Forget the unexpected marriages that dropped on us like bombs at the start of the year, or the uproar over a mysterious ‘bottle’ that took social media by storm, or even the surprising collaboration of Zayn Malik with a young Pakistani band. January itself seems like a never-ending saga with so much unfolding in the early days of the new year, including various faux pas.
However, amidst all this, one thing that undeniably continued to impress us and managed to steer clear of controversies was the influx of newly released content in Pakistani television. Even the dramas that carried over from the previous year appear to possess substance and have genuinely left a positive impression, instilling confidence that there is much to look forward to when it comes to Pakistani dramas this year.
What’s more uplifting is that we see waves of healthy competition taking over the drama industry, as dramas across various channels continue to impress us, resulting in more choices and diversity of content produced.
As January is near its end, let’s dive in and see what trends reigned in our drama industry this month.
New plotlines pave the way for the streamlined content produced
This time around, our pleas were finally heard as dramamakers presented stories that ventured beyond romance and fantasy. The wave of creativity from 2023’s last quarter appears to have transitioned into 2024, bringing forth an influx of diverse content. Various projects have captivated us, leaving a lasting impression.
Breaking News
Green Entertainment’s ‘Breaking News’ emerged as the underdog of the month, generating unexpected hype following its release. Penned by Aamir Raza and directed by Kashif Nisar, the drama delves into the intricacies of the journalism and media house environment. Amar Khan and Hamza Sohail have portrayed their characters with such authenticity and skill that their performances captivate the audience. The absence of a damsel in distress is notable, replaced by characters with strong convictions and occasional surprises and twists that compel viewers to stay tuned.
Standup Girl
How often have we encountered stories centred around female comedians or comedians in general? ‘Standup Girl’, airing on Green Entertainment, is here to shatter these stereotypes and reshape the narrative. Crafted by Awais Ahmad and Adeel Afzal, under the script supervision of none other than Bee Gul, and directed by Kashif Nisar, ‘Standup Girl’ unfolds a romantic love story between a charismatic rap singer and an unapologetically honest counterpart. What sets this drama apart is its exploration of the struggles faced by young artists, presenting an unconventional love story with Zara Noor Abbas and Danyal Zafar taking centre stage.
Khaie
Director Wajahat Hussain weaves a saga of rivalry between two tribal titans, in this compelling GEO Entertainment’s drama ‘Khaie’. The drama’s special treatment in terms of depicting violence and intense scenes with intriguing characters has made it one of the most praised dramas of January by both critics and audiences, alike.
Khushbo Mein Basay Khat
HUM TV’s ‘Khushbo Mein Basay Khat’ written by Amna Mufti and directed by Mohammad Saqib Khan, continues to make a significant impact this month. The drama stands out for its portrayal of complex characters with shades of grey, especially Adnan Siddiqui as Ahmed Zaryab, a poet navigating relationships and seeking admiration. The narrative provides a captivating glimpse into the life of this flirtatious poet with its well-crafted characters and excellent production.
Actors who brought their magic back to the screen
Saba Qamar in ‘Pagal Khana’ and ‘Serial Killer’
Saba Qamar is proving her versatility in two Green Entertainment projects, ‘Pagal Khana’ and ‘Serial Killer.’ In ‘Serial Killer’ she takes on the role of an honest police officer determined to fight corruption and solve a mysterious case. Meanwhile, ‘Pagal Khana’ is set in a mental institute, delving into the lives of those who are mentally disturbed, with Saba portraying a captivating character in this unique setting.
Feroze Khan in ‘Akhara’
Feroze Khan is currently being seen in ‘Khumar’ is now being seen in Green Entertainment’s new drama ‘Akhara’. Both dramas are doing well rating-wise as of now, and Feroze is once again bringing his charm to the screen. In ‘Akhara’ he plays the role of a wrestler, and how his life evolves in a thrill action-packed series, written by Shahid Dogar and directed by Anjum Shahzad.
Classic romance continues to rule our television screens
While we are seeing an influx of new and different plotlines, our drama industry still stays true to its roots and continues to establish its niche in giving us swoon-worthy romantic dramas. ARY Digital’s ‘Jaan e Jahan’ and HUM TV’s ‘Ishq Murshid’ emerge as frontrunners, both weaving romantic tales that delve into the classic trope of love blossoming between a middle-class girl and an affluent young man. While their storylines differ, the common thread lies in crafting a Cinderella love story that whisks the audience away into a realm of fantasy.
‘Ishq Murshid’ follows the enchanting romance between Shahmeer Sikandar and Shibra, offering a modern take on the classic tale, while ‘Jaan e Jahan’ introduces a power play for inheritance and status amidst the challenges faced by the central character, Shehram. Both dramas excel in creating sizzling chemistry between their lead actors, with Bilal Abbas and Durefishan Saleem bringing a cute and feel-good vibe to ‘Ishq Murshid’ while the ‘Pyarey Afzal’ duo, Ayeza Khan and Hamza Ali Abbasi, ignite the screen with their fiery chemistry in ‘Jaan e Jahan’, marking a delightful reunion after a decade.
Some memorable drama conclusions of the month
Jeevan Nagar
Written by Awais Ahmed, directed by Kashif Nisar, and aired on Green Entertainment, ‘Jeevan Nagar’ proved to be a unique venture. Set in the fictional town of Jeevan Nagar, the drama served as a metaphorical social commentary on how corrupt leaders can devastate a society, emphasizing the need for empowerment to bring about change. Infused with humour and a hint of romance, the drama left a lasting impact, with Sohail Ahmed’s exceptional performance in a double role and Rabia Butt further enhancing the audience’s connection with the storyline.
Mannat Murad
In the world of Geo Entertainment, ‘Mannat Murad’, directed by Wajahat Hussain, stirred controversy with its melodrama and saas-bahu saga. Yet, the feisty protagonist, played by Iqra Aziz, added a breath of fresh air. Despite its tumultuous journey, the drama concluded on a happy note, marking the end of its rollercoaster ride.
Grey
Green Entertainment’s ‘Grey’ written by Rida Bilal and directed by Sohail Javed, wrapped up gracefully in sixteen episodes, delving into the complexities of harassment and abuse from various angles. The makers commendably concluded the drama in a concise manner, maintaining curiosity by unfolding real-life incidents. Despite garnering fewer views, it stood out as a promising and substantial story.
Dramas that we would like to bid farewell to in February
Mein
ARY Digital’s ‘Mein’ sparked pre-release buzz with the star-powered combo of Wahaj Ali and Ayeza Khan. Yet, the ongoing tug-of-war between the wives for Zaid’s affection risks thinning the plot. Helmed by Badar Mehmood and penned by Zanjabeel Asim Shah, the drama needs a strategic and satisfying conclusion to keep viewers hooked. The stakes are high, and finding the right balance is key to preventing a decline in audience interest.
Sukoon
With Sana Javed and Ahsan Khan leading the cast, complemented by a talented ensemble, ‘Sukoon’ unfolds a captivating love triangle. The engaging plot and melodic OST by Hassan and Roshaan make it a binge-worthy romantic drama. However, as the anticipation for Aina and Hamdaan’s reunion builds, it becomes evident that ‘Sukoon’ deserves a fitting conclusion to pave the way for a fresh narrative, ensuring a lasting impact on its audience.
