When it comes to narrating a tale Abrar Alvi does it simply by using down-to-earth, matter-of-fact dialogues and realistic language. Whether it is the exuberant Aar Paar or the soulfully poetic Kaagaz Ke Phool Abrar Alvi is remembered for his films till date. Though he wrote dialogues and screenplays primarily for his close associate, Guru Dutt, Abrar Alvi is famous for some of the most memorable screenplays in Indian cinema.

Guru Dutt`s Mr. and Mrs. 55 was loosely based on `Modern Marriage`, a play written by Alvi. The film deals with the story of two young people who marry each other for convenience but later fall in love. Abrar Alvi`s dialogues and screenplay make for a sparkling comedy. The film`s greatest strength is its use of intelligent repartee, with each dialogue developing the plot and carrying the story forward.

Guru Dutt`s Pyaasa, an all-time classic, was once again based on Abrar Alvi`s story, "Kashmakash." the only difference in the movie and the original story is that in the latter the hero was a painter. Abrar Alvi modified the story and presented the hero as a poet to suit the screenplay.

Guru Dutt credited Abrar Alvi with the direction of Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam. Based on a novel by Bimal Mitra, the film explores the decline of the feudal landed family in Bengal. The film received the President`s Silver Medal and got Abrar Alvi the Filmfare Award for Best Director in 1962.

Although Abrar Alvi a handful of films but the history of Indian cinema will always remember him as one who has contributed the most to bring about a change in the way of filmmaking that is remembered even today.

A filmography of Abrar Alvi includes the following:

Aar Paar	Baharen Phir Bhi Aayengi
Mr. and Mrs. 55	Sangharsh
Pyaasa	Biwi-o-Biwi
Kaagaz Ke Phool	Patthar Dil
Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam	Guddu