[Reader-list] Celluloid and Compact Disks in Punjab

[daljit ami]

Rendezvous with Mahboob; Content and audience are important
Meeting Mahboob Brar and talking about the recent trends in film making in Punjab turned out to be very good experience on more than one account. He is 23 years old Punjabi Documentary filmmaker. His debut film, The Golden Curse, is about agrarian crises in Punjab which received critical acclaim. He has recently taken the exams of Masters in Mass Communication from regional campus Jalandhar of Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. His views are of a documentary filmmaker, young urban student and concerned Punjabi being. He is serious about filmmaking and is aspiring for admission in Film and Television Institute, Pune.
Mahbood had just finished a short film as assistant with a debut filmmaker, Shiva. This upcoming film, Alia, seems to be different from the ongoing trend. Mahboob told that it is based on a story written by Mohinder Singh Sarna. Alia is a period film which belongs to pre-partitioned Punjab. We need to wait for this film. Mahboob let Shiva know that we are waiting for his film.
Mahboob shared his views about the recent Punjabi films, short as well as full length feature films. Mahboob feels that this trend of short films is not serious about film as it is mere commercial venture. He feels that profit making is an integral part of the filmmaking but it is not the end in itself. He asserts, “Content is very important. It should be sensible. When these films set the standards it makes audience used to meaningless entertainment.” He goes on and questions, “What about film as a medium, its constructive role and developmental communication?” Mahboob thinks of films as visual literature which should be long lasting and thought provoking.
When it is the issue of audience Mahboob has a responsibility which he feels that every filmmaker should carry. “Apart from solutions and catharsis the filmmaker should make sure that audience does not feel cheated.” he adds, “Solutions and ideologies are must. If you claim to make entertainer it should be pure entertainer.” 
Talking about celluloid in Punjabi Mahboob feels that Manmohan Singh made trend setter in the form of ‘Jee Aya Nu’ but after its success they are just repeating the same formula. Mahboob sees versatility in South Indian cinema and feels that it is possible in Punjab also which is not short of talent and ideas. He is off the opinion that new maker are capable of executing the change. A change that is sensible and serious about film as medium. Only new initiatives can change the content and make issues more important in addition to film as serious engagement. Film is an important tool for him that enables the maker to interact with larger audience.
While comparing the short and full length films Mahboob analyse the similarities and dissimilarities. He thinks that catering masses, entertaining and raising issues are the similarities while the content and market are different. He emphasise that celluloid is more professional, sensible and serious. When asked about the possible life of the trend of short films he replied that this is going to be there. Format can change to any new innovation as it has happened from VHS to Compact Disk now it can be from CD/DVD to any thing new.
It is high time to edit the scattered thoughts of Mahboob in a coherent idea. It sounds certain that we have a thinking filmmaker in the making. All the best, Mahboob.
Daljit Ami
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