Pakistan film fest welcomes host of Indian films, invites SS Rajamouli for screening of Baahubali series

Things may not be smooth at the political front between India and Pakistan but when it comes to cinema the two countries never miss a chance to accept and appreciate the creativity of each other. This time it is Pakistan that has extended a hand towards Indian film makers to showcase their talent and successful movies at the Pakistan International Film Festival (PIFF).

The four-day festival starting from March 29 aims to become the largest film festival in the country. It will incorporate workshops, mobile screenings, seminars, award ceremonies, and musical nights to provide Karachiites with a flavour of both local and international film industries.

Director SS Rajamouli has been invited at the festival to screen the Baahubali series. "Baahubali has given me opportunities to travel to a number of countries. The most exciting of them all is now, Pakistan. Thank you, Pakistan International Film Festival, Karachi for the invite," Rajamouli tweeted on Wednesday.

Baahubali: The Conclusion had released in Pakistan last year across 100 screens.

Along with Baahubali, the other Indian films that will screen at the festival include—Dear Zindagi, Jolly LLB2, Hindi Medium, Sairat, Neel Batta Sannata.

There was a time when Indian films would contribute 60-70 perc ent to the film exhibition business of Pakistan before a blanket ban was imposed in 2016.. However, border issues and other political problems have resulted in many Indian films not getting a commercial release in the country.

In the past one year, about nine films have been shown the red flag by the Pakistani censor board. Films that have been barred in the country include Jolly LLB 2, which will be screened at PIFF, Dangal, Pari, Padman, Tiger Zinda Hai, Naam Shabana, Tubelight, Raees and Gurinder Chadha's Partition: 1947.