Films entertain us and transport us to new worlds. In old times, people rented DVDs or went to cinemas. But now, streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+ have become extremely popular. Above all, these usually have different languages and even hit songs. If you like Bollywood, you will be flattered by their Hindi romantic song collection. Otherwise, you could fall for Qawwalis if you prefer Lollywood. Thus, it has become easy to watch movies anytime.

Popular Streaming Platforms

Streaming platforms are websites for watching movies and TV shows online. You don’t need a DVD or a cinema ticket. All you need is an internet connection. These platforms let you stream your favorite movies from your phone, computer, or TV. Nonetheless, you have great diversity today, such as Balochi, Urdu or a Pashto film. A few well-known streaming services include:

· Netflix

· Amazon Prime Video

· Disney+

· YouTube

In Pakistan, Tapmad TV and StarzPlay are also becoming popular. In this blog, we will talk about how streaming services are transforming the film industry in Pakistan and around the world.

The Convenience of Streaming

A major reason people love streaming services is convenience. You can watch movies at any time. You don’t need to adhere to a schedule like you would in theatres. For example:

· If you want a break, you can pause the movie.

· You can also rewind to replay your favorite parts.

· You can see films late at night or early in the morning.

Streaming services allow you to watch films from around the world. Hollywood, Bollywood and even Korean movies can be watched by sitting at home in Pakistan.

Affordable Entertainment

It can cost a lot to go to the cinema. Tickets, snacks and transport don’t come free of charge. Streaming services tend to be less expensive. For example:

· Netflix offers monthly plans giving you access to unlimited movies.

· Multiple family members can share a single account and save money.

All these things make streaming platforms easier on the pocket for families in Pakistan and the rest of the world.

Making Pakistani Movies Accessible to the World

There are rising career opportunities for Pakistani filmmakers thanks to streaming sites. Films like Zindagi Tamasha and The Legend of Maula Jatt have received international acclaim on streaming platforms. Platforms make it possible for regional movies to reach a worldwide audience. For example:

· Zee5 and YouTube have your Pakistani dramas and movies.

· These movies give an opportunity for foreigners to relish Pakistani culture.

· This visibility makes our filmmakers proud and helps raise the quality of Pakistani cinema.

Providing Opportunities for Small Filmmakers

Streaming services have ruined the cinema; only big-budget movies were lined up at the theater before the advent of streaming services. Small filmmakers had few alternatives. But now:

· Independent movies are welcome on movie streaming platforms.

· Aspiring filmmakers don’t need huge budgets to tell their stories.

· Audiences get to watch unique, and creative movies.

· This has inspired a generation of filmmakers in Pakistan to pursue their dreams.

Changing Movie Styles

The way movies are being made has also been affected by streaming platforms. Here are some ways:

Short Stories: You can see visibly that films’ lengths have been shortened to a considerable length. Therefore, filmmakers still make two hours of content, but usually, their short timeframe has been targeted.

Series and Sequels: Movies can be broken into multiple episodes on the platforms adding that much more excitement. Most often, movies are based on novels, so there is usually part 2 or 3 on the way next year or so. This makes the audience more eager for the storyline to unfold.

Genre Diversity: Presently, our film industry has produced a large variety of movies under various genres. So, you can go for any genre as per your taste, be it Horror, Comedy, Thriller or Documentary.

This creativity amuses audiences and occupies their free time.

Challenges for Cinemas

There are many perks of these streaming platforms. However, it has affected the number of people visiting cinema houses. More people would rather watch movies from the comfort of their own homes. This has significantly decreased people’s visits to cinemas. In Pakistan:

· Some movie theaters have shut down completely because of declining ticket buyers.

· Above all, cinemas have upgraded to 3D screening and luxurious seats to bring in more people.

Nevertheless, people still frequent there for big movie releases and family outings. Therefore, cinemas are packed when it comes to special events like Eid or New Year.

Effective During COVID-19

Then came the COVID-19 pandemic and everything changed. Cinemas closed; people hunkered down at home. During that time, streaming services became a blessing. Since, these sites saved people from death by boredom. Thus, providing entertainment at a time when people desperately needed it. In Pakistan and worldwide:

· In lockdowns, families watched movies together.

· Other than this, filmmakers directly shared their new releases to streaming sites instead.

· This shows how crucial streaming platforms are in this era.

Global Influence

Streaming services have conquered the world. Now people are able to watch films from other cultures, too. For example:

· In Pakistan, action films are quite popular like “The Legend of Maula Jatt” or romantic ones such as “Aas”.

· Therefore, some of these Lollywood movies even promote numerous social causes.

· This cultural exchange allows people to understand and appreciate each other’s traditions.

Building the Community

Movie sites even gave birth to new communities. These online groups operate on different social platforms like Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. This makes movies more enjoyable and interactive to watch. As people share their views and point out their favorite parts of the movie. This makes other people (who haven’t watched it) add it to their “watch list.”

The Future of Movies

The future looks quite bright for the streaming services. These platforms will continue to flourish, given their perks. If anything else, one can easily predict a more updated version of these, too. For example:

· Diverse films may play only on streaming services.

· VR movies might take off in popularity.

· Pakistani movie makers may work with foreign creators.

· This will continue to keep the world of movies exciting.

Conclusion

To conclude, movies are still cherished greatly. However, now we turn to online sites to watch them rather than using DVDs. Thus, these services provide convenience, low cost, and variety. These platforms are allowing filmmakers and audiences to connect in Pakistan and all over the world like never before. Cinemas are still brimming with life, but streaming services have become part and parcel of life. Hollywood blockbusters or Pakistani classic streaming platforms have made it easy and enjoyable.

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