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Our Picks: 7 Best Pakistani Horror Dramas

By
Zainab Mossadiq
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Are you a horror drama fanatic? Look no further because we have a list of six Pakistani dramas that delve into the genres of horror and the supernatural. If you’re one of those who believe desi dramas offer nothing in this genre and find yourself scrolling through Netflix to satisfy your craving for an eerie and spooky show, we are here to prove you wrong.

Scroll down to discover our list of 7 Pakistani horror dramas that you can binge-watch, based on what we’ve enjoyed watching in recent years.

Siyaah Series

Green Entertainment’s recently aired drama comprises many disconnected and individual episodes that have their own cast and plot. Exploring the genre of horror, the drama promises its viewers spine-chilling tales, supernatural encounters, psychological thrills, suspenseful moments, urban legends, and even horror comedy.

Siyaah series is written by Syed Ameer Hussain Shah and directed by Sabeeh Ahmed and Zeeshan Ilyas. Boosting a long list of talented actors, Siyaah series stars Affan Waheed, Faysal Qureshi, Sami Khan, Hania Aamir, Ali Ansari, Asad Siddiqui, Dur-e-Fishan, Osman Khalid Butt, Hareem Farooq, Naveen Waqar, Hira Mani, Usama Khan, Alyy Khan, Arsalan Naseer, Shahveer Jafry, Maryam Noor, Noor Zafar Khan, Mariyam Nafees and Babar Ali and a strong supporting cast for each episode.

The new format adopted by the show is not only engaging but is also setting a precedent for other shows. The series is not only a treat for fans who crave to see desi horror but also for those who prefer to watch short stories.

Neeli Zinda Hai

ARY Digital’s supernatural horror drama, directed by Qasim Ali Mureed and written by Adeel Razzaq, Neeli Zinda Hai features Urwa Hocane, Mohib Mirza, and Sonia Mishal in lead roles.

The tale follows Aman and Sumbul, a married couple striving to rekindle their lost love. Sumbul faces immense challenges—coping with a stillborn birth, navigating a hollow marriage, and enduring the malevolent acts of her troubled mother-in-law who resorts to black magic. Their daughter, Minaal, who is mute, adds to the family’s struggles. When they move to a new home, eerie occurrences start haunting them, witnessed even by their hired maid. Despite Sumbul’s plea for support, Aman dismisses the idea of supernatural forces, leaving her to grapple with the unsettling events alone. As the family attempts to reconcile, they inadvertently drift apart due to the mysterious Neeli and her puzzling actions.

Urwa Hocane as Neeli left a startling impression as she ventured into the horror realm, making the drama a worthwhile watch.

Bandish Season 1

A co-production of Fahad Mustafa and Dr Ali Kazmi under Big Bang Entertainment and directed by Aabis Raza, Bandish is a spine-chilling Pakistani horror series that unfolds a tale of vengeance and supernatural forces. The series spans over two seasons.

The first season features Marina Khan, Sajid Hassan, Hira Mani, Zubab Rana, and Zainab Ahmed as leads whilst Farah Shah plays the main antagonist. It tells the story of a woman named Sumbul, who after being bullied in university and being rejected and made fun of by her crush Junaid, many years later, turns to black magic and sorcery to cast evil spells on Junaid and his family, which consists of a wife and three daughters.

Written by Syed Nabeel and Shahid Nizami, the first season was well received by the audience as an attempt to create a horror drama that had a lot of potential. However, the second season wasn’t able to create the same hype or scare as the first one.

Bela Pur Ki Dayan

Bela Pur Ki Dayan is a horror, murder mystery, as said by the director Saif-e-Hassan. Starring Sara Khan, Amar Khan, Adnan Siddiqui, Osama Tahir, Rayyan , Shakeel Yousuf, Sajda Syed, and Irfan Khoosat, Bela Pur Ki Dayan will take you on a journey of a family who is influenced by supernatural forces. It is a story of vengeance, revenge, and past grievances.

Directed By Saif E Hassan and written By Enam Hassan, the narrative follows Aziz (Shakeel), who recently triumphed in a three-decade legal battle for his ancestral home against his stepbrother. However, upon settling into the house, his family is besieged by eerie occurrences attributed to the spirit of his stepsister, Nilofar (played by Amar Khan). Seeking retribution for a past grievance, Nilofar haunts and disrupts the lives of Aziz’s family within their own home. She particularly targets Natasha, also known as Tasha (portrayed by Sarah Khan), Aziz’s daughter, manipulating and tormenting her by possessing her body. Meanwhile, Aziz’s son Rameez (Osama Tahir), his wife Aliya (Rayyan Ibrahim), and their children Wajdan (Nitesh Narayan) and Mannat (Shifa) grapple with the malevolent spirits, primarily Nilofar’s. Determined to quell Nilofar’s wrath, Aziz seeks the help of her former lover, Shakir (played by Adnan Siddiqui), in an effort to aid Tasha’s recovery.

The drama will keep you hooked with its integration of suspense and horror.

Chalawa

The drama serial Chalawa aired on HUM TV under MD Productions and NJ Films. The drama stars Noor Zafar, Ali Ansari, and Naveen Waqar in the lead.

The story of Chalawa goes as follows. It unravels the haunting tale of Sawera, a young girl inherently possessed by a Chalawa — a deceptive and illusion-casting supernatural entity — from the moment of her birth. Sawera’s father, Aamir, passed away before her arrival, leaving a shroud of mystery surrounding her existence. Unbeknownst to her, Professor Hamdani, seemingly a saviour to her mother Mahnoor during her childhood, harbours a dark secret. Despite appearing as a rescuer by helping rid Sawera of a Chalawa named Sarnash, it becomes evident that Hamdani was the orchestrator of the betrayal that entangled their lives. As secrets unfold and the mystical forces take hold, Sawera’s story becomes an enigmatic dance between reality and the supernatural, captivating audiences in a web of intrigue and deception.

Laal Mai

An Aaj Entertainment drama, featuring Taqi Ahmed, Shamil Khan, Hira Soomro, and Sana Fakhar, Laal Mai is a captivating tale of revenge and horror. The drama has been shot in the Balakot region of Northern Pakistan. The story revolves around an unborn child (child of the devil) who comes back into the lives of Nauman, Seema and Mannat to take revenge for a mistake which was never committed.

It is the journey of a devil, that is committed to bringing anarchy and chaos, from the mountains to the city, to disrupt the lives of those he has set an eye on.

Dil Nawaz

Starring Wahaj Ali and Minal Khan as Fawad and Kiran, respectively, Dil Nawaz is a story about a supernatural spirit who is controlled by Hazrat Bibi (Zainab Qayyum). The drama opens with a couple moving into a new house with their daughter and the story progresses as they witness paranormal activities in their house. The drama also stars Neelum Munir as Dil Nawaz.

Written by Syed Nabeel and Abdul Rafay Chandio and directed by Najaf Billgrami, Dil Nawaz is bound to keep you hooked as the story progresses with a romantic tale of Fawad and Kiran parallel to the supernatural activities intertwined in the story.

This concludes our list. Which of these seven dramas will be on your watchlist?

Nida Yasir Defends Morning Shows: “We Do This For The Public, Not Celebrities”

By
Warshma Chughtai
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TV show host, Nida Yasir recently made an appearance on Shaista Lodhi’s podcast, where she didn’t just spill the tea; she threw the whole kettle at celebrities who’ve been dissing morning shows. Nida Yasir, known for her stint on the morning show circuit, tackled the shade thrown by celebrities who have criticised morning shows in recent years for using people’s emotions and tragedies or promoting what some perceive as mindless content for ratings. 

While talking about the complaints Nida revealed, “My husband is a director so I hear stories from drama sets where actors frequently sit together and disparage morning shows”

She said, “I have resigned a couple of times before and the same people who criticised my morning show called the management to keep me as the host.”

Morning Shows: Not a Celeb Haven

Nida Yasir unequivocally declared that morning shows aren’t tailored for celebrities but for the wider public. “We don’t do morning shows for celebrities. We do this for the public,” she declared, leaving no room for misinterpretation. 

Calling out the dual standards at play, Nida highlighted the paradox of celebrities seeking morning show platforms to promote their brands when it suits them.”When the same celebrities want their brands promoted, they call us and ask us to invite them to our shows,” she spilt. Nida Yasir emphasised her loyalty. “I do shows for my audience. No matter what anyone says, I’m genuine towards my audience,” she asserted. 

She further added, “If they want a wedding week, I’ll give them that. If they want to see makeup [segments]. I’ll show them that because my channel has hired me for the audience. So I am not going to think that ‘Nida doesn’t like makeup’ or ‘Nida doesn’t like wedding week.’”

Previous criticism

Recently, Nida voiced her issue against Waqar Zaka saying, “Waqar Zaka is not a good friend of mine. He tried to have me removed from my position as the morning show host. He actively campaigned against me.”

The Bitcoin King of Pakistan responded saying that the entire incident took place back in 2020 when Nida Yasir called the family of a young girl — who was raped and murdered — on her morning show. This created an uproar on social media, with people accusing Nida of exploiting emotions and taking advantage of a sensitive situation for mere ratings.

He shared clips of a vlog recorded by an activist to uncover discrepancies in Nida Yasir’s narrative regarding a morning show incident. Waqar Zaka also added that Nida Yasir “isn’t Oprah” and she should realize that it’s time to leave her spot now and train someone to take her position.

“Nida Yasir should do a POGO or a cartoon show in another time slot rather than taking a very important time slot in which families are watching you.”

But this isn’t it, there have been several others who have objected to such show gimmicks. However, as the morning show landscape faces scrutiny, Nida’s loyalty to her audience remains unwavering.

Faysal Quraishi And Durefishan Saleem’s Upcoming Drama Khaie’s Teaser Sparks Cinematic Splendor

By
Kehkashan Bukhari
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Geo just unveiled the first look of its upcoming drama serial Khaie, and the teaser has left us a bit puzzled – it’s so cinematic, that it almost feels like a movie. The opening shot, a bird’s eye view of running horses, hints at director Syed Wajahat Hussain’s signature style, reminiscent of the craft we’ve seen in Khuda or Muhabbat season 3. If you recall the first promo with shots of the shrine in Multan, you’ll recognize the unique touch. 7th Sky Entertainment is branding Khaie as the grand one, and knowing their track record, we’re inclined to believe the hype.

Mr versatile, Faysal Quraishi, is making a comeback after Farq, and this time he’s teaming up with Durefishan Saleem. But wait, that’s not all – he’s not just on Geo. You can catch him in Zulm on Hum TV and Shikaar on Green Entertainment, all at the same time. And as if that’s not enough drama goodness, Durefishan is rocking the screen with Ishq Murshid on Hum TV, after killing it in Jaise Apki Marzi and Jurm. These two are basically owning the TV scene this year.

The Action-Packed First Look of Khaie

The teaser has us on the edge with its jaw-dropping action, featuring rifles, blood, and intense scenes that suggest a thrilling storyline. The breathtaking locations hint at the northern areas of Pakistan, possibly indicating a tale rooted in tribal issues. As for the cast, Faisal Quraishi appears to be taking on a negative role, aligning with his recent portrayals in Zulm and Shikaar as an intense character. Glimpses of Durefishan with guns and dynamic actions, including a dance scene, suggest intriguing character shifts.

The teaser kicks off with Faisal’s intriguing dialogue, Khel Main Jub tak Suspense Na Ho Wo Khel Khel Nahi, teasing a suspenseful game about to unfold. Faisal Qureshi’s command over dialogues, especially delivered in a pashto accent, shines through in the teaser. The concluding line, Wo Kiya Kehte Hain Angrezi Main … Hum Tumhara King Hai Or Tum Hamari Queen, adds an extra layer of intrigue, leaving us eagerly anticipating the drama’s unveiling.

Faysal’s Gangster Swagger and Dure’s Grace Collide in Khaie

Faysal Quraishi truly captivates in his Pathan persona, exuding an authentic gangster vibe with his commanding body language and the striking presence of a gun. However, the disconnect arises with his haircut, which could be better aligned with the tribal or Sardar aesthetics to enhance the overall authenticity. On the other hand, Durefishan maintains her usual grace, with a stunning and soothing dance sequence that showcases her elegance. Her confident demeanour, especially when securing her dupatta in one of the glimpses, contrasts sharply with the vulnerability revealed in the wedding scene. As the teaser hints at an impending marriage between the two characters, the anticipation builds, leaving us with crossed fingers and eager hearts for the unfolding journey ahead.

The Buzz Around Khaie: A Pashto Title Unraveled

YouTube viewers seem thoroughly impressed with the teaser, lauding its cinematic values, action sequences, and stellar cast. The story, crafted by Saqlain Abbas, features an ensemble cast including Hadiqa Kiani, Noor Ul Hassan, Khalid Butt, Laila Wasti, Osama Tahir, Uzma Hassan, Saba Faysal, Hina Bayat, Javed Jamal, and more.


Curiosity is buzzing among viewers, especially regarding the title’s meaning. Khaie, a Pashto word, is cleverly used to inquire about someone’s well-being, akin to asking, Thek Ho? in Urdu. The intrigue around the title adds an extra layer of anticipation for the drama. Let’s see where this one takes us.

Wahaj Ali’s Television Reign: What To Expect In 2024?

By
Armaan Shehreyaar
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If there is one actor who made it to almost every living room discussion and dinner table convo through his charm, craft, and superhit projects, undoubtedly that’s Wahaj Ali. It feels unreal if we look back at his minimal yet significant role in Hum TV’s Ehd e Wafa which had us yearning for more of Shariq in each episode. However, times have changed, and it would be an understatement to say that Wahaj Ali has ruled television screens and viewers’ hearts this year.

But as we already know the answer, let us dive into the exciting anticipation of whether he will own 2024 too or not.

Wahaj Ali’s Television Career So Far

Wahaj Ali started acting on television with small roles in dramas like Ishq Ibadat and Mera Dard Na Janay Koi and soon became popular with lead roles in Urdu 1’s Ahsaas and Geo TV’s Hari Hari Churiyan. He performed the remarkable role of Rumi in Haseeb Hassan’s period play Jo Bichar Gaye based on Partition of Pakistan but his career-defining project is considered to be the 2022 drama Tere Bin in which he portrayed the role of a landlord, Murtasim Khan.

2024 – Is The Year Already Named After Wahaj Ali’s

In the coming year, there are high expectations that fresh narratives and dramas with impactful storytelling will be rolled out by new and old networks. However, three big projects of Wahaj Ali are in the pipeline, which have us anticipating sparks on television and the web.

First thing first, Wahaj’s globally acclaimed drama serial Tere Bin is all set to launch with a sequel in 2024. The project has the same team, with a few additions of a potential negative lead.

Sajal Aly starrer Zee 5’s web series The Pink Shirt is another worthy show viewers have been waiting for ever since it was announced. Apart from Wahaj’s charming look from the BTS clicks, fans are eager to explore the chemistry with Sajal Aly in the Kashif Nisar directorial.

Next and probably the biggest in the list is the recently announced Sun Mere Dil. There are ample reasons to anticipate this drama as it will mark the comeback of writer Khalil ur Rehman Qamar on the small screens after Mere Pass Tum Ho. Wahaj Ali is reunited with his Jo Bichar Gaye co-star Maya Ali in the upcoming Haseeb Hassan directorial. The project is being made under the banner of 7th Sky Entertainment for Geo TV.

Summing Up

Stardom is redefined by some stars; some are immensely talented, while some are highly good-looking that the camera loves their presence. Wahaj Ali is one of the few stars of the current times who has made his place in the top rankers in a very short span with a fine blend of good looks and notable acting skills. Since 2022, Wahaj has given numerous binge-worthy dramas to the television and we are highly hopeful that he will be ruling our screens in 2024 as well.

Jaan-E-Jahan: Hamza Ali Abbasi Reunites With Ayeza Khan For This Epic Romance Drama

By
Kasim Bilal
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Hamza Ali Abbasi is currently on a new career high — having just delivered the mega-hit blockbuster The Legend of Maula Jatt last year, he’s now coming back on television.

While Abbasi’s breakout role was in Waar, his true claim to fame was Pyarey Afzal which made him a household name. Ayeza Khan was his costar there and the two were the most popular onscreen pairing of that time. The show went on to be a ratings juggernaut and swept almost every award it was nominated for.

While Ayeza has continually been working in television ever since, giving us hits like Meray Paas Tum Ho, Chupke Chupke and more, Hamza’s last venture on the small screen was with 2020’s Alif. So naturally, there’s an insane amount of hype already for ARY Digital‘s Jaan-e-Jahan which sees the return of Abbasi in dramas and also sees him with Ayeza again after almost a decade.

In the last few days, we got the release of the first look, teasers and OST of the show. The show is directed by Qasim Ali Mureed, best known for his work on the drama Mere Humsafar and the film Tich Button. Rida Bilal, from Khudgarz and Grey, penned the script. Living legend Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has lent his voice to the OST.

Let’s discuss.

The First Look & Teasers

We have had two first-look clips for Hamza and Ayeza each and two teasers for the show. Every clip has an idyllic vibe to it with great cinematography and production values. The voiceovers are poetry narrated by Abbasi and Khan which add to the dream-like quality of the first-look clips.

These teasers don’t give away much at all about the plot and are only focused on hooking the viewers with its two breathtaking leads and their chemistry. They promise an epic romance drama filled with heartbreak and betrayal as some dialogues allude to.

Hamza and Ayeza’s palpable chemistry is all on display and both actors are at their most charming. We are yet to find out Hamza’s character’s name, but Ayeza’s character was revealed to be named Mahnoor. The couple’s name #ShehNoor was however used in promotional material. We can’t wait to see more of ShehNoor on our screens.

A Melodious OST

Pakistani drama OSTs are simply some of the best songs ever but they’re extra special when sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. The highly acclaimed singer has lent his voice to countless OSTs in the past, namely Sadqay Tumhare, Meray Paas Tum Ho and Khuda Aur Mohabbat.

So, it comes as no shock that he has delivered yet another banger OST for Jaan-e-Jahan. The audio clip released on YouTube has already generated a ton of views and garnered praise. The comments to the video are filled with fans gushing over the lyrics and Khan’s melodious voice. 

Didn’t Hamza Quit Showbiz?

Now that we have discussed the goodies that were the teasers and OST, let’s discuss the elephant in the room. One might be wondering about Hamza’s claims in the past of leaving showbiz altogether. The actor, on multiple occasions, has proclaimed that he is done with acting and showbiz altogether. This decision has never lasted for more than a year.

In 2019, the actor announced via Twitter that he was leaving acting, and his then-upcoming drama Alif was to be his last onscreen work. He also went on to say that he will focus on religious activism, politics and charitable work moving forward.

4 years later, most of what he claimed has not stuck. He has had a mega-hit film since then and a second show coming out very soon. Let’s see how long this return to acting lasts. We wish all the best to Hamza. 

The release date has yet to be revealed but we are eagerly waiting for it. The teasers and OST have already generated a ton of views and hype from audiences and the show is bound to be a juggernaut. Stay tuned to Galaxy Lollywood for more coverage.

Yumna Zaidi’s Debut Film ‘Nayab’: A Trailblazing Tale

By
Zainab Mossadiq
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Hinting towards a promising addition to Pakistani cinema, the upcoming film Nayab establishes why it’s worth the watch, in an encapsulating and captivating 160-second teaser.

Breaking boundaries and challenging stereotypes, Nayab is set to leave the audience compelled with a blend of social messages, a passion for cricket, a hint of romance, and challenging family dynamics. If that wasn’t enough the makers add one of the finest actresses of our country, Yumna Zaidi in the mix, and voila, there is a film that the audience cannot stop talking about. The film will mark Yumna Zaidi’s debut in cinema.

The story

The trailer opens with an intense dinner table conversation, setting the pace for the entire teaser. We see a heated moment between Nayab’s father and his brother-who supports her in pursuing the relentless passion she has for cricket, while Nayab’s eyes are glued to the conversation. In less than fifteen seconds the viewers know what they have signed up for, thanks to the brilliant acting skills.

Hailing from a middle-class background, Nayab is the story of a young girl who aspires to become a cricketer. The story follows the challenges that she encounters as she pursues her passion. The teaser aptly represents the obstacles that she has to overcome not only in the outside world but also when she is home.

There is also the element of romance woven into the story. Usama Khan plays the love interest of Yumna Zaidi’s character in the film. From the trailer, their chemistry looks promising. Not only is the pairing of Usama Khan and Yumna Zaidi unique and one we have never seen before, but from the point of view of the story we are glad not to see the romantic angle overshadow Nayab’s individual journey.

Other than that, we see an awe-worthy brother-sister duo on our screens, which deserves applause on its own. The bond shared between Nayab, and her brother Akber (Akka) is worth cherishing. There is the natural sibling conflict but above all, Akber (Akka) is her confidant, supporter, and mentor, a character that has long been missing from our screens. The film will also highlight Akber’s struggles and the pressures he faces for being the son of the family, including being asked to shift abroad- again a subplot that many will relate to.

The second half of the teaser focuses on Nayab’s struggle to play for the team. The narrative highlights the elements that corrupt the system including favouritism, discrimination, and sexism.

Sneak Peek

We also see Adnan Siddiqui in the trailer, who is essaying the role of a captain for the women’s team. We hope Adnan will bring his charm to the screen as he inspires Nayab to strive towards her goal.

As for Yumna Zaidi, she has once again proven why she is one of the finest actors of the country. A force to be reckoned with, the actress seamlessly essays the role she has taken on. The thing with Yumna is that when you think you have already seen her best performance, she will take on another role that will leave you more mesmerised. What gave us goosebumps in the trailer was the last line when Nayab says, “I’ll defeat India”.

The rest of the cast also looks promising including Javed Sheikh, Usama Khan, Huma Nawab, Ehteshamuddin, Adnan Siddiqui, M Fawad Khan AND Faryal Mehmood. The film is directed by Umair Nasir Ali and produced by Kennyz Films and Num Films.

Bandish 2 Trailer Vs Reality: Did the Horror Switch Wait Till the Last Minute?

By
Kehkashan Bukhari
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The second-to-last episode of Bandish 2 left us a bit meh. The trailer got us all excited for a spooky rollercoaster, full of epic possession scenes with everyone except Sameer, played by Affan Waleed and his mom Humaira, played by  Sania Saeed. But, surprise surprise, we didn’t quite get what we signed up for.

Those possession glimpses got us all geared up for a horror ride, but it turned into more of a spellcasting show. With the last episode around the corner, looking back, we wonder if anything really happened. Maybe the makers can sprinkle in more of those bone-chilling moments and amp up the horror vibes in the last episode.

Inconsistent Chills: From Manahil’s Room to Vaniya’s Possession

In the beginning, when Manahil — played by Areej Mohyudin — feels the entity in her room, it really had us on the edge of our seats. Doors closing on their own, beds floating – classic spooky stuff. But since then, the horror vibe took a backseat. The only major fright was when Vaniya — played by Anna Ilyas — got possessed, and it felt like it came out of the blue.

To heighten the signs of black magic in the story, consider incorporating subtle yet ominous symbols early on. The house or Sameer’s factory could bear traces of blood, mysterious amulets, or strategically placed needles that, upon closer inspection, hint at something supernatural. This approach allows the viewers to be captivated by the subtle signs of black magic from the beginning, making the ultimate revelation all the more chilling.

The absence of the doll in the drama, following Horain’s initial connection, left a void in the eerie atmosphere. The doll, once a source of mystery and Horain’s companion, went missing after Laraib’s disrupted proposal. Its potential to create spooky effects — calling names, communicating with Horain, or emitting strange noises — could have heightened suspense. Reintroducing the doll strategically throughout the plot would have maintained a consistent, unsettling tone, providing a tangible link to the supernatural elements and enhancing the overall horror experience.

Horain’s Ghostly Aura – A Missed Scare Opportunity?

Shah Baba – played by Salahuddin Tunio, drops the bomb about Horain, Sameer’s daughter, played by Horain Lyka Ali, being the entity’s fave target, but all we get is her giving intense stares and a few shocks. The trailer promised hardcore possession scenes, especially with Horain and Minahil, but it’s been more like a tease than a scare.

Horain’s life seems surprisingly unaffected by the entity, especially considering she’s a school-going kid. There’s a missed opportunity to showcase strange activities in her school life, adding a spooky twist to her character. While there’s a scene where her teacher notices behavioural changes and odd drawings, it doesn’t translate into further impact on Horain, apart from a few shocks. To enhance her character, explore more interactions with the entity, changes in her eating habits, and delve into the unique bond she shares with her grandmother, Humaira. This would add depth and complexity to Horain’s experience with the supernatural, making the storyline more engaging and connected to the overall narrative. The scare opportunities are missed in the drama to make the audience think about why it is happened.

Farhana’s Wicked Plans Unleashed – Plot Twist Brewing

Zainab Qayyum as Farhana might have faced a few setbacks, but she’s gearing up for the grand finale. Despite failing to drive a wedge between Sameer and the family, she’s cooking up the most powerful spell to take down Sameer. From day one, she’s been on a mission fueled by property disputes, and every meeting with Baba Saeen hints at something big. The recent episode spilt the beans to Manahil about Farhana’s sinister plan to off Sameer – things are getting intense.

Expectations & It’s Outcome

The first season was a total hit – it had this cool mix of spooky stuff, tricky problem-solving, and surprises that kept us hooked. But now in season 2, things seem kinda simplified, and it’s not grabbing the audiences in the same way. For instance, Shah Baba’s one visit magically fixes everything between Laraib and her in-laws – a bit too easy, right? The first season was all about deep emotions, like hating and being envious, and it showed how people would go all out for their desires using black magic. The Bandish fans were so pumped for Season 2, but it just doesn’t match up to the intense horror and excitement of the first one.

Can’t wait to see what chaos unfolds after Farhana’s last spell. Will Baba Saeen’s truth finally come to light? Fans were hoping for more from Bandish, and so far, it’s been a rollercoaster of expectations. Maybe the TV screen just needs a killer script to nail that horror drama vibe. Well, fingers crossed for a finale.

Wahaj Ali And Maya Ali Pair Up For An Upcoming Drama ‘Sun Mera Dil’

By
Zainab Mossadiq
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The heartthrob of the nation Wahaj Ali and the stunning Maya Ali are all set to star in GEO Entertainment’s new drama, Sun Mera Dil, produced by Abdullah Kadwani and Asad Qureshi of 7th Sky Entertainment.

Abdullah Kadwani shared the news on his Instagram, announcing the collaboration:

“Alhamdulillah we are excited to share the kickoff of 7th Sky Entertainment’s mega drama serial #SunMereDil❤️featuring the charismatic Wahaj Ali and the stunning Maya Ali. Written by phenomenal Khalil ur Rehman Qamar directed by the brilliant Haseeb Hasan. Brace yourself for a riveting experience as we bring this captivating story to life. Lights, camera, action – it’s showtime! Stay tuned, only on Geo Entertainment…”

Wahaj Ali and Maya Ali’s onscreen chemistry and offscreen friendship

Over the years, if we have cherished one industry friendship it has to be Wahaj Ali and Maya Ali’s. We have seen their friendship nurtured over the years. In fact, Maya attended Wahaj’s wedding and we also saw Wahaj attending Maya’s brother’s wedding.

On-screen we have previously seen the pair in another GEO Entertainment drama Jo Bichar Gaye. Directed by Haissam Hussain and Ali Moeen, Jo Bichar Gaye was a period play starring Wahaj and Maya as Rumi and Sonia, respectively. Both the actors left their mark with the roles they essayed, and their on-screen chemistry certainly lit the screen.

We have also seen both actors collaborate on photoshoots and campaigns. The most notable campaign was their collaboration with Mushq and the launch of a new phone.

Wahaj and Maya’s previous works are a testament to how they bring a natural charm and magic on-screen when paired together. We can bet that both the actors are once again going to leave the fans impressed with their new project.

The Team behind Sun Mera Dil

While the rest of the cast and the plotline are still under wraps, we know that the upcoming drama has been written by Khalil ur Rehman Qamar and will be directed by Haseeb Hassan, under 7th Sky Entertainment. Haseeb Hassan has done multiple noteworthy projects including Alif and Nanhi. He has also given us some hit dramas with actress Maya Ali before, including Diyar-e-Dil and Mann Mayal.

Khalil Ur Rehman Qamar’s back on Geo Network

As for the writer Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar, while his work has garnered praise over the years, he has attracted a lot of negative remarks for his indecent remarks time and again. Following the incident back in 2020, when Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar received backlash for indecent comments from a fellow female panellist on national television, GEO Entertainment suspended the deal with the writer. The contract included a playwright for four drama serials and one film. However, GEO and Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar have paired once again.

With such a talented team collaborating on a project alongside a grand production, our expectations have been set high. We can’t wait to see Sun Mera Dil soon on our televisions.

Meera Expresses Her Opinion On How New And Old Generation Actors Are Different

By
Zainab Mossadiq
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Actress Meera recently made a special appearance at the Gup Shab Show, hosted by Vasay Chaudhry. Meera gracefully answered several questions from the audience and when asked about differentiating between the new and relatively old actors, the actress did not hesitate to answer the question.

She was all praises for the actors of her generation and said she misses that grace and charm.

Meera said, “Artists before were courteous, knew how to smile, had a certain charm, and knew how to carry themselves and had certain manners. If someone praised us or even said something (negative) to them, we wouldn’t get angry or say something to them. I miss this.”

Meera was also asked about her preference of actresses she would like to work with in the future to which she answered that she would like to work with everyone, but she really likes Sajal Aly, Maya Ali, and Saba Qamar.

Moreover, Meera also discussed why she likes to be selective with the projects she does.

“It is hard to work with some people. It’s not that I don’t want to work with someone, but I don’t want any chaos on my sets.”

On the work front, Meera revealed, “I do selective work, that’s why I have been offered Umra o Jaan Ada. You have to wait for your turn; patience is necessary to get a good project. I am doing Umra o Jaan Ada now. I try not to be part of the news, so I want people to see the show when it is released.”

Earlier this year, an eight-part series adaptation of the famous novel of Mirza Hadi Ruswa was announced, as the producer Hamid Hussain told The Express Tribune, “I can’t reveal much at this point but yes, we are working on an Umrao Jaan Ada adaptation with Sajal in the lead role.

“We are working on a two female lead cast for this series and Sajal is one of them.” It’ll be interesting to see Meera and Sajal Aly portray the aura of Umrao Jaan on screen.

Inside ‘Gunjal’: Shoaib Sultan Unveils Casting Dynamics and Filming Experience

By
Kasim Bilal
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Gunjal is an upcoming Pakistani film starring Ahmed Ali Akbar, Resham, Amna Ilyas and Ahmad Ali Butt. It’s a true crime story about child labour and social activist Iqbal Masih. This is a fairly new genre for the Pakistani film industry and is one of the few films that aren’t releasing on Eid.

Galaxy Lollywood had the privilege of getting to have an exclusive interview with Shoaib Sultan, the writer and director of the film. This is Sultan’s feature film debut, having directed short films in the past. We asked him questions regarding the challenges while making this film, casting decisions and the commercial aspects of the film.

Gunjal releases across Pakistan this month, till then, here is all we got to know about the film from Shoaib Sultan.

What Drew Him To This Topic?

Sultan expressed his passion for telling a story based on a social issue such as child labour saying, “I did theatre for a long period and I always relate and associate myself with such social issues.” Sultan added that child labour is still a relevant issue and one that needs to be addressed. 

He also expressed his enthusiasm for wanting to share Iqbal Masih’s story on the big screen rather than their original idea of making another short film.

“[Iqbal] was actually the hero of Pakistan who is not celebrated in that way. He has to be celebrated…when we think about child labour, Iqbal Masih is the face of that issue.”

When asked if he was inspired by any other films, Shoaib said no, adding, “I created my own world…this story is very deeply rooted to our land…it’s not a borrowed narrative, it’s very Pakistani, it’s not inspired from Bollywood or Hollywood or any other foreign industry.”

Challenges During The Making

The film is a true crime investigative thriller set during the 90s, which was bound to bring certain challenges with it. When asked about said challenges, Shoaib had this to say:

“It was very challenging because it is set in the 90s. To recreate the 90s era was a task. Secondly, as it was based on true events, so we [had] to recreate those things. So, there is a lot of research involved.”

He further added, “Then obviously, as I said that setting up the 90s era with the costumes, locations, get-ups… even in post, the sound has to be intriguing and has to have the modern flavour at the same time … along with the colour grading. The way we colour graded it, it had to be in a way that it projected the 90s essence.”

He also elaborated that this being his feature film debut was a challenge as well, speaking on the balancing act of the arthouse and commercial approach.

“We are telling a true story, so we were very careful that people should not find it preachy. So we packaged it with the crime drama thriller with a lot of plot twists and turns … I tried to merge the art house cinema with commercial … so I cast the faces, which are celebrated, which are commercial.”

Working With Ahmed Ali Akbar

When asked about Ahmed’s casting in the lead role, Sultan said he had always envisioned Akbar in the role during the early stages of production “Even Parizaad was not on air at that point.” He had nothing but glowing praise for the actor and his work ethic.

Ahmed plays investigative journalist and crime reporter Shahbaz Bhatti who works for a newspaper. Sultan also gave insight into Ahmed’s method approach to acting adding, “Even on the sets while he’s not even shooting, he’s always in his role”

Rest Of The Ensemble

The film has 15 primary characters but the big names we all know are played by Resham, Amna Ilyas and Ahmad Ali Butt.

When asked about what it was like getting to work with Resham, the director had wonderful insight into her process and character. Resham plays the role of Sarwat, a strong-headed woman who runs the newspaper where Akbar’s Shahbaz Bhatti works.

“He is very opinionated in so many ways so I wanted someone who has a very dominating and, at the same time, a charming personality and charisma. I think this was the combination which I saw in Resham.”

He also added that audiences can look forward to seeing her in a role different from anything we’ve seen her in before adding, “The best part about Resham is that she wants to learn, which is great. She’s reinventing herself all the time. And in this film, you will see a new face of Resham.”

This is her second collaboration with the director, having with him previously on the short film Long Distance.

Amna Ilyas plays Meher, a social activist. When asked for more information about the character, Sultan didn’t have a lot to say to avoid spoilers. Nonetheless, we did get some insight into her character.

“Meher is a very difficult role in so many ways. It has a lot of baggage. That’s the only character in the film who has that association with Iqbal Masih. She mentored him. She has a very soft heart towards children, and she worked for this cause, for the children who are suffering in the bonded child labour thing … her whole journey is to find justice [for Iqbal]”

We then asked him about the interesting choice of casting Ahmad Ali Butt outside his usual comedic roles. He seemed amused by this question and gave us his reasons for this “experimental” casting choice adding, “When this character of Salman Habib was created, the very first person who came into my mind was Ahmad Ali Butt. Everyone in my team was against me to cast him. They were saying ‘oh, he has this persona, he has this energy and his perception,’ but I wanted to challenge him.”

He further added that Butt isn’t an underrated actor but an underutilized one and is exceptionally talented.

We cannot wait to see Resham, Ilyas and Butt shine in these new dynamic avatars.

Non-Eid Release Date

When asked why Gunjal is not being released on Eid like most other films, Sultan had a simple answer. He said, “I strongly believe that if you have a good film, it will work whether it’s a festive season or not. Secondly, we felt that the film was ready, and it has to be released”

He also added that all films should have their own space saying, “We don’t need to wait for such festivals because somehow in our industry all films are stuck up or planned for Eid and then there’s a lot of unnecessary competition and we are eating each other’s business. So we should give a space. We are only making like ten to twelve films per year. So it is very unfortunate that everyone wants to release their film on Eid days.”

We couldn’t agree more.

Gunjal releases in cinemas across Pakistan on 15th December 2023. Stay tuned to Galaxy Lollywood for more coverage regarding the film.

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