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Views vs News: ‘Breaking News’ Sheds Light On This Debate

By
Zainab Mossadiq
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It seems those days are long gone when we craved original storylines that went far and beyond the run-of-the-mill narratives, revolving around the coming-of-age love story or the age-old saas-bahu saga and domestic politics.

Green Entertainment has initiated the task of bringing to light stories and issues that prevail in our society. The desi touch to these narratives makes the drama relatable for the audiences. The new drama serial around the block ‘Breaking News’ revolves around two emerging and passionate journalists who refuse to surrender to the corrupt system and aim to traverse through the world of journalism with honesty and integrity.

The plot

Written by Aamir Raza and directed by Kashif Nisar, ‘Breaking News’ is a drama revolving around the inner workings in the world of journalism and media houses. Through the lens of Mishal Jamil and Hussain, we get to see the relentless pursuit of truth and ethics amidst the ruthless competition, shedding light on the stark contrast between sensationalized content aimed at garnering views and the fundamental principle of delivering factual news.

The drama follows a one-woman army Mishal Jamil, played by Amar Khan who is an aspiring journalist. Belonging from a middle-class family, Mishal lives separately from her parents to pursue a career as an anchor and news reporter. After repeated attempts and consistent efforts, Mishal ends up landing a job at a News channel. However, following a rift with a politician, Mishal ends up getting fired. Later, Mishal gets another job at a competitive new channel after her video from a previous interview gets leaked. A headstrong Mishal takes on the challenge to prove herself and make her world as a renowned journalist. Little does Mishal know that her dream job is an amalgamation of a corrupt and greedy system.

Hussain — played by Hamza Sohail — is Mishal’s love interest and her constant supporter who aids her in pursuing her dream job. Hussain is an honest media researcher who values integrity above over-sensationalized news.

The cynical side of journalism

In the current age of social media dominance, the relentless pursuit of viral content and increased viewership has fueled aggressive competition for breaking sensational news. This cutthroat environment has led to a concerning decline in the quality of news coverage, a poignant theme explored in the drama series ‘Breaking News’.

This compelling drama meticulously portrays the underbelly of media, depicting instances where influential figures manipulate news to prioritize sensation over accuracy. One such character, Naveed Khan, essayed by Ali Safina, embodies this ethical ambiguity. Naveed Khan, a connected media personality driven by ratings, engages in morally questionable tactics to secure success.

For instance, the series unfolds a scenario where an actress falls under public scrutiny for doing a nude scene in an international show. Naveed Khan breaks the news and hurls criticism at the actress. Subsequently, after a planned agreement, the actress attempts to rebuild her image. The entire orchestrated scene sheds a spotlight on the power of manipulation in shaping public perception. This eye-opening portrayal prompts introspection on the pressures faced by actors, both from traditional media and the relentless scrutiny of social media.

As viewers, it beckons us to question whether a more discerning and empathetic approach from audiences could alleviate the need for actors to resort to extreme measures to manage their public personas. If, as viewers, we take on the social responsibility of commenting on someone’s life in a civilized tone, will the public figures still feel the need to go to such lengths to redeem themselves?

The chances are that while the audience, certainly, does not fuel the race for viewership and TRPs and the morally corrupt actions that follow to achieve this in its entirety, they do have some role to play. The audience directs channels and media houses through their viewership and engagement to the kind of content they want to see. Eventually, to be on the top, content creators are coerced into producing substandard content. Thus, the vicious cycle continues.

Another thing highlighted in the show is the involvement of political parties and political figures in influencing the content shown on television. We see various instances where this is underlined. In one scene we see Naveed Khan’s conversation where he plans to blackmail the environment minister if he does not cooperate with his wife for her PR proposal. We also see under-the-table deals of Naveed Khan with a politician to present him in a good light on television. Such instances reflect society and the events that unfold in reality.

The question arises that without the support of politicians and influential personalities will the shows gain enough TRPs to sustain? Truth be told, a lot of struggling journalists will take on these deals in a heartbeat because they know giving such content to the public will result in more viewership and job security.

The lead character Hussnain is shown to be an upright and honest researcher and focuses on serious journalism rather than sensationalism. This has resulted him in taking a back seat while his colleagues are excelling. This underscores the prevailing dilemma in our society, where genuine talent and hard work are overshadowed by individuals willing to engage in morally ambiguous actions.

On the flip side, Mishal secures a job opportunity after a video of her interviewing a politician gains widespread attention. This incident highlights the recognition her years of hard work and dedication received due to a viral video. It prompts us to ponder the responsibility we bear in selecting content for virality, recognizing its influence on various decisions. Rather than later questioning the disproportionate attention someone receives, we must acknowledge our role in shaping these outcomes. Employers, in turn, must understand the significance of valuing talent. Ultimately, individuals with genuine skill and ability prevail in the marathon of success, as fleeting social media trends dissipate over time — a reality that demands acknowledgement.

What could have been better?

It is vital to acknowledge the attempt of the team and the production house to underline a story on television that is different from the rest. Despite this, we wish the team had culminated a story with added elements of thrill and suspense. When you are venturing into a subject as wide and interesting as the world of journalism, it isn’t an impossible job to weave a story that has drama and suspense. We have seen several examples of international series and movies over the years. Maybe the makers could have turned this into an episodic format, where in each episode there was a different case or new report with a continued evolution of the central characters.

Navigating The Criticism Surrounding Pakistani Celebrities’ Maternity Shoots

By
Warshma Chughtai
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In the age of social media, where every scroll leads to a new revelation, Pakistani celebrities find themselves under the spotlight, especially when it comes to sharing their moments of joy. Recently, the trend of maternity photoshoots has become a hot topic of debate, with stars like Minal Khan, Mariam Ansari, and most recently, Sarwat Gillani, facing the wrath of netizens.

The question that lingers is simple: Why can’t we let these celebrities celebrate their happiness however they choose? It’s become a perplexing trend for our celebrities to be trolled for sharing their special moments. When Minal Khan and Ahsan Mohsin Ikram announced their pregnancy through a beautiful photoshoot, the internet went ablaze with comments ranging from accusations of cultural mimicry to asserting that this wasn’t part of our traditions.

The truth is, who gets to decide what constitutes cultural authenticity? Why does a joyful announcement have to be subjected to the whims of the cultural police on social media? The anger and judgment seem to flow freely as if some unwritten rule dictates how celebrities should express their happiness.

Mariam Ansari faced similar criticism when she shared her maternity shoot pictures post-birth. The audacity of some netizens to impose their views on her personal choices, all under the guise of cultural control, is perplexing. As if Mariam’s celebration of motherhood somehow threatens the very fabric of our society.

And now, the recent case of Sarwat Gillani, whose maternity shoot stirred up a mix of reactions. While some lauded her for embracing and sharing the joyous moments, others deemed it as the popularisation of a so-called “vulgar trend.” The comments ranged from questioning the necessity of such photoshoots to outright condemning what they perceive as against our cultural norms.

However, amidst the judgment, there were voices of reason and support. Fans rallied behind Sarwat, asserting the simple notion – “Uska bacha, uski marzi” (Her baby, her choice). Comedian and rapper Ali Gul Pir joined in, highlighting the essence of the situation: “She seems happy, sad that it irks you.”

This recurring saga reveals a larger issue within our society – the inability to let individuals, especially celebrities, make personal choices without facing the brunt of public opinion. Why can’t we learn to be kinder, especially on platforms where words, once released, can’t be taken back?

The truth is, that these celebrities share their moments with fans to spread joy and make them a part of their happiness. It’s an invitation to celebrate, not a ticket for unsolicited opinions and negativity. The trend of mean comments with every pregnancy post is disheartening. This joyful moment should unite us, not divide us. After all, in a world filled with so much chaos, why not let the beauty of new life and happiness shine a little brighter on our screens?

Fahad Mustafa And Hania Aamir Set To Star In ‘Teri Meri Kahani’

By
Warshma Chughtai
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The much-awaited comeback of superstar Fahad Mustafa to the dramas after a whopping 9 years is set to happen. Known for his unforgettable roles in ‘Yeh Zindagi Hai’, ‘Main Abdul Qadir Hoon,‘ and ‘Kankar,’ Fahad took a detour into films, production, and hosting game shows, ‘Jago Pakistan Jago’ and ‘Jeeto Pakistan’, leaving fans eagerly anticipating his return.

Brace yourselves for his reentry into the drama world with the upcoming ‘Teri Meri Kahani,’ a creation of the talented writer Farhat Ishtiaq, famed for penning blockbuster serials like ‘Humsafar‘ and ‘Udaari.’

Airing on ARY Digital and produced by Big Bang Entertainment, the drama not only marks Fahad’s return but also introduces a fresh on-screen pair — Fahad Mustafa and the dynamic Hania Aamir. While the news has been buzzing for a while, the excitement remains sky-high.

In a recent appearance on The Shoaib Akhtar Show 2.0, Fahad Mustafa spilt the beans on his admiration for Hania, naming her as the one actor with star potential after Mahira Khan. Praising her talent and genuine nature, Fahad couldn’t help but acknowledge Hania’s effortless acting skills.

The playful banter continued when Shoaib Akhtar quizzed Fahad about working with Hania. With a twinkle in his eye, Fahad humorously revealed, “I’ve been telling her for many years to grow up a bit, and then we’ll do it. Now she’s grown up, so we will.” When asked about their collaboration, Fahad slyly hinted, “We are doing something together. I don’t kiss and tell. Once it’s done and out, then you talk about it. But yes, we are about to do something.”

And there you have it — the confirmation we’ve been waiting for! Fahad and Hania are all set to grace our screens in ‘Teri Meri Kahani.’ With Hania’s — last seen in ‘Mujhey Pyaar Hua Tha’ and ‘Siyaah‘, earlier this year — history of creating on-screen magic with her co-stars, the anticipation for this new on-screen couple and Farhat Ishtiaq’s storytelling prowess is off the charts.

Ushna Shah’s Misunderstanding On The Sets Of ‘Chikkar’

By
Ifrah Butt
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Friday saw the release of the Usman Mukhtar and Ushna Shah starrer crime thriller, ‘Chikkar’. Within a day, the movie seemed to impress the audience with its exciting storyline and thrilling execution.

Produced by master storytellers Dareechay Films and directed by Zaheeruddin, Chikkar stars Ushna Shah and Usman Mukhtar in the leads alongside Faryal Mehmood, Nausheen Shah, Saleem Mairaj, Ali Sheikh, Adnan Shah Tipu in pivotal roles.

The misunderstanding

No matter how serious the film is, it seems the cast had a ball shooting for ‘Chikkar’ and how every day was not only full of challenges but extreme fun as well.

In a recent video interview, Ushna Shah is seen talking to the host about how she had a huge misunderstanding on the sets of ‘Chikkar’ and how it resulted in her being at the receiving end of jokes throughout the shoot. According to Ushna, when Ushna and Usman were shooting for ‘Chikkar’, initially, Usman did not socialize with Ushna or spent any time hanging around. “I used to think of Usman as a huge snob who wouldn’t hang around the sets or even talk to me after the scenes,” said the ‘Balaa‘ actress who was miffed at Usman’s behaviour.

To rectify the situation, Ushna ended up calling Kubra Khan, who happened to be Usman’s close friend. ” I called up Kubra and told her how her friend was rude and snobbish to which Kubra replied he was nothing but an introvert.”

The change occurred when Kubra told Usman about Ushna’s reflection and Usman started easing around Ushna. The actress then recalls how Usman and their director ended up pulling her leg throughout the shooting.

What Usman has to say about Ushna

While exclusively talking to Galaxy Lollywood earlier, Usman praised Ushna Shah, saying, “I think Ushna is such an underrated actor. She’s such a brilliant actor, and she has done so wonderfully in this film. When the audience watches this film, they’ll understand how amazing she is.”

Reviews for Chikkar

‘Chikkar’, has been receiving mixed reviews from the audience ever since its release. The film had its premiere on Wednesday and is being praised for its gripping storyline and intelligent dealing with tabooed sensitive issues prevailing in society.

‘Chikkar’ being a play on the Punjabi translation of the word mud, revolves around how the oppressor and the oppressed function within the same society and how voices raised are silenced with force. Drudging through the mud for everyone, weak, powerful and beyond is what the gist of Chikkar is all about.

Jaan-E-Jahan Episode One Weaves A Story About Power Struggles And Sibling Rivalries

By
Kasim Bilal
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‘Jaan-e-Jahan’, the hotly anticipated romance drama just aired its first episode last night on ARY Digital. The show sees not only the return of Hamza Ali Abbasi to the small screen but also his first collaboration with Ayeza Khan since Pyarey Afzal years ago.

So, naturally, we were just as hyped about it as any audience member. Qasim Ali Mureed directs here, who is hot off of ‘Tich Button’ last year. The script is penned by Rida Bilal who is best known for her writing in ‘Khudgarz‘.

The show, which was marketed as a romance drama above all else, took us by surprise as the narrative unfolded in this first episode. As it turns out, the show is a modern retelling of classic succession stories with kings and queens. Let’s discuss.

The Plot

So, let me explain. The story, when broken down to its core, is of a royal family and a struggle for power amongst siblings. We have the benevolent king in Asif Raza Mir’s Mir Shah Murad who runs a textile business. Abbasi’s Shehram is our righteous elder prince. Savera Nadeem’s Kishwar plays the evil stepmother and the second queen who wants her own sons to ascend the throne.

Like the hit HBO show ‘Succession‘, ‘Jaan-e-Jahan’ also takes the archetypes of those classic stories and successfully weaves a modern retelling of it. There are even shades of a gender-bent Cinderella here with the evil stepmother and the stepsisters, brothers in this case.

Shehram is a kind and sensitive man who lost his mother when he was a kid. Abbasi turns up the earnest charm up to an eleven while playing the role. His scenes with his onscreen father Asif Raza Mir are heartwarming to watch and they already make you worry about all the troubles that will befall them.

Savera Nadeem plays the matriarch Kishwar, Mir Shah Murad’s second wife after Shehram’s mother passed away. Kishwar has two unruly sons, played by Haris Waheed and Raza Talish. Kishwar, who secretly despises her stepson Shehram, is vying to get her sons on his level of importance in the family business.

Her sons, however, only seem to be interested in being spoiled brats. This is the central conflict of this first episode which sets up every character dynamic for further episodes. Rida Bilal could write a spoiled brat son in her sleep after her impeccable writing in Khudgarz and that’s exactly what she does.

The two stepbrothers are only focused on burning their father’s cash and harassing women on the street. Whereas Shehram is constantly trying to diffuse every argument between the two parties. Savera Nadeem is mostly a silent observer so far, keeping her hatred for Shehram at bay at least for this first episode.

Where’s Ayeza in all this?

Well, she and her side of the story are relegated to being more of a subplot in this pilot episode. Ayeza plays the role of Mahnoor who is from a humble background and soon to be married.

The conflict in her story is a most cliché one, with her future in-laws causing financial problems for the family every step of the way before the wedding. It is nice seeing Ayeza playing a character who, albeit simple and humble, doesn’t shy away from speaking her mind when she sees something wrong going on.

This habit of hers is bound to cause more problems in the future for her. Her link to Shehram is her father being an employee at one of their factories. However, a direct connection has yet to be established between the two.

Mir Shah Murad, after having an episode, finalizes his will which is also bound to cause a major conflict in the coming episodes.

The performances are incredible across the board with Hamza Ali Abbasi, Ayeza Khan, Asif Raza Mir and Savera Nadeem being the main standouts. Ayeza’s role may be cliched but she’s an incredible actress who proves her worth and keeps it fresh and interesting.

Hamza also goes back to ‘Pyarey Afzal’ basics and plays Shehram with an earnest. It is also great seeing Asif Raza Mir return to dramas and do so with a role like this where he gets to show both his soft and assertive side. Savera Nadeem is a veteran, and she gives a nuanced performance here since a lot of her character’s motivations are bubbling near the surface.

Haris Waheed and Raza Talish’s performances feel more one-note and they seem to be doing the same thing in each scene, but hopefully, their characters will be fleshed out further in the coming weeks.

Overly Dramatic Moments

One critique to be had of the show is its hyperbolic approach to some of the scenes. Establishing Haris Waheed’s character Tabraiz as an antagonist is understandable but the constant Star Plus-esque shots were not necessary. They just took you out of the moment and were overdone.

It was also a little drastic seeing Raza Mir’s character get a heart attack or something of that sort over the smallest argument. The set-up for that conflict and the culmination could’ve been better executed as it all just seemed so drastic.

So, the pilot episode of ‘Jaan-e-Jahan’ is quite a strong one. All the character dynamics are perfectly established here, and you can already sense the seeds being planted here for further episodes. We cannot wait to see how this story progresses in the coming weeks. Stay tuned to Galaxy Lollywood for more ‘Jaan-e-Jahan’ reviews and coverage. 

Standup Girl: A Promising Journey Of Passion, Pain, And Discovery

By
Zainab Mossadiq
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Green Entertainment’s new project, ‘Standup Girl,‘ presents the tale of a young woman on a quest to discover her inner identity and pursue an unconventional career by societal standards, taking the audience on a rollercoaster of emotions.

Written by Awais Ahmad and Adeel Afzal, under the script supervision of none other than Bee Gul and a directorial venture of Kashif Nisar, ‘Standup Girl’ is a romantic dramedy that marks many firsts. The drama will follow Zara Noor Abbas Siddiqui’s character Zara who dreams of becoming a stand-up comedian and a charismatic rap singer, played by Danyal Zafar.

Diving into the first episode:

Spoilers Ahead!

Kashif Nisar’s brilliance in direction lies in his ability to craft a unique world for each project he undertakes, where his characters reside. This delicately stitched-together universe instantly transports the audience into the lives of the characters, and ‘Standup Girl‘ is no exception.

The drama opens with the female protagonist Zara’s monologue as she talks to the camera. There are various instants in the drama in which we see her doing this piece-to-camera (PTC) technique, which hooks our interest. A bold and confident Zara takes on the stage for an annual day performance at her university, where she presents a set, she has prepared for her standup comedy. The brutally honest and comic set leads to Zara’s expulsion as she underlines the flaws in the education system and her university in front of the chief guest.

We also see a glimpse of Danyal Zafar’s character, standing in the corner of the auditorium, thoroughly enjoying Zara’s performance. It is later in the drama that we are introduced to his character.

The character Zara embodies is unapologetic and bold, with her sole vulnerability perhaps being her relationship with her mother. The narrative unfolds, portraying Zara as an only child caring for her mother, especially after the loss of her father. Zara’s attentive demeanour towards her mother, who battles cancer, shines through as she strives to provide the best care. Asma Abbas — who is Zara Noor Abbas’ mother in real life as well — takes on the role of Zara’s mother on-screen. Their chemistry is undoubtedly magical, a testament to their real-life bond. The tender moments, like Zara gently kissing her mother’s forehead and their delightful exchanges, beautifully captured the essence of their heartfelt connection. The authenticity and comfort they share is reflected vividly on the screen, instantly captivating and touching the audience’s hearts.

The drama does not, however, continue on a cheerful note as it progresses. We see Zara constantly lying to her mother about her standup comedy performances until her lies catch up and her mother is distressed over the entire situation.

Nerving revelations

What we liked about ‘Standup Girl’ was that instead of having a static momentum the drama kept us hooked till the last second. The first episode not only established the central characters but built well on the conflict around which the entire drama is going to be centred around.

In the later half of the episode, Zara’s mother confesses to lying to Zara about the origin of her family. Zara discovers, on her mother’s deathbed, that she in fact has a family. We are introduced to Zara’s maternal grandfather and uncle, who takes her home after Zara’s mother’s death.

An element worth appreciating is that Kashif Nisar executed the scene of Zara’s mother’s death with brilliance and sensitivity. It was indeed a pivotal scene in the drama which was executed to perfection. There was no bawling or unnecessary screaming and yet as the audience we could perceive the pain and turmoil of Zara.

The pursuit of showing the lives of artists

What spiked our curiosity to watch ‘Standup Girl’ was of course the novel storyline. The drama ventures into an entirely new territory which has not been explored in the context of Pakistani television dramas or films. Essentially the story is about two creative artists and the challenges they face in pursuing their passions.

While the character of Zara, as established before, is a standup comedian. Her brutal remarks leave her in trouble often, so much so, that we see her getting disinvited from her best friend’s wedding. What remains to see is that following her mother’s death how does she channel her inner pain to pursue her talent and will her newly discovered family support her in following her dreams?

As for Danyal Zafar’s character, who is a rapper and is shown striving to make a name for himself, Danyal essays the character’s frustration aptly well as we see him feeling dejected for going through a creative block and not being able to compose good songs. In a few minutes, the audience can gauge the pain of the character as he sits in a cafe, questioning his decision to make art. Although a character’s background remains a mystery to the audience, we are left intrigued.

What to look forward to?

‘Standup Girl’ promises to give an unforgettable tale that will make you laugh and cry as the story progresses. We are already excited to see Danyal Zafar and Zara Noor Abbas in one frame, who have paired for the first time in this project.

The entire cast also guarantees to do justice to their roles. Zara Noor Abbas has convinced us with her performance in this drama as she delivers a very natural performance. Even throughout the episode, we could see the range of her performance from the confident girl on the stage to a crushed human mourning the loss of her mother.

What we hoped was that the sets were written better. Since the character’s comic timing is a central theme of the drama, it suits best if her dialogues and her performance are a reflection of the praise she garners as an artist. This makes the entire plot more realistic and engaging to watch.

All in all, ‘Standup Girl’ is truly a unique offering and we hope that the drama continues to impress as the story progresses.

22 Qadam: Emotional Rollercoaster With Powerful Performances And Real-World Narratives

By
Zainab Mossadiq
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To put it simply, ‘22 Qadam‘’s recent episodes have left us in awe. To traverse through painful and devastating scenes with so much sensitivity that the viewer can feel the impact from their television screens is no easy job, yet the team of Green Entertainment’s ‘22 Qadam‘ has excelled in doing so.

The recent episodes were filled with heartbreaking things, to say the least. Our main protagonist, Fari — played by Hareem Farooq — is in a state of turmoil as she blames herself for her sister’s wedding fiasco and for putting Junaid — played by Wahaj Ali — in danger.

The latest episode of the drama highlights the characters’ turmoil, particularly emphasizing their passion for cricket. Delving into the lives of individuals fervently pursuing this passion, the narrative unveils the hidden realities and challenges they confront behind closed doors. It portrays the adversities and sacrifices endured by those striving to follow their dreams. For instance, Amber, Fari’s sister, grapples with an abusive marriage in Germany, while Junaid battles mental distress following his accident.

Junaid and Fari’s stirring interaction

The scene in episode twenty-seven, where Fari reaches Junaid’s house and finds himself trying to kill himself, with a knife in his hands, was executed exceptionally well. The moment truly shattered us into fragments. Fari’s heart-rending act of consoling Junaid while seated beside him on the floor depicted her misery and guilt and Hareem’s body language spoke volumes about the anguish and the overpowering sense of helplessness felt by the character she is playing.

Simultaneously, Wahaj’s portrayal of Junaid was done so well that we could feel how he was in a state of agony, both physically and mentally. Wahaj once again left us completely impressed as he voiced his heartbreak. And of course, it goes without saying, his heartfelt confession to Fari, declaring his enduring love despite their hardships, stood as one of the most well-executed, substantial scenes that we have seen on television over a long period of time.

The scene’s beauty lay in its raw, unfiltered emotional depth. Both Wahaj Ali and Hareem Farooq delivered performances of immense intensity, completely immersing themselves in the scene. It portrayed the harsh reality that life doesn’t always adhere to our plans and revealed the depth of human vulnerability. Looking forward, we anticipate both the characters’ journey of overcoming these struggles.

Amber’s journey of getting out of a toxic marriage:

Often, we see female characters on television being in abusive marriages. This concept has been reiterated repeatedly and it has desensitized the audience to some extent. However, the execution of Fari’s abusive marriage was, in our opinion, executed well in ‘22 Qadam‘. They portrayed the agony she was in one phone call, where we saw bruises on her face. What’s commendable is that the makers did not stretch this plot and while highlighting a social issue they have instantly offered a way out, as we see that Amber will return back to Pakistan. Seeing female characters taking the initiative and standing up for themselves is a great precedent to set.

‘22 Qadam‘ manages to strike a balance between entertainment and showing the viewers a real depiction of the challenges, one faces in life and the conviction needed to overcome those obstacles. All in all, the theme on which the drama rests as well as the cast has left us impressed.

HUM TV’s Ramadan Feast: A Delightful Lineup For The Season

By
Warshma Chughtai
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As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, avid TV enthusiasts are gearing up for the much-anticipated annual tradition – HUM TV‘s Ramadan shows. These shows have etched themselves into the hearts of viewers, becoming the undisputed favourites of the year. With engaging narratives and stellar performances, these dramas have a magical way of filling our lives with joy. As we reminisce about the charm of past hits like ‘Suno Chanda’, ‘Tanaa Banaa’, and ‘Chupke Chupke‘, the excitement for what’s to come in the upcoming year is palpable.

Very Filmi

First on our radar is the intriguingly titled ‘Very Filmi‘, a drama penned by the versatile actor-writer Muhammad Ahmed, who last wrote ‘Kuch Ankahi‘. Directed by ‘Fairy Tale”s Ali Hassan, this show boasts a cast that has fans buzzing with excitement. Ameer Gilani, stepping out of his beloved on-screen pairing with Mawra Hocane, will be seen opposite the talented Dananeer Mobeen, last seen in ‘Muhabbat Gumshuda Meri’.

The ‘Chupke Chupke‘ duo Mira Sethi and Ali Safina will also be seen in this drama. The ensemble is completed by the hilarious content creator Ukhano, who shared his excitement about this project on a recent vlog on his YouTube channel.

With the drama currently in the shooting process, anticipation is building for this star-studded affair that promises to be, well, very filmi!

Dil Pey Dastak

Next up is ‘Dil Pey Dastak‘, a promising Ramadan release written by ‘Mareez e Muhabbat’, Hassan Imam, and directed by Ali Masud of ‘Tere Bin Mai Nahi’. The cast is equally exciting, featuring the content creator-turned-actor Khaqan Shahnawaz, who’s currently on a roll. Starting from ‘Barwaan Khiladi‘ and then making his television debut in ‘Bepanah’, after which he was seen in four back-to-back dramas this year. Paired opposite him is the new sensation in town, Aena Khan, who left a mark in ‘Fairy Tale 2’. Adding a dash of humour to the mix is the Instagram-famous content creator Taimoor Akbar, who made his television debut in ‘Kalaa Dooriya’.

Fans of Khaqan and Taimoor’s hilarious social media skits are in for a treat, as their camaraderie is set to shine on the small screen. With the potential for laughter and entertainment from these stars, we can’t help but hope for a comical story.

As we eagerly await the arrival of these dramas in the upcoming Ramadan season, there’s a buzz of excitement in the air. Will “Very Filmi” live up to its name, and will “Dil Pay Dastak” knock on the doors of our hearts? Only time will tell.

Saba Qamar Coming To Green TV With Two Contrasting Avatars

By
Kasim Bilal
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Green Entertainment took the world by storm from the moment it launched earlier this year. It hit the ground running and in just a few months, has already produced critically acclaimed and beloved projects such as ‘Kabuli Pulao‘, ‘Jindo‘, ‘Daurr’ and many more.

The channel has already cultivated a name for itself with its unconventional and fresh storytelling. Anthologies, thrillers, comedies and much more; they have something for everyone to watch.

Now they are collaborating with star Saba Qamar for two exciting new shows. This will not be the duo’s first collaboration, however, with ‘Tumharey Husn Kay Naam‘ just airing its last episode earlier this week. The two shows, ‘Pagal Khana’ and ‘Serial Killer‘, just had their teasers released and we could not be more excited.

Both see Saba Qamar in two drastically different avatars. Let’s discuss.

Pagal Khana

The first teaser for Pagal Khana was released last month and has already built intrigue. It opens with the ‘Kamli’ star chained in her room. The teaser also features Sami Khan, who we have seen with Saba in numerous projects in the past. In the teaser, Saba’s character seems to be madly in love with Sami’s character, though a subtle twist hints at a more complex narrative unfolding.

The show teases a tale of Ishq e Haqeeqi; about a love that can consume your mind, body and soul. Hence the title, ‘Pagal Khana‘. The show is written and directed by Iqbal Hussain, best known for ‘Qissa Meherbano Ka‘.

The show will feature an ensemble cast including Adnan Shah Tipu, Mashal Khan, Momal Sheikh and Syed Jibran to name a few.

Serial Killer

Saba Qamar just released the first teaser for ‘Serial Killer’ in an Instagram post. We see Qamar in an entirely new avatar here as SP Sarah, a police officer searching for a serial killer. Saba first teased this look over two years ago in an Instagram post where she praised the highly acclaimed ‘Maat’ writer Umera Ahmed for penning the script for ‘Serial Killer’.

The upcoming thriller has already piqued our interest. It harkens back to all the classic foreign detective shows while also feeling like the incredible true crime miniseries we see nowadays. While the show is penned by Umera Ahmed, Fahd Nur will be directing it.

Both these shows promise us fresh new stories, particularly ‘Serial Killer’ which promises to be a true thrilling mystery. Neither show has a release date yet, but we could not be more hyped for them. Saba Qamar always chooses her projects wisely and audiences trust her to provide them with great stories and performances and these two don’t seem any different.

Which show are you excited for more? Share in the comments down below and stay tuned to Galaxy Lollywood for more coverage regarding these shows.

Debating Mannat Murad’s Slap Scene: Should Viewers Cherish Violence On Screen?

By
Kehkashan Bukhari
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In the recent promo of Geo TV’s ‘Mannat Murad’, a dramatic scene unfolded, leaving the audience grappling with conflicting emotions. Murad – played by Talha Chahour, confronts his wife Mannat – played by Iqra Aziz, demanding an apology to his mother. When Mannat refuses, Muraad resorts to slapping her in front of the family. However, the narrative takes an unexpected turn as Mannat retaliates by slapping him back. This intense scene prompts reflection on its purpose: does it serve to depict a husband’s dominance through public humiliation, or is it a deliberate effort to challenge the traditional portrayal of a vulnerable heroine?


The very scene in ‘Mannat Murad‘ has ignited a broader discussion about the portrayal of relationships on television and the messages it sends to the audience. As viewers grapple with their reactions, it prompts reflection on societal norms, gender dynamics, and the responsibility of media in shaping perceptions.

The shock factor is compounded by the fact that some social media users seem to relish this moment. One netizen expressed an eerie sense of tranquillity, stating in a post, “Ajeeb Sa Sukoon Mila Ye Dekh ke” as if they were eagerly awaiting such a turn of events. On the other hand, there were those who applauded Mannat for her bold move, asserting, “Dude asked for it, and she served him right!“

However, not everyone was on board with this narrative. Some criticized the scene, deeming the slapping part unnecessary, while others raised concerns about Muraad’s masculinity. Another user boldly stated, “Asy lerko ko shadi nh krni chahye jo apni biwi ki apny gerh mein izzat na kerwa sakyein” (Men who can’t uphold their wife’s respect shouldn’t get married).

Beyond the Screen: The Debatable Realism of Slap Scenes in Pakistani Dramas

From ‘Mere Paas Tum Ho‘ to ‘Laapata‘ and ‘Tere Bin‘, the portrayal of slap scenes in Pakistani dramas has always sparked heated debates. While some argue that it can be justified depending on the situation, the underlying truth is that violence is never acceptable. Unfortunately, such examples exist in our society, where both men and women experience these crises.

The critical point to understand is that, regardless of the circumstances, violence should never be normalized or deemed acceptable. If our drama screens continue to showcase these scenes as mere ‘entertainment,’ we risk normalizing real-life crimes and perpetuating harmful stereotypes. As viewers, it’s essential to question the impact of these portrayals on our society and advocate for responsible storytelling that doesn’t trivialize or sensationalize sensitive issues.

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