Cultural Transitions and Pakistani Cinema: A Thematic Analysis

Abstract

This study examines the evolution of cultural expressions in Pakistani cinema from 1947 to 2024, analyzing how films reflect and influence societal transformations. Grounded in Media Representation Theory, the research investigates ten pivotal films per decade to trace shifts in gender roles, family structures, traditional-modern value conflicts, religious/ethnic identities, and international relations (IR). From Laary (1950) to Daghabaaz Dil (2024), each film functions as a socio-political artifact, capturing the anxieties and aspirations of its era. Pakistani cinema not only documents emerging social trends but also actively reshapes cultural norms through narrative innovation. Filmmakers emerge as both cultural archivists and agents of change, bridging media and societal discourse. The findings reveal how cinematic representations reinforce or challenge dominant ideologies, particularly in portraying women’s agency, intergenerational tensions, and national identity debates. By juxtaposing historical and contemporary films, the study highlights the industry’s responsiveness to geopolitical events, such as partition, Islamization, and globalization. Additionally, it explores the interplay between commercial constraints and artistic freedom in shaping narratives. This research offers novel insights into the symbiotic relationship between cinema and society, contributing to global scholarship on media’s role in cultural preservation and transformation. It proposes future directions for cross-cultural studies on cinematic activism and the transnational flow of ideological narratives.

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