama took the audience to the dark times surrounding the partition, and developed an appreciation for those who struggled for its being. To put it in a nutshell, by the time ‘Dastaan’ came to an end, it had successfully inculcated the idea that Pakistanis need to carry the ideology of Quaid-e-Azam forward, which is unfortunately facing sever negligence.

Parwaaz Hai Junoon (2018)

The life story of the brave soldiers of the Pakistan Army, mainly the Pakistan Air Force. Outlining their lives, relationships, duty and hardships. This war-romance, with its ensemble cast, is sure to be an appealing watch. Parwaaz Hai Junoon stars Hamza Ali Abbasi, Ahad Raza Mir, Hania Amir, Kubra Khan, Alamdar Khan, Marina Khan, Shamoon Abbasi, and Adnan Jaffar among others.

Touted as a tribute to the brave Pakistan Air Force, the film focuses on the dreams of young PAF pilots and cadets and their romances. It was directed by Haseeb Hassan and produced by Momina Duraid.

Alpha Bravo Charlie (1998)

Shoaib Mansoor was the director of this most popular drama of his time. The drama serial, produced in collaboration with the Pakistan Army Public Relations Department, tells the story of three friends who go through different ups and downs of life. Kashif’s desire to say goodbye to the army and Faraz’s mischief to wake up his friend will force you to stare at the screen until serious matters begin.

In the same way, the notorious Kashif’s approach to the Siachen Glacier gradually becoming serious and risking his life for his country makes everyone magical. This serial, which aroused love in the heart for the Pakistan Army, had broken all kinds of records in its time, and it is still as enjoyable to watch it as it was to watch it for the first time.

Waar (2013)

An action-thriller film directed by Bilal Lashari, the film features Shaan Shahid, Meesha Shafi, Ali Azmat, Shamoon Abbasi, Ayesha Khan, Suhaib Rana and Kamran Lashari. It focuses on a retired Pakistani officer and his efforts to conduct counterterror operations against foreign-sponsored terror groups, which resulted in warfare among tribal units in North-West Pakistan. One incident included a terrorist attack on a Police Academy at Lahore in 2009. This film may seem like an over-the-top political thriller but it manages to hold its own and capture the viewer aptly.

Sunehray Din (1991)

On a lighter note, Sunehray Din aired on PTV in 1991, in which the lives of young cadets of Pakistan Military Academy Kakul were beautifully portrayed.

The story showed a strong-willed Saleem Sheikh who joined the army against his mother’s wishes. He went through intense training by his seniors, which was an essential practice to toughen the young cadets. Most of the scenes in the drama were light and humorous and showed how juniors tried to get even with their seniors when their roles were reversed for a night.

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