The Pakistani television industry has often found itself being scrutinized by all those who wish to see content that is different. While some yearn for the ace writing and direction present in the shows of the past that kept the previous generation thoroughly engaged, others break out in cyber protest, demanding content that can compete with that which we see on an international scale.
Such projects, albeit welcome, come with their own set of risks. They may be greatly chastised by the same audience that demands change, or they may suffer, by not getting the kind of attention they deserve. While this opens up a conversation regarding the relationship between viewers and the narratives with which they engage, the directive today is to talk about one show that is, in many ways, breaking stereotypes and embracing a new direction.
Badshah Begum: A Little About The Project
With Khizer Idrees grasping the directorial reigns, the show has been written by Saji Gul, and produced by Rafay Rashdi and Momina Duraid. The plot is thoroughly political, in the sense that it follows family rivalries where the stakes are incredibly high, with a maddening lust for power dividing siblings.
Set in the fictional Peeraan Pur, the television series is embedded with some of the finest writing, direction, and performances that one can experience this year. The cast includes Zara Noor Abbas, Farhan Saeed, Ali Rehman Khan, Yasir Hussain, Shahzad Nawaz, Komal Meer and Saman Ansari.
Be The Change You Wish To See?
Amidst hue and cry over the need for better content, Badshah Begum rises like a phoenix and takes the challenge head-on. One can tell that the television series has been brilliantly crafted, with a lot of thought being put into the overall production. Creating a universe from scratch – which is captured through breathtaking cinematography – in which the characters fit perfectly, all while also empowering a multi-star cast to give some of their best performances on-screen, is not an easy feat. However, the team of Badshah Begum manages to achieve this, with even the newer faces shining immensely, and holding their own in front of already cemented actors.
Badshah Begum takes a much-needed break from showcasing the arguments in kitchens and bedrooms that Pakistani television tends to churn out regularly. Much-needed relief is provided by the series, which spares us the never-ending melodrama surrounding the disagreements between mothers-in-law and their daughters-in-law. Overtly misogynistic themes and interactions take a welcome back seat, and it is clear that the series was created for a far greater purpose: to prove that Pakistan is at par with global content creation, in every way, shape, and form.
Should You Watch Badshah Begum?
One tires, eventually, of safe projects that do not challenge our minds, or tickle our sense of imagination. For an entire team to have birthed this fantastical world, and to have delivered, with such finesse, is a clear-cut message to all those who dare to dream and take risks: Pakistan is ready to begin embracing change. Watching Badshah Begum is a surreal experience that not only keeps one hooked in anticipation, but also inspires one to take a more creative approach with their own ideation.
The onus is now on audiences, many of whom have shown immense appreciation for the project. Moreover, the onus also falls upon others in the industry to break out of the status quo, and willingly dash towards untapped potential that lies within our reach, just above the horizon.
