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Momin Ali Munshi is All Praises for Gulabo Rani

By
Faizanullah Khan
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Momin Ali Munshi on Gulabo Rani

Momin Ali Munshi has showered praises on Gulabo Rani for its exceptional storyline and enthralling horror sequences. The film is directed by Usman Mukhtar, who has truly impressed and amazed all with his direction and skills.

Momin Ali Munshi, founder of Galaxy Lollywood, was blown away by the gripping visuals and strong characters in the movie.

Strengths of the Film

Gulabo Rani starts strongly with an elongated buildup to the plot. Viewers can sense the spooky nature of the direction, as it not only fascinates, but scares them as well.

Momin Ali Munshi was particularly impressed by the brilliance of all young actors. The actors, although not as prominent in the entertainment industry, have worked to their best abilities. The protagonist Usama Javaid Haider is particularly impressive with his soliloquies and dialogue delivery.

Also Usman Mukhtar has impressed in this new avatar, and we may just see more of him in the direction front. Gulabo Rani turns heads and does what a horror movie should do. All credit goes to Usman Mukhtar for first imagining and then setting the set ablaze with brilliant direction.

Good Signs for the Future

Gulabo Rani promises good signs for the future of short films in Pakistan. Besides exciting viewers in Pakistan, Gulabo Rani won the Best Short Film Award at the LA Sci-Fi & Horror Festival 2022!

Momin Ali Munshi, founder of Galaxy Lollywood, has been following the local entertainment scene for well over a decade and a half. As a pioneer in the entertainment and digital reporting segment, Momin expects Gulabo Rani to initiate a trend of exciting short-films that appeal to the local audience.

For now, we can enjoy the brilliance of Gulabo Rani and bask in the horror it serves. Let us all collectively hope and pray for more content of the nature in the future.

‘Tere Aany Se’ Charms Viewers with Coherent Narrative & Likeable Protagonists!

By
Ozair Majeed
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Muneeb and Komal

The canvas of Ramadan specials is getting bigger and better. The number of shows are increasing, eventually enabling viewers to savor a variety of unique storylines with an interesting mix of actors. In 2023, channels and production houses have doubled the dose of post-iftar wholesome entertainment. In this regard, GEO TV’s second Ramadan special ‘Tere Aany Se’ has been a pleasant ride so far. Let’s Analyze.

Tere Aany Se: Mandatory Information

The show is written by Samra Bukhari, directed by Zeeshan Ahmed and offers star attraction Muneeb Butt and Komal Meer pairing up yet again after an intense show like Qalandar. It is bankrolled by Abdullah Kadwani and Asad Qureshi of 7th Sky Entertainment and airs daily at 9 PM on Geo Entertainment.

The Story So Far

The storyline introduces the protagonist Rania (Komal Meer) a young, feisty girl who dreams of achieving big in life. Despite living in a small town she aims to be the prime minister of the country one day. She is raised by her mother and grandfather Mian Sahab (Salman Shahid). She also has a good rapport with her unmarried phuppo Asma (Sidra Niazi). Rania is strong-headed, opinionated and cannot tolerate injustice, therefore it’s her nature to help people around her.

Enter Maheer (Muneeb Butt) a pretentious college student enjoying life on the dollars sent by his father Dabeer (Mehmood Aslam). He lives in Lahore with his family, which includes his grandmother played by Shamim Hilaly, his lazy chacha Hammad (Saleem Mairaj) and chachi Seema (Zainab Qayyum). Ayaz (Mani) is Maheer’s neighbor who doesn’t do much for a living and is struggling to find his bride. 

Maheer accidentally meets Rania at a wedding. As the story progresses, Rania happens to be Maheer’s relative who eventually arrives in Lahore for higher studies and stays at his place.

Mixed Reactions

Samra Bukhari’s script is promising with ample twists, tracks and well-developed backstories. Having said that, many times the plot points defy logic. Characters like Maheer and Rania getting into a dance faceoff in their very first meeting can only exist in imaginations or TV dramas.

Moreover, Rania is seen busy playing the perfect matchmaker for Maheer in a sequence where she is supposed to get started with her studies. The dialogues are perceptive but there was a lot of scope for them to be wittier and funnier.  

Given the grand production value, Zeeshan Ahmad deserves applause for establishing the individual identity of his characters. The sequences between Muneeb and Komal are the high points and he allows his leads to shine and prove their acting abilities. The foot-tapping OST is hummable and incorporated very well.

Terey Aany Se: The Highlights

Muneeb Butt seems to be making the right career choices. On one hand, he made viewers sit up and applaud his act in Sar-e-Rah, and with ‘Tere Aany Se’ he showcases a sharp timing for comedy.

He puts up a confident act as the showoff bachelor. He looks macho and gets his Punjabi dialect right. Komal Meer is required to be loud and her performance is worth a wow. She is spontaneous and handles the mood swings of Rania with conviction. Her performance would be great if she had funnier dialogues.

Shamim Hilaly as the swag dado is a treat to watch.  Saleem Mairaj’s character is well written and puts up a decent performance. Zainab Qayyum aptly performs the given material. Mehmood Aslam is restricted but effective. Mani so far is simply wasted.

Our Verdict

‘Tere Aany Se’ has so far charmed viewers with its coherent narrative and likeable protagonists. A few more unexpected comic twists and substantial turns would make ‘Tere Aany Se’ a memorable outing and maybe even the star performer this Ramzan season.     

Mad-cap Heists to Period Romances – Let’s Prepare for Movies Releasing in Pakistan This Eid

By
Maisooma Batool
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The blessed month of Ramazan is perhaps the busiest time for the Pakistani movie industry. With Eid ul Fitr being one of the two days of the year that movie makers find the most lucrative. As is the case every year we have a few exciting movies releasing in Pakistan this Eid.

The days leading up to Eid ul Fitr are a flurry of excitement and action for movie buffs. This year’s Eid releases are set to be bigger and better than ever, with some seriously exciting titles hitting the big screen. From action-packed blockbusters to mad-cap heist hijinks, local Punjabi tadka to Hollywood flavor, there’s something for everyone. So, settle down and have a look at the movies that are all set to hit the screens on Eid ul Fitr 2023!

Local Movies Releasing in Pakistan This Eid

We are set for plenty of local Lollywood action with quite a few entertaining movies coming out this Eid.

Money Back Guarantee

Boasting of a super-star cast which includes Fawad Khan, Wasim Akram, Mikaal Zulfiqar, Ayesha Omar, Gohar Rasheed to name a few, Money Back Guarantee is one of the most star-studded movies releasing in Pakistan this Eid.  

Directed by Faisal Qureshi who has written and starred in many of the iconic commercials, entertainment programs, skits, and music videos that became a part of Pakistani pop culture through two decades, Money Back Guarantee promises to be an out and out masala entertainment movie.

Ardent fans of Fawad Khan will see him revisit his comedy roots after the intense Maula Jatt. The movie also serves as the big screen debut of the cricketing legend Wasim Akram and his wife Shaneira Akram. Money Back Guarantee is certainly a movie worth waiting for, as it engages a load of excitement and is creating space for Pakistani cinema in the action-comedy domain.

Huey Tum Ajnabee

Pakistani entertainment industry has not run out of projects on the 1971 Fall of Dhaka. After Nabeel Qureshi’s movie Khel Khel Mein exploring the topic from a modern lens, and now we have another big screen offering from Kamran Shahid on the same events although from a more fictitious and dramatic POV.

Leading the movie are Mikaal Zulfiqar and Sadia Khan. Alongside them the movie also has Shamoon Abbasi, Samina Peerzada, Mehmood Aslam, Sohail Ahmed, and Shafqat Cheema, as well as Ayesha Omar making it her second big screen release this Eid.

Promising romance, emotions, and loads of action, Huey Tum Ajnabee is a complete big screen extravaganza that aims to be a total paisa vusool entertainment. Romance and action as a genre can easily strike a chord with the audience if done well. Judging from the trailer of the film, Huey Tum Ajnabi has not held back in trying to depict a passionate love story amidst a time of chaos and tragedy.

Daadal

Abu Aleeha is for sure the most consistent Pakistani movie director of recent years. He is full of stories and also blessed with the commitment and the energy to not just envision those stories, but to tell them on the big screen.

His Eid ul Fitr 2023 offering Daadal promises to provide a different flavor of action and thrill to the audience. The film stars Sonya Hussayn, Mohsin Abbas Haider, Shamoon Abbasi, Maira Khan, Rizwan Jaffri, and Adnan Shah Tipu.

Sonya, Mohsin, and Shamoon will be seen in a completely different avatar in this movie, especially Sonya who has donned the skin of a complete badass woman who isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. From hand-to-hand fight sequences to merciless kills done via a bullet to the head, Daadal will offer a complete edge of the seat thriller to the audience.

Dorr

Offering more action, romance, thrills, and runs is director Nadeem Cheema’s movie Dorr. the film stars Asad Mahmood, Shafqat Cheema, Saleem Meiraj and Aslam Hassan among others. Dorr is an out and out revenge movie functioning on a simple plot of a brave hero fighting all adversaries to rescue his lady love.

The movie appears to be a little too violent for an occasion like Eid but there’s always an audience for all contents. Dorr with its sword slashing, guns blazing, and powerful punches that can literally kill will surely find its share of the audience who have a taste of this kind of entertainment.

Lahore Qalandar

One Punjabi movie all slated to release this Eid is Saima Noor starrer Lahore Qalandar. Directed by Shahid Rana and starring Shafqat Cheema alongside Saima Noor, Lahore Qalandar is your standard Lollywood flick with all the raunchy action and naach gaana.

Saima Noor looks especially ethereal in the teaser trailer released for the movie. The frame of her smirking while holding the signature Kalashnikov rifle is sure to entice her fans to rush to the cinema and bask in the glory of this Lollywood queen.

The Punjabi cinema scene promises to offer more than just Lahore Qalandar this Eid with reports of a couple of limited-budgeted movies also releasing for the single scene audience.

Hollywood Movies Releasing in Pakistan This Eid

As always there are a few Hollywood movies releasing alongside the local flavor to give advanced options to viewers. Mandviwalla Entertainment has the following Hollywood movies expected to release this Eid:

John Wick: Chapter 4

The fourth installment in the critically and commercially acclaimed action franchise starring Keanu Reeves, John Wick: Chapter 4 will also be releasing this Eid for the Pakistani audiences. To the fans of Hollywood action cinema, John Wick: Chapter 4 is bound to be a treat this Eid. The movie has already been released internationally and has gotten rave reviews from the critics and audiences alike with the move scoring a whopping 94% certified fresh on the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes. 

Evil Dead Rise

The fifth installment of the supernatural horror franchise Evil Dead, Evil Dead Rise, will be getting its international release in Pakistan this Eid ul Fitr. Hollywood loves its horror and has found a loyal base in the Pakistani movie going audience.

The film is getting mostly positive praises from the critics before its international release with Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic both giving the movie a generally favorable rating.

Eid ul Fitr is perhaps the most happening time of the year for Pakistani movie aficionados. This year Pakistanis will be spoiled for options as they get to choose from plenty of Lollywood and Hollywood releases.

Hum TV Scripts Fairy Tale with Simple Ramadan Serial

By
Armaan Shehreyaar
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Fairy Tale Cast

With stiff competition from other Ramadan serials, Hum TV’s Fairy Tale was expected to be the neglected child of Ramadan special transmissions. However, the serial has scripted its own little fairy tale to be considered exciting in the eyes of the viewers.

Although it’s often said that “Content Is King,” viewership charts are ultimately decided by the audience through their true and honest reviews. With a vast audience around the globe, our dramas never fail to leave a lasting impact on the viewers with their remarkable and at times astounding narrative.

How Dreamy Is the Fairy Tale Story?

“Fairy Tale,” directed by Ali Hassan and written by Sarah Majeed, centers on Umeed, who is portrayed by Sehar Khan. It is refreshing to see a princess passionate about her goals in life rather than the typical damsel in distress. Umeed has enormous aspirations and high expectations, yet she often finds herself in absurd scenarios that follow heartwarming family drama and subliminal messages.

Fairy Tale offers a novel perspective on parenting, joint families, and the value of a girl’s financial independence in securing her future. The protagonist is portrayed by Sehar Khan with an effortless simplicity that draws the audience into her inspiring journey.

Hamza Sohail whom we adored as a newbie in Hum TV’s ‘Raqeeb Se’ plays the male lead opposite Sehar Khan. The chemistry between the two youngsters is definitely something to look out for e. Both audience and critics have appreciated the fact that new faces have been given a fair chance in portraying the character of youngsters in a drama which is very rare these days.

‘Fairy Tale’ also happens to be the debut project for Adnan Raza Mir, and seems like another talented addition from the Mir’s is ready to conquer our hearts soon.

Subtle Performances in Fairy Tale Make It Realistic

Fairy Tale challenges the overdramatic and overwhelming portrayal of comedy in Pakistani dramas with something simple and unique. Fairy Tale shows how simple dialogues and believable scenarios, if treated well, can tickle the funny bones and become equally colorful for the viewers.

There are several enjoyable elements attached to the family portrayed in the show. One such being the adorable grandmother played by Hina Rizvi who has fine and meaningful messages for her children while living through a mental ailment.

Our Verdict

While we have a number of choices for entertainment in this holy month, dramas like ‘Fairy Tale’ create a great impact in not only building viewership and generating entertaining content, but on a wider scale, giving right opportunities to fresh artists who are young and passionate about their craft. Watch Fairy Tale if you believe in age-old romances with simple storytelling and fine humor.

The story of Umeed and Farjad seems to be moving toward a surprising twist. Meanwhile Haya and Sameer have their hopes high for their innocent love to bloom, what do you think will happen next in ‘Fairy tale’?

Here’s Why People Are Still Watching Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha, Even After A Dragged Storyline

By
Ifrah Butt
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Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha

Day after day, we get bombarded with content that simply has neither head nor feet. We see clueless actors buzzing about a set on the screen with no particular storyline and no idea about the plot. And yet such dramas continue to attract viewers. We have some solid examples of dramas that had no story at all and yet the actors continued to give their best shot to save a sinking ship. The very recent, Wahaj Ali, Hania Aamir and Zaviyar Nauman starrer Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha is one such example.

16 episodes down and Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha is still stuck where it initially kicked off from. Areeb, played by Zaviyar Nauman is hung up on Maheer (Hania Aamir) and Saad (Wahaj Ali) continues to be her knight in shining armor, shielding her from the wrath of the world. However what is surprising is the fact that even after being dragged with such a slow plot, Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha continues to get high TRPs.

Here are a few reasons we think why the drama is still watched by a large audience despite its short comings.

Wahaj Ali’s Charisma

Although Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha has a stellar cast, including the likes of Shahood Alvi, Salma Hassan, Angeline Malik, Hania Aamir and Zaviyar Nauman, we can bet its 110% Wahaj Ali’s charisma and recent popularity that has audience sticking to the show, despite its dragged storyline.

What is surprising is the fact that nothing really happens in the drama episode after episode. Maheer cries, Areeb rants and Saad just continues to exist being the good guy he is. Its like watching Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai’s Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam in a parallel universe.

The Beautiful Soundtrack

Kaifi Khalil’s song, Kahani Suno, makes one beautiful OST for Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha. To be honest, majority of the audience watched and got to know about the show because of Kaifi’s vocals. The occasional drag then follows where Maheer tears up, Saad wipes her eyes and music plays in the background. Areeb blames his mother for ruining his love life, gloats in solitude and the gorgeous background score springs up. There are less dialogues and more of the OST in each and every episode that goes on air. Perhaps the makers are trying to cash on the popularity of Kahani Suno rather than working on making the storyline strong.

The Gorgeous Aesthetics

Do you remember the very forgetful Indian film that starred Aamir Khan and Amitabh Bachchan in the lead? Thugs of Hindustan. The film had absolutely wonderful aesthetics, gorgeous with a capital G. But then, it tanked at the box office. Aamir or Amitabh’s star power or the beautiful setting or editing of the film couldn’t save a sinking ship.

The same is the case with Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha. Maybe the audience is sticking to the show because of its set, lighting and overall feel. However, the fact exists and the question remains, how long will a weak story line continue to attract the audiences and hold their attention? Not for long, we suppose.

Heer Da Hero Review: Heer and Her Hero Entertain Viewers with Compelling Storyline

By
Armaan Shehreyaar
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Heer Da Hero Cast

The spiritual month of Ramadan has begun and so has the massive craze for the special shows and dramas airing on different channels. Ramadan special dramas have become a significant part of Pakistan’s cultural landscape in recent times. While different channels have different genres and diverse stories to offer, Geo Entertainment has launched several projects based on the spiritual and entertainment purpose of the holy month.

Among a number of entertaining and meaningful dramas, Geo TV’s ‘Heer Da Hero’ is one to watch for its storyline and compelling script. Written by versatile actress Amar Khan who has also penned down blockbuster film ‘Dum Mastam’, the show is directed by Saima Waseem of ‘Kahin Deep Jalay’.

Here are three pivotal elements people are loving about the play so far:

Heer Da Hero Offers an Entertaining Yet Meaningful Script

The story and script of ‘Heer Da Hero’ is written by Amar Khan. The story of ‘Heer Da Hero’ is set in old Lahore and the basic plotline highlights the colorful households of political rivals Jutts and Butts.

Viewers are in awe of the unique manner in which the dynamics of this neighborhood have been portrayed. The makers have very cleverly set the narrative around two of the most popular Punjabi communities of the sub-continent. Apart from the entertainment factor that is winning hearts, there is a subtle messaging which the script and characters very effortlessly execute without making it preachy at all.

The Charming Romance of Old Lahore

It’s been a while since we, the audience, saw such appealing visuals on our television screens. Geo Entertainment’s ‘Khuda Aur Mohabbat 3’ was one project that channelized the breath-taking visuals of various locations of Pakistan. ‘Heer Da Hero’ is serving glimpses of the culturally significant streets and architecture of Old Lahore. The camera work is done beautifully as the drama is shot around ‘Badshahi Masjid’.

In the recent episodes, viewers praised the aesthetic shots and dreamy sequence of rooftop romance of the historical streets of Lahore. The culturally authentic and accurate welcome for Rahim Pardesi’s character has also won hearts.

Brilliant Casting and Characterization in Heer Da Hero

‘Heer Da Hero’ stars Amar Khan and Imran Ashraf in lead roles along with several talented artists including Usman Peerzada, Afzal Khan Rambo, Kashif Mehmood, Waseem Abbas, and Rahim Pardesi among others.

Every actor fits into their respective characters in a perfect manner. Heer’s accent and one-liners are the highlight of each episode, while little tiffs between both families tickle the funny bone.

Our Verdict

Heer Da Hero is easy to digest and watch. It serves its purpose as a Ramzan special drama with aesthetic visuals and appropriate humor. The drama is shot in old Lahore and comes with better storytelling than some other run-of-the-mill Ramzan serials.

We cannot wait to see how the love story of Heer and Hero brews among the political and communal chaos around them. Especially now that there are wedding bells for Heer, it would be interesting to see how the story moves forward.

5 Reasons Why Aamir Liaquat Was an Absolute Pro at Hosting Ramzan Shows

By
Ehsan Khan
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Aamir Liaquat Ramzan Show

As we fast during the month of Ramadan, it’s hard not to think about the legendary TV host, Aamir Liaquat, who passed away last year. He pioneered Ramzan transmission and was a household name during the holy month in Pakistan with families glued to the TV screen when he showed up. The naats, interesting religious discussions, playful antics, and the engaging quizzes, were all features of Ramzan transmission that Aamir bhai had mastered.  

During his peak, ratings and commercials followed the TV legend, later when Aamir bhai was clouded by controversies left, right, and center, he still pulled off insane ratings establishing himself as the ultimate pro of Ramzan transmission.

In this article, we will analyze Aamir bhai’s claim to fame and give five reasons why he was an absolute pro at hosting Ramadan shows!

Aamir Bhai’s Passion for Religion

Aamir bhai’s extensive knowledge of Islam was a testament to his commitment to the faith. He was not only a TV host but also a scholar who had studied Islamic teachings in depth. His vast knowledge of Islam allowed him to provide insights and perspectives that were not commonly known to the average viewer.

During his shows, Aamir bhai would often quote the Quran and Hadith to support his points and to provide evidence for his arguments. He was able to explain complex religious concepts in a way that was accessible to all, making him a favorite among viewers of all ages. He also had Ulemas and scholars from various sects to make his transmissions inclusive and insightful for all viewers.

Aamir Bhai’s Ability to Keep the Audience Engaged

One of the most impressive aspects of Aamir bhai’s hosting was his ability to keep the audience engaged. He was a master at using humor, storytelling, and emotional anecdotes to keep the show lively and interesting.

His charismatic personality and energetic hosting style kept viewers glued to their screens throughout the month of Ramadan. The ek jaise kapre segment in his Geo transmission became a viral sensation, with gifts being handed out to pairs wearing similar clothing. His mixture of televangelism and philanthropy was unique and entertaining viewing for millions worldwide.

Aamir Bhai’s Commitment to Social Responsibility

Aamir bhai was not just a TV host, but a responsible citizen who understood his social responsibility. During Ramadan, he often used his platform to raise awareness about various social issues and to encourage people to help those in need. He was instrumental in raising funds for charities and often used his show to showcase the good work being done by NGOs.

Aamir Bhai’s Focus on Unity

Aamir Liaquat was a firm believer in unity and often used his platform to promote tolerance and respect for all. He would invite guests from different faiths and backgrounds to showcase the diversity of Pakistan and to promote interfaith harmony. He encouraged his viewers to embrace diversity and to stand united as a nation.

Aamir Bhai’s Ability to Create a Sense of Community

One of the most endearing aspects of Aamir Liaquat’s hosting was his ability to create a sense of community. His show would often bring families and friends together, and people would gather around their TVs to watch his show. He created a safe space for people to discuss their religious beliefs and to share their own experiences with each other.

Aamir Liaquat was a true legend and an absolute pro at hosting Ramadan shows. His presence on our TV and mobile screens will be deeply missed. As we set about to receive the blessings of the holy month, let us remember the great work done by Aamir bhai for Pakistani TV and say a quick prayer for his soul

Geo TV and Hum TV Share Conflicting TRPs for Ramzan Dramas; Who Is Lying?

By
Kasim Bilal
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Conflicting TRPs

Exaggerating numbers is a universally known PR tactic. This is even more so the case in the entertainment industry. When all else fails, producers and media houses distort numbers to show success.

In this new age of streaming services, transparency is no longer available to the general public. Studios can manipulate the numbers to show a bigger subscriber growth than is the case.

This lack of transparency is even more prevalent in Pakistan’s TV and Film industries. This has always been a topic of discussion amongst audiences and news sites.

So, it caught our attention when media giants Geo TV and Hum TV posted conflicting TRP reports. Let’s discuss.

Geo TV and Hum TV Share Conflicting TRPs

Geo TV and Hum TV posted the TRP numbers for their 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm Ramadan TV slots on their Insta handles.

Geo TV posted snippets on their Insta handle, showing that their shows ‘Heer Da Hero’ and ‘Tere Aany Se’were the leading performers in the 7 PM and 9 PM time slots.

Here we have HUM TV’s Instagram posting with TRP numbers for ‘Fairy Tale’ and ‘Chand Tara’ claiming these shows to have the highest TRP.

Both claim their shows to be the top performing ones in their respective time slots. So, who is lying? Because these posts also reported different figures for the competitor channel.

Could Both Sources be True?

From what we understand Hum TV has changed time bands to focus on certain consumer groups and time periods. The ratings generated by Hum TV are true, but apply to a certain segment of the market.

Basically, Geo TV generates ratings based on the complete set of consumers. While Hum TV generates ratings based on Consumers A, B, and C.

This goes to show that both Geo and Hum were true in showing these ratings, but for different time bands and consumer segments.

A General Lack of Transparency

The distortion of viewership ratings has been a hot topic for the industry recently. Since this hasn’t just been the case with TV shows but the music and film industries as well. Film studios are constantly reporting box office numbers that aren’t supported by the math.

Films supposedly doing more numbers than the available theatre seats in the country is impossible. But since there is no organization to properly authenticate these numbers, we are all supposed to buy these PR tactics.

Wajahat Rauf, from ‘Karachi Se Lahore’ fame, sat down with his wife and ‘Chhalawa’ Executive Producer, Shazia Wajahat for his ‘Voice Over Man’ YouTube show. When asked if producers hyperbolize box office earnings, Shazia responded with ‘everyone does it.’ 

This is an openly known secret at this point, so all these numbers need to be taken with a grain of salt.

Conclusion

Unless these channels come forward with an authenticated list of numbers, there is no way for us to know which shows are performing better. It is not a good look for the industry if everyone simply lies and calls their content the top performer. Genuine and unbiased sources should also build platforms to create healthy competition.

Both Geo Entertainment and Hum TV have come up with excellent dramas for the 7 PM and 9 PM slot, but there will be questions asked when both channels flaunt their dominance at the same time.

Danish Nawaz May Score a Ramadan Hat-Trick with Chand Tara

By
Ozair Majeed
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Chand Tara Cast

The trend of Ramadan special dramas is gaining momentum with each passing year. Every Ramadan, channels and production houses put their best foot forward to entertain viewers with feel-good and light-hearted shows. Some succeed, while some fail to impress. Director Danish Nawaz falls in the former category and is back again with Chand Tara.

Danish Nawaz has tasted back-to-back success with Chupke Chupke (2021) and Hum Tum (2022). Not to forget, with success comes the baggage of high expectations. It seems as if Nawaz is mindful of the pressure. We say this because when the promos of his new Ramadan venture Chand Tara came out, we could sense that he may complete a Ramadan hit hat-trick. Let’s analyze. 

Chand Tara Character Introduction & Premise

Viewers are right away introduced to the lead actors Sarim Gulzar aka Chand (Danish Taimoor) and Naintara aka Tara (Ayeza Khan). Hailing from entirely different worlds the two are head over heels in love with each other. Tara is a medical student and the only child of her strict mother Dr. Raziya (Saba Faisal). She is the victim of loneliness as her parents separated due to their difference of opinion towards living in a joint family system. On the contrary, Chand is a software engineer and lives in a joint family Chand Nagar.  

Dear readers be patient as it is a big family to be introduced. Chand’s father Gulzar (Rehan Sheikh) is the CEO of Babu Wedding Bells. The family business is operated by his younger brothers Saleem (Adnan Jaffer) and Mateen aka Macho (Danish Nawaz). They look after the catering and music band respectively.

Savera (Ghazal Siddiqui) is Saleem’s wife and their son Hashim (Ashir Wajahat) is a Tik Toker. Mehnaz (Madiha Iftikhar) is Macho’s wife, she’s a beautician and has two children Pinky and Dollar. Chand’s sister Shumaila aka Mala (Romaisa Khan) is an aspiring basketball player.

The major hurdle in Chand and Tara’s love story is Dr. Raziya who isn’t willing to marry her daughter in a joint family.

What’s Different?

Chand Tara delivers on numerous accounts. Saima Akram Chaudhry has delivered a gripping script that keeps viewers hooked. The well-written characters on paper are smartly executed on screen too. However, we would have liked to watch the back story of Chand Tara’s love story in detail, to have a better understanding of their relationship. 

Barring a couple (the cuss word abbreviation and adult jokes) the humor in the dialogues isn’t forced and the situations are entertaining. Chaudhry also addresses an important issue like the rishta parade that girls have to face to find the perfect match. The scene where Chand takes a stand for Mala to stop ridiculing her and let her pursue a sports career is commendable. In another scene where Tara schools her fellow doctor about her on-duty negligence is praise worthy.

Director Danish Nawaz is a pro in handling Ramadan content with elan and he continues his good form. From scene one, he wastes no time and the story progresses. He doesn’t treat viewers with forced tracks and focuses solely on his characters. There is so much happening in Chand Nagar that one gets fully invested. The entire sequence when Dr. Raziya arrives at Chand Nagar is hilarious and well-shot. 

The Performances in Chand Tara

The pairing of real-life couple Danish Taimoor and Ayeza Khan is perhaps the show-stopper. The casting works big time as the chemistry between the two is organic and effortless. Their energy, body language and dialogue delivery are on point. How they react when caught together by Dr. Raziya is a testimony of their great acting chops. Ayeza switches tracks like a shape shifter, she’s a lonely girl at Tara house, and a ball of energy with Chand.

The supporting cast does well too. Danish Nawaz excels in the acting department as well and brings the house down in several scenes. Saba Faisal has a crucial part and she stands out with her characterization. The dependable Rehan Sheikh is quirky and contributes to the fun quotient.

Romaisa Khan has a fleshed-out character and delivers a fine act. Post Pinjra, Aashir Wajahat continues to impress, the young lad is working on his craft and it shows. Adnan Jaffer is a bit loud and goes overboard with his character. Ghazal Siddiqui and Madiha Iftikhar are okay. The child actors who play Macho’s children are adorable.

Verdict So far

Chand Tara has had a roaring start and is the serial to watch this Ramadan. Viewers watch excitedly as the different worlds of Chand and Tara collide to create a constellation worthy of the stars. Will Danish Nawaz score a Ramadan Hat-Trick with Chand Tara? We’ve got our hopes pinned on it.

Rafay Says: The Decline of Quality Content in Pakistani Dramas

By
Rafay Rashdi
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Rafay Says: The case for quality content in Pakistani dramas

Ever since the passing of the veteran playwright, poet, lyricist and Sitara-e-Imtiaz winner Amjad Islam Amjad sahab (Late), who’s known for his renowned televised dramas that include Waris, Dehleez, and Samandar, to name a few, I began to wonder and question myself about the legacy of the Pakistani drama content sector.

Content in the 80s and 90s

The ’80s and 90s were thrilling for local content. As a child, I remember being glued to the screen to watch Pakistani Dramas weekly with my family. The dramas used to be episodic format in a total 40-45 minutes duration and wouldn’t cross a 15-episode mark.

The content was gripping, the performances were stellar, and the productions impeccable. We had professional sets at PTV studios, and every technical individual contributed exceptionally through their technical skills. But above all, the content was king. The subjects were intelligent and thought-provoking and provided viewers with a sense of learning and a grasp of human intelligence. It was a collaborative environment.

The creation of content was derived from the notion of taking inspiration through societal studies, personal identity analysis, and gender-based norms to derive characters which have a place for conflict. The content eventually combined and formulated a dramatic notion based on a subject pivotal to the public to construct a learning and empowering message.

My Own Example While Innovating

It took me six years to produce a drama focusing on the ideologies of a wrongful feudal setup and rural injustice. Every channel I pitched prior to the process, I was told this wouldn’t get the ratings. One network owner quoted “People don’t like sushi“.

Sushi is not necessarily raw fish. You can eat it cooked or also alternate it with vinegar rice. Anyway, I thought consuming fish was healthier and better than junk food I pondered. I kept quiet and decided to research what I could sell. In my opinion, the concern wasn’t the liking or disliking of sushi, but the fear of what would happen once starved viewers adapted to sushi and dumped the rancid food they were being served before.

To my dismay, after speaking to countless content heads whose job is to regulate content, I was advised to focus on women-centric issues because our prime-time audience consists mostly of housewives. The meters installed cater to a specific area.

Apparently, housewives don’t deserve well-crafted content. However, the content exhibitors aren’t wrong either. It’s their job. In a nutshell, television programming wins through successful ratings. Many people have given up on watching Pakistani dramas because they consider them a waste of time, technically weak and full of plot holes. Simply put weak content. People have shifted to OTT (Netflix, Amazon Prime). Not a hidden fact anymore.

The Fault in Our Dramas

What do the majority of our dramas showcase? Women conflict, marital issues, sometimes or mostly infidelity, cousin marriages, mischievous women causing chaos? I think so. For example, the posters of the majority of drama serials have women in bridals. Not holding a degree, not dressed up as police officers or doctors. If they do, I get to hear they’re backed up by not-for-profit agencies that fund a cause, which is also good. Even a monopolised network environment needs financial security. A self-initiative would be respected.

Some dramas do strike a chord and are able to showcase a true cause of human development through content. On the other hand, most of our proficient writers of entertainment are now shying away from writing for commercial television. They’re moving to either digital (Youtube) or other avenues to exhibit intelligent content through a progressive producer. Same for directors. They’re not interested in working in a factory environment. No pun intended.

Taking Inspiration from Beyond Our Borders

Honestly, for creativity and new-age content to thrive, we must take inspiration from international mechanisms. As an example, it’s always a room of writers and not just one. The pool of creativity should be a conjoined effort rather than exhausting one medium. Hence the lack of writers within the industry.

Also, the monopolistic environment of private networks is not helping the independent producer grow. An independent producer is a must for the industry to thrive and contribute. If only our established trade bodies would take note of this (United Producers Association), we would be in a much better state. But the tirade of stuck payments makes it impossible to speak on the cause for the majority of them.

Raising the Bar for Content in Pakistani Dramas

Regardless of what the outcome of my production was, I will never have any regrets that I didn’t try. But someone has to raise the issue before it’s too late. Progressive content and evolution of the craft are a must; otherwise, one can only dream of a successful OTT like Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Disney+ to start operations in Pakistan through content.

The subscriber base model, on the other hand, is a debate for another day. We will be dictated by our neighbours on that front for now since they control the majority of South Asian content for the right reasons.

Content is the base of every medium exhibited on a public platform. In order to evolve, we need to fix our mechanics. Now or never.

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