Javed Sheikh proposes power bill cuts to make cinema affordable

Pakistan's film industry witnessed a surge during Eid, with multiple local releases drawing audiences back to cinemas, a trend being hailed as a positive shift after years of decline. Speaking to Express Tribune, veteran actor Javed Sheikh said three films were released over Eid and all performed well commercially. He described it as "a happy thing" that people are returning to cinemas, noting visible queues outside theatres and sold-out shows. "We hadn't seen this in a long time," he said, adding that early morning screenings once dominated by Indian films are now being filled by Pakistani productions. "Today, the same shows are happening for Pakistani films, which is very good." According to industry estimates, one of the Eid releases, Aag Lage Basti Mein starring Fahad Mustafa and Javed Sheikh, has earned over Rs5.5 million and continues to run house full in cinemas. However, despite the encouraging turnout, concerns remain over high ticket prices. Addressing criticism that cinema tickets often around Rs1,000 are unaffordable for many, Sheikh agreed the cost is too high for the average viewer. He proposed that the government reduce electricity costs for cinemas by up to 75% to help lower ticket prices and increase the number of daily screenings. "If electricity bills are reduced, cinemas can run 10 to 15 shows a day," he said. "Morning shows could be priced as low as Rs100, making films accessible to lower-income audiences, including rickshaw and taxi drivers." Sheikh pointed to India's pricing model, where ticket prices vary by showtime, allowing wider audience access. The conversation around cinema infrastructure was also echoed by Fahad Mustafa during a recent appearance on a show hosted by Nida Yasir. When asked what he would do if given a ministerial role for a day, Mustafa said he would prioritise building up to 200,000–250,000 cinemas across the country. "If we have more cinemas, people will go, and more films will be made," he said. Industry observers say the recent Eid success signals renewed audience interest in Pakistani films, but long-term growth may depend on structural changes particularly reducing operational costs like electricity and expanding cinema access nationwide. He made his acting debut in the Lollywood film Dhamaka, written by Pakistani writer Ibn-e-Safi released on 14 December 1974. He acted in over 100 films in Urdu, Sinhala and Punjabi. In 2007, he appeared in Mein Ek Din Laut Kay Aaoon Ga.