Adapting books to the big screen is a well-established practice. While it might seem like a recent trend, many of our most beloved cultural icons have been brought to life on film by legendary directors. In Pakistan, several of our favorite filmmakers have made a successful transition from music videos to feature films, while others seamlessly navigate between television serials and cinema. The film industry has faced significant challenges in recent years. The rise of streaming services has diverted audiences away from theaters, impacting box office revenues and hurting entire industries, from Hollywood to Bollywood and beyond. While access to the best content may be limited in certain regions, the internet provides numerous ways to access streaming platforms. Despite these challenges, local films and serials continue to captivate audiences. Whether it’s Pakistani productions or foreign content, viewers remain engaged with stories told on the screen. With this in mind, let’s test your knowledge of cinema, television, and their intrinsinic link to literature.
1. Which of the following television directors has not yet made a seamless transition between films and television serials?
a) Adnan Sarwar
b) Mehreen Jabbar
c) Sarmad Khoosat
d) Kamal Khan
2. Which music video director has gone on to
direct Pakistan’s most successful (critically and commercially) film to date?
a) Saqib Malik
b) Bilal Lashari
c) Yasir Jaswal
d) Jami
3. Which author has become Hollywood’s favorite storyteller, whose work has been adapted into telefilms, limited series, or movies with critical and commercial success?
a) Liane Moriarty
b) Arthur Conan Doyle
c) Ian Fleming
d) Stephen King
e) All of the above
4. Which Pakistani actor has never worked in a Hindi film, whether in a lead role, a supporting one, or a guest appearance?
a) Fawad Khan
b) Mahira Khan
c) Adnan Siddiqui
d) Saba Qamar
e) Mohib Mirza
Answers
1. The correct answer is d.
Kamal Khan is a brilliant director known for the critically acclaimed feature film Laal Kabootar, as well as having directed (and co-directed) multiple seasons of Coke Studio and co-directed Velo Sound Station. He is also a terrific editor. However, when it comes to Pakistani drama serials, Kamal Khan has yet to take the plunge, unlike Adnan Sarwar, Mehreen Jabbar, and Sarmad Khoosat, all of whom have made films and popular television serials.
2. The correct answer is b.
Technically speaking, all the mentioned directors have made music videos before starting a film career. Saqib Malik has made unique music videos, including Ali Azmat’s award-winning ‘Na Re Na‘ and Zeb and Haniya’s ‘Aitebar’ among countless others; Jami has worked with several artists, but his collaboration with Strings has led to memorable music videos, including ‘Anjaane‘, ‘Humsafar‘, and many more. Yasir Jaswal has directed a number of music videos, with ‘Raat‘ for Atif Aslam being his most notable. Similarly, Bilal Lashari has made music videos for Jal, Abrar ul Haq, Mekaal Hasan Band, and EP. All four directors have made films as well. But in terms of critical and box office success, Bilal Lashari’s 2022 epic, The Legend of Maula Jatt, is miles ahead of the others and can claim the top prize as it was a masterpiece. Released two years ago, it was a blockbuster both in Pakistan and abroad. It managed to outperform at least three Hindi films in foreign territories and is scheduled to release in India next month. According to the grapevine, a sequel to the film is in the works.
3. The correct answer is e.
Adaptations of novels, screenplays, and (to a degree) articles have been the bread and butter of screenwriters for decades. The flavour of the season is, of course, Liane Moriarty, with several of her books already adapted as limited series for streaming platforms or TV movies such as Big Little Lies, The Hypnotist’s Love Story, and Nine Perfect Strangers. Apples Never Fall is among her latest adaptations, while some of her other books, including The Last Anniversary, The Husband’s Secret, and Truly Madly Deeply, are in various stages of development or post-production. The Australian author is a favorite of the likes of Nicole Kidman, but many other authors have also been adapted to the small and big screens. Author Stephen King has 51 adaptations, Ian Fleming has 14 adaptations, and Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes material has been adapted by multiple directors in unique styles and tones, making the detective a huge part of pop culture vernacular.
4. The correct answer is e.
Fawad Khan has had a full-fledged role in Kapoor and Sons as well as Khoobsurat. He has made a memorable guest appearance in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil as well. His Humsafar co-star, Mahira Khan, has worked with Shah Rukh Khan in Raees, while Adnan Siddiqui and Sajal Aly have appeared in the last Sridevi film, Mom. Mohib Mirza, a captivating actor, hasn’t worked in a Hindi film until now. But as they say, never say never!
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