The year 2025 proved to be a mixed one for Pakistani cinema, marked by fewer releases but a handful of standout successes that managed to pull audiences back into theatres.
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Only a limited number of local films reached cinemas during the year, reflecting a continued decline from the time when dozens of Pakistani movies were released annually, especially around Eid festivals. On Eid-ul-Fitr alone, six local films were released, yet most struggled to gain traction. Shaz Khan’s The Martial Artist faced difficulties securing adequate screenings, while Qulfi, despite featuring veteran actor Javed Sheikh, failed to attract significant audiences.
Despite these challenges, a few films delivered strong box office performances and stood out for their audience appeal. Love Guru, directed by Nadeem Baig, emerged as the year’s biggest commercial success. Starring Humayun Saeed and Mahira Khan in lead roles, the romantic drama opened to impressive numbers and went on to earn over Rs8 billion globally, making it one of the highest-grossing Pakistani films in recent years.
Another notable performer was Deemak, a rare entry in the horror genre. Directed by Rafi Rashdi and released on Eid-ul-Adha, the film earned more than Rs2 billion. With a storyline blending domestic conflict and supernatural elements, Deemak demonstrated that genre experimentation can resonate with local audiences.
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The year ended on a positive note with Neelofar, which continues to enjoy a successful theatrical run. The much-anticipated reunion of Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan after The Legend of Maula Jatt generated strong interest and renewed enthusiasm for local cinema.
While Shahzad Rafique’s Welcome to Punjab did not perform strongly at the box office, it earned international recognition by winning the Best Audience Award at the Baku Film Festival, highlighting the cultural potential of Pakistani storytelling.
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Overall, 2025 underscored both the struggles and the possibilities within Pakistani cinema, showing that compelling narratives, star power and fresh genres remain key to revival.