Adil Najam
The greatly trumpeted, fairly controversial, and mostly disappointing movie Jinnah was released in 1998 to even lesser acclaim than it deserved.
Despite all its flaws–especially its overly convoluted and philosophical plot which contributed much to its failure to excite ordinary non-Pakistani film-goers–it was thought-provoking rendition for Pakistanis: for those who liked the movie, and even more for those who did not.
It is sad that it ended up being seen by very few Pakistanis. The movie’s distribution was extremely sloppy, mostly due to the bickering between the principals of ‘The Quaid Project’. It played in Pakistan (in Urdu and in English) but very briefly and in very few theaters, and was never picked up for serious distribution abroad. Many who wanted to see the movie could not, simply because there was no place to see it at.
That has–belatedly–changed. Someone (it says Jamil Dehlavi) has recently placed the entire movie on video.google where it can be viewed if you have a reasonably fast Internet connection.
You can view it here by clicking on the image below, or go to video.google. The movie is just under 2 hours long, and in two parts.
For Part 2, click for rest of this entry.
What is in fact a shame is not watching this movie or appreciating it has been considered shameful. All the people i know loved this movie. I cant think of who didnt want to watch it when it came out. Non the less it is just a movie it really doesnt matter if it didnt get acclaimed right away atleast it is now. And no Pakistanis dont just run for rain dances and slutty movies, Khuda Kay liay was a great hit. Shameful is also that the creative minds have given up on the pakistani nation instead of trying harder and harder to sell their creativeness. What is shameful is that Bollywood is bashed yet advertised like crazy i mean bollywood movies releases are included in our news and sheela’s jawani’s craze [i havnt even seen the movie but i know about it]. I mean in our news? Even in our cooking shows, how is that even relevant? but we find a way. Yes art should be appreciated no matter what its background is but who is going to appreciate our own art when we dont have the pride to make it look good. I have no idea what this post is going to do on a random blog but here it is none-the-less.
i love PAKISTAN and i love QUAID-E-AZAM
It is so sad that pakistani people never accept any good thing in their lives. Its so shame to those who made every effort to turn this movie down both nationally and abroad. No wonder the conspiracy worked in this case.
People who didnt see this then they must. This will open your eyes and show you much truth never found in text books.
hi,
im yumna,im pakistani i love quide-e-azam i really proud it
very best
I know this movie did’t do well in Pakistan may be because the meaningful film will not be accepted by our audience,i read the interview of chirstofer lee(Jinnah in film)said the role was tough and challangefull for me the story was beautiful and strong.(this movie got silver award for non hollywood movie in oscar).
For our viewers in pakistan i think Director mis some rain dances and dubble meaning song in the movie.Next time i advice the Producer when they make movie like this please put some valgar song in that movie.(SAD)….
We have good producers and Directors to me we don’t have good viewers for this type of movies……
hi,
the movie was so good and meaning full. i m a pakistani and i m proud to being a pakistani.i love quide azam and pakistan.
was very beautiful and meaningful, and construction would take great pleasure watching amazing wonderful thank you after watching that I felt very different
Dans