Pakistani film industry’s renowned director and producer Syed Noor has termed his decision to cast popular TikToker Jannat Mirza in a film as a “disastrous experience,” saying social media popularity alone cannot ensure box office success.
In a recently viral interview clip circulating on social media, Syed Noor was asked about the growing trend of casting influencers and social media celebrities in films on the basis of their online following.
Responding to the question, the veteran filmmaker candidly admitted that casting Jannat Mirza in his film did not produce the expected results despite extensive efforts and hard work put into the project.
He said audiences did not turn up at cinemas, adding that people perhaps felt there was no need to buy movie tickets to watch someone who was already available daily on social media platforms.
Syed Noor further said that in the past, film stars had their own loyal fan base and moviegoers would eagerly wait for new releases featuring their favourite actors. However, he noted that the dynamics of the entertainment industry have now changed significantly.
According to him, mere fame or millions of followers on platforms like TikTok and Instagram are no longer enough to guarantee a film’s commercial success.
The filmmaker stressed that a successful movie requires a strong storyline, impactful performances and the overall attraction of cinema rather than relying solely on online popularity.
Syed Noor’s remarks have also sparked debate within Pakistan’s entertainment industry over the increasing trend of casting social media influencers in mainstream films.