Movies affect us beyond words, often pushing us to try new things we’ve never done before. We are often mesmerised by the visuals and settings of movies, which drives and motivates us to visit new places and explore the film’s scenes.
The Pakistani movie industry is attributed to creating some of the best movies, with picturesque scenes from the country, that’ll make you wish you could travel there now. Looking for your next travel inspiration? Here are our top picks for Pakistan movies to rekindle your travel spirits.
Dobara Phir Se
The 2016 romantic drama Dobara Phir Se might not seem like a typical travel movie, except for the road trip across the USA. However, the scenic trip around Karachi, Pakistan, will make you want to move there or at least drop in to check out the malls, museums, mosques and markets. While a road trip might take longer, hop in on cheap flights available easily from nearby cities such as Peshawar to Karachi and Multan to Karachi. It will be worth it.
Janaan
While watching Janaan, the protagonist Meena’s journey from Vancouver, Canada, to Swat, Pakistan, takes the viewers also on a spiritual journey of well-being and peace to the scenic canyons of Swat. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, on their visit to Swat in 1961, expressed their thoughts on the similarities between the snow-capped mountains of Swat with the white ravines of Switzerland, calling Swat the “Switzerland of the East” and we couldn’t agree more. The diversified landscape of forests, springs, waterfalls, and rivers, along with the vibrant and thriving flora and fauna, makes Swat a haven, nestled over 980 m above the skies in the northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.
Karachi Se Lahore
As the name suggests, it is no surprise that the premise of the road comedy movie is a vibrant road trip from Karachi to Lahore, with over 36 hours of real-time travel footage taken. Karachi Se Lahore is the first Pakistani road-trip film, which is the first part of the subsequent two films, Lahore Se Aage and Karachi Se Lahore 3. Lahore, the capital of Punjab, is home to most of Pakistan’s tourist industry, with primary attractions including the famous Badshahi and Wazir Khan mosques, Lahore Fort, Emporium Mall and more.
Maan Jao Na
The virtually pleasing 2018 rom-com Maan Jao Na, backed by soulful music in the backdrop of the ocean, makes everyone crave a little bit of the sun, sand and the sea. The colourful youth anthem from the movie “Rung Laga” was shot in Balochistan, which boasts beautiful beaches such as West Bay Beach, with its vast expanse of turquoise waters and rocky cliffs, making it the perfect weekend getaway.
Chalay Thay Saath
Chalay Thay Saath is a refreshing movie set in the mountains and valleys of the Hunza that will immediately take you to the lush green forests of the ravine, with emerald green waters and snow-capped mountains, often described as the pinnacle of Pakistani tourism. As the protagonist explores her past and future in the picturesque valley, the viewers also get to catch a glimpse of the beauty of the region, immediately evoking a sense of peace and longing to go there themselves.
Mehrunisa V Lub U
Another song that is known both for its tune and the gorgeous views is “Beliya” from Mehrunisa V Lub U, the 2017 romantic socio-comedy film. Set in the backdrop of Kel, a quant and tiny village at the heart of the Neelum valley in Azad Kashmir is a much sought-after tourist spot. The snow-capped mountains in the background, along with different hues of green and blue decking the landscape, makes Kel the perfect haven for unwinding, away from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life.