by Misbah Saba Malik
ISLAMABAD, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani audiences are eagerly awaiting the release of the Chinese animated blockbuster "Ne Zha 2," and efforts are underway to bring the film to cinemas in Pakistan, a leading distributor said.
In an interview with Xinhua, Sheikh Amjad Rashid, chairman of Pakistan's film distribution company, Distribution Club, said that on public demand, they are in contact with the film's distributors to introduce "Ne Zha 2" to Pakistani cinemas.
"Ne Zha 2" has dethroned Disney's 2024 picture "Inside Out 2" to become the highest-grossing animated movie of all time globally.
"The young generation in Pakistan is already a fan of Chinese actors, singers, dramas, and games, but despite this, Chinese films have yet to make their mark in our cinemas," he said. "With 'Ne Zha 2' receiving global acclaim, this is the right time to introduce Chinese cinema to Pakistan."
The film has already captured audiences worldwide with its gripping storytelling, high-quality animation, and stunning visual effects, and it will be interesting for the Pakistani audience to watch the masterpiece of Chinese animation, showcasing the country's growing prowess in the global film industry, said Rashid.
"We have distributed over 400 movies in Pakistan, and among foreign films, animated movies have performed exceptionally well. Given its strong storyline, breathtaking animation, and world-class visual effects, we expect 'Ne Zha 2' to be a massive success in Pakistan," he added.
He noted that Pakistan does not produce enough films annually to meet domestic demand, and the restriction on the release of Bollywood films in local cinemas has left a vacuum in the country's cinema industry.
"Chinese films can be a great option to fill this gap. The overwhelming interest in 'Ne Zha 2' among Pakistani audiences proves that Chinese films have strong potential in our market," he said.
He mentioned that he recently visited China twice, where he signed agreements with Chinese distributors to bring Chinese content to Pakistan, adding that the release of the animated blockbuster will mark the beginning of this collaboration.
"We are fully prepared to release the movie in English and dub it in Urdu to ensure it reaches a wider audience," he added.
Talking about the deep-rooted Pakistan-China friendship, Rashid stressed that people-to-people contacts between the two countries have significantly strengthened over the years.
"Due to our longstanding friendship with China and the presence of thousands of Pakistani students and professionals who have lived in China, Chinese culture is already familiar here. Introducing 'Ne Zha 2' will be an important step in strengthening cinematic ties between the two countries," he said.
The cultural exchange through cinema will enhance mutual understanding between the two nations, just as Chinese dramas and music have gained popularity in Pakistan, he noted.
Rashid added that while Pakistani films have been screened in China, it is time for more Chinese movies to be released in Pakistan, fostering stronger people-to-people connections.
"As Pakistan-China relations continue to flourish, cultural exchanges through cinema will help bring the people of both countries even closer," he said. ■
