Author: Aqeel Ahmad
Abstract
This paper focuses on negotiation of identities in two Seraiki telefilms released in 2009 and 2010. These telefilms are independent productions shot in rural areas of Southern Punjab. They are distributed on DVDs and end up playing in local cinemas in South Punjab even though they are called “telefilms.” Both telefilms became popular with their dialogue becoming gag lines of everyday life in Seraiki areas. Owing to its popular reception, this paper looks at characters’ understanding of social values of Urdu, English, and Seraiki. These telefilms use non-diegetic music and sound effects from Indian films to create similarities between different narratives. Furthermore, comedy plays a central role in the progression of these narratives and attempts to subvert the popular narratives. In short, these telefilms from peripheral rural areas are trying to show resistance towards larger narratives by incorporating language debates, trans-regionalism, and comedy.
Keywords
Seraiki Telefilms, Southern Punjab, Seraiki Language, Trans-regionalism in South Asia
