Pakistan’s Lollywood film industry, situated in South Asia, has been the birthplace of many remarkable films. Like a roller coaster, the industry has experienced its highs and lows, with the highest-grossing Pakistani movies often acting as benchmarks of its success.
Impact of Gross Earnings on Pakistani Cinema
The highest-grossing Pakistani movies play an instrumental role in determining the trajectory of the Lollywood film industry. These blockbusters not only set the pace for financial success but also molded the narrative for future productions, set trends, and acted as a beacon of inspiration for emerging filmmakers.
The Golden Era of Lollywood
Notable Films of the Era
Most people consider the decades between the late 1950s and the early 1970s to be Lollywood’s “golden era.” Films like the groundbreaking “Armaan,” which earned over PKR 1 crore at the movie office, were produced during this time.
Revenue and Impact
The high revenues earned during this golden era helped create a thriving film industry, setting the standard for what Pakistani cinema could achieve.
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The Revival of Pakistani Cinema
Key Players and Factors
After a slump in the 80s and 90s, the 2000s marked a resurgence of the Pakistani film industry. Pioneering filmmakers and producers started producing quality content, appealing to the modern Pakistani audience’s tastes.
Remarkable Films
This period witnessed the release of several critically acclaimed and commercially successful films, leading the charge for a new wave in Lollywood.
Top 10 highest-grossing Pakistani movies
Now, let’s take a look at the top 10 highest-grossing Pakistani films that have played a pivotal role in shaping the Pakistani cinema landscape.
Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2
Taking the top spot, “Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2” shattered box office records, boasting the highest-ever earnings for a Pakistani film.
Punjab Nahi Jaungi
Close on its heels, “Punjab Nahi Jaungi” resonated with audiences worldwide and achieved impressive box office collections.
Jawani Phir Nahi Ani
The prequel to the highest grosser, “Jawani Phir Nahi Ani” also raked in significant box office earnings, setting the stage for the sequel.
Parwaaz Hai Junoon
“Parwaaz Hai Junoon” combined drama, romance, and patriotism in a compelling narrative, making it a big hit with audiences.
Teefa in Trouble
Starring Ali Zafar, “Teefa in Trouble” garnered rave reviews and significant box office collections, adding to the list of successful revivals in Lollywood.
Donkey King
An animated spectacle, “Donkey King” appealed to both children and adults alike, making it a commercial success.
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Actor in Law
With its unique storyline and stellar performances, “Actor in Law” managed to garner massive box office success.
Bin Roye
A love story at its core, “Bin Roye” tugged at the heartstrings of audiences, translating into impressive box office earnings.
Superstar
“Superstar”, starring Mahira Khan, was a celebration of the struggles and triumphs in the world of showbiz. It was a massive hit and enjoyed considerable commercial success.
Bachaana
“Bachaana”, with its thrilling plot and fantastic performances, rounded up the top 10 highest-grossing films in Pakistani cinema.
Global Gross Figures
Global Gross Figures of Top 10 Highest-Grossing Pakistani Films
| Rank | Peak | Title | World Wide Gross in PKR (USD) | Year | Language | Director | Production Company |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2 | PKR 73.00 Crore (US$ 2.5 Million) | 2018 | Urdu | Nadeem Beyg | Six Sigma Plus, Salman Iqbal Films |
| 2 | 1 | Punjab Nahi Jaungi | PKR 51.65 Crore (US$1.8 Million) | 2017 | Urdu | Nadeem Beyg | Six Sigma Plus, Salman Iqbal Films |
| 3 | 1 | Jawani Phir Nahi Ani | PKR 49.44 Crore (US$ 1.7 Million) | 2015 | Urdu | Nadeem Beyg | Six Sigma Plus, ARY Films |
| 4 | 1 | Parwaaz Hai Junoon | PKR 43.20 Crore (US$ 1.5 Million) | 2018 | Urdu | Haseeb Hassan | Momina & Duraid Films |
| 5 | 1 | Teefa in Trouble | PKR 50.00 Crore (US$ 1.7 Million) | 2018 | Urdu | Ahsan Rahim | Lightingale Productions |
| 6 | 1 | Donkey King | PKR 40.20 Crore (US$ 1.4 Million) | 2018 | Urdu | Aziz Jindani | Talisman Studios |
| 7 | 1 | Actor in Law | PKR 30.00 Crore (US$ 1.0 Million) | 2016 | Urdu | Nabeel Qureshi | Filmwala Pictures |
| 8 | 1 | Bin Roye | PKR 40.05 Crore (US$ 1.4 Million) | 2015 | Urdu | Momina Duraid, Shahzad Kashmiri | Momina & Duraid Films |
| 9 | 1 | Superstar | PKR 30.05 Crore (US$ 1.0 Million) | 2019 | Urdu | Mohammed Ehteshamuddin | Momina & Duraid Films |
| 10 | 1 | Yalgaar | PKR 20.00Crore (US$ 6,900,000) | 201t | Urdu English | Hassan Rana | MindWorks Media |
Domestic Gross Figures
Table: Top 11 Highest Domestic Grossing Pakistani Films within Local Pakistani Cinemas
| Rank | Peak | Title | Domestic Gross in PKR (USD) | Year | Language | Director | Production Company |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | The Legend of Maula Jatt | PKR 115.02 Crore (US$ 4.02 Million) | 2019 | Punjabi, Urdu | Bilal Lashari | Encyclomedia, Lashari Films |
| 2 | 1 | Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2 | PKR 53.00 Crore (US$ 1.8 Million) | 2018 | Urdu | Nadeem Beyg | Six Sigma Plus, Salman Iqbal Films |
| 3 | 1 | Teefa in Trouble | PKR 36.00 Crore (US$ 1.2 Million) | 2018 | Urdu | Ahsan Rahim | Lightingale Productions |
| 4 | 1 | Punjab Nahi Jaungi | PKR 35.85 Crore (US$ 1.2 Million) | 2017 | Urdu | Nadeem Beyg | Six Sigma Plus, Salman Iqbal Films |
| 5 | 1 | Parwaaz Hai Junoon | PKR 35.00 Crore (US$ 1.2 Million) | 2018 | Urdu | Haseeb Hassan | Momina & Duraid Films |
| 6 | 1 | Jawani Phir Nahi Ani | PKR 34.00 Crore (US$ 1.2 Million) | 2015 | Urdu | Nadeem Beyg | Six Sigma Plus, ARY Films |
| 7 | 1 | London Nahi Jaunga | PKR 30.00 Crore (US$ 1.0Million) | 2020 | Urdu | Nadeem Beyg | Six Sigma Plus |
| 8 | 1 | The Donkey King | PKR 24.50 Crore (US$ 8,50,000 Million) | 2018 | Urdu | Aziz Jindani | Talisman Studios |
| 9 | 1 | Actor in Law | PKR 24.00 8,30,000 Crore (US$ Million) | 2016 | Urdu | Nabeel Qureshi | Filmwala Pictures |
| 10 | 1 | Waar | PKR 23.00 Crore (US$ 8,00,000 Million) | 2013 | Urdu | Bilal Lashari | MindWorks Media |
| 11 | 1 | Na Maloom Afraad 2 | PKR 21.00 Crore (US$ 7, 30, 000 Million) | 2017 | Urdu | Nabeel Qureshi | Filmwala Pictures |
Impact of These Successful Films on Pakistani Cinema
The immense success of these films not only brings revenue to the industry but also helps to revive the once-dwindling Pakistani cinema.
The Future of Pakistani Cinema
Pakistani film has a bright future because of the growing demand for excellent productions. Pakistani cinema will remain successful so long as directors take risks and tell engaging tales.
FAQs:
The highest-grossing movie in Pakistan to date is “Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2”. Directed by Nadeem Beyg, the film made a significant impact at the box office and set a new collection record. Please note that the collection figures may vary over time as newer films released.
1 Avatar grossing $2,923,706,026 in 2009
2 Avengers: Endgame grossing $2,799,439,100 in 2019
3 Avatar: The Way of Water grossing $2,320,250,281 in 2022
4 Titanic grossing $2,264,743,305 in 1997
5 Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens grossing $2,071,310,218 in 2015
Avatar is the No. 1 movie in the world grossing $2,923,706,026
Conclusion
The development of the Pakistani film industry is evidence of the determination and imagination of its creators. The list of highest-grossing movies is a reflection of the changing interests of the Pakistani public as well as the industry’s capacity for change and expansion.
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