Home Blog Page 5

Beyond Stereotypes: The Complexities Of Motherhood In Pakistani Dramas

By
Armaan Shehreyaar
-

An essential ingredient that makes a Pakistani drama complete apart from the male and female protagonists is the character of a mother. Rarely have we witnessed a drama in ages without a mother who possesses either a caring, giving, sacrificing, or wicked, insecure nature.

Mothers in Pakistani dramas have had a separate fanbase and quite an impact on the lives and stories of the lead pair. Samina Peerzada is still remembered for her portrayal of a very calm and composed mother to Kashaf Murtuza in ‘Zindagi Gulzar Hai’. So is Atiqa Odho’s super-popular character in ‘Humsafar’ which gathered immense attention and the performance got appreciated by viewers worldwide.

However, it is not the out-and-out black or white characters that define a mother’s role in a household. Writers often overlook the fact that mothers are also humans and can be as flawed as any other character in the drama and still be justified in their actions.

Let’s have a look at some uniquely created roles of on-screen mothers, who have reshaped the landscape of character portrayal, setting new standards for every role they inhabit.

Samina Peerzada and Sabreen Hisbani in ‘Meri Beti’

ARY Digital’s 2013 drama ‘Meri Beti’ has a finely written story by Mohsin Ali set in the regular domestic environment. The drama highlights the journey beginning with a conservative mother Samina Peerzada and eventually concludes with her granddaughter’s take on motherhood.

‘Meri Beti’ covers the idea of three generations as mothers of daughters played by Samina Peerzada, Sabreen Hisbani, and Areej Fatima. The story begins with a divorced Saba played by Sabreen Hisbani who returns to her mother Samina Peerzada with her five-year-old daughter Iraj, who grows to be Areej Fatima.

Saba is married off to another man while being forced by her mother to hide her first marriage and daughter. Both mothers get tangled in a web of lies when Iraj gets married and ultimately finds out who her real mother is.

Atiqa Odho is ‘Pyaar Ke Sadqay’

In search of true love, when the widowed Mansoora finds a younger man Sarwar as her life partner, things become uncontrollable as her sincerity towards her children gets questioned. Written by Zanjabeel Asim, Mansoora’s character was not as simple as it seemed to be.

She was insecure about her rapidly growing old age as well as the youth of her seemingly nice and sweet husband. Mansoora’s belief in Sarwar’s genuineness kept getting intensified even though he was not a man to be trusted, at least for her children.

Sarwar’s torturous behavior towards Mansoora’s son Abdullah was always perceived as a father’s concern for the child’s well-being and personality development however, it only destroyed Abdullah’s mental state not letting him grow completely as a man in his head. 

Samina Peerzada in ‘Bayqusoor’

A very unique character written by Samina Aijaz for ARY Digital’s 2015 drama ‘Bay Qasoor’. Sadaf played by Samina Peerzada gets married to Waseem played by Waseem Abbas after being divorced by Shehryar played by Sajid Hassan. Both Sadaf and Waseem had daughters from previous marriages when they got together, played by Aimen Khan and Saboor Aly.

When Waseem tries to forcefully marry off Sadaf’s daughter Hira to an old and greedy man, Sadaf feeds poison to Hira in order to escape from this unhealthy marriage. Samina Peerzada’s performance as Sadaf is undeniably one of her finest of all time as the character goes through several ups and downs including legal proceedings throughout the show.

Aamina Sheikh in ‘Pakeeza’

Written by Bushra Ansari, ‘Pakeeza’ discovered the journey of a celebrated artist Pakeeza Jibran played by Aamina Sheikh. Pakeeza is married to Jibran played by Aly Khan and both have a teenage daughter Kiran. Kiran is unaware of her parents’ unhealthy and abusive marriage and considers them an ideal couple.

However, Jibran’s psychotic behaviour compels him to secretly divorce his wife and then deny it in front of society. All this while Pakeeza finds a comfort zone with a fellow artist and family friend Azeem played by Adnan Siddiqui who is in one-sided love with her. Pakeeza ends up in a fight of honour against the misogynist society and even loses the trust of her daughter, eventually gaining it back with a tragic ending.

Bushra Ansari in ‘Jhoot’

Another beautifully written drama starring Bushra Ansari, Imran Ashraf, Mansha Pasha, Kamran Jeelani, and Mira Sethi, ‘Jhoot’ revolves around how a mother’s over-caring and possessive nature ruins her children’s life. Bushra Ansari plays Saleha, a disciplined woman who is extremely caring towards her children Zara and Waqar played by Mansha Pasha and Kamran Jeelani respectively.

Saleha’s fear of losing control over her children prevails over her personality so much so that she doesn’t get her children married until their right age passes. Bushra Ansari undoubtedly handles the character very well throughout the show and maintains the grey streak of Saleha’s personality.

Saba Hamid in ‘Aisi Hai Tanhai’

Sonya Hussyn, Sami Khan, and Nadia Khan starrer ARY Digital’s ‘Aisi Hai Tanhai‘ is one of the most intense and tragic dramas we have ever seen. The project highlighted various social issues including sexual assault, honour killings, and women empowerment while revolving around one major issue which is cybercrime.

Pakeeza’s obscene pictures go viral after her phone gets snatched from her university premises. Her life turns upside down when she becomes the talk of the town due to an extremely questionable scenario. Saba Hamid greatly portrayed Pakeeza’s mother who gets completely shattered by her daughters’ defamation and tries to kill her by poisoning.

The project grabbed a lot of attention and became one of the most-watched dramas of its time due to a disturbing and somewhat realistic portrayal of such sensitive subjects.

Summing Up

A drama is incomplete without a mother’s character. However, enough tolerance is required to accept mothers as normal human beings who can be flawed too. The stigma around the role of mothers is either they are too sacrificing, or they are way too wicked and clever to wreck homes. However, these dramas showed courageous mothers who were flawed and went for desperate right or wrong attempts while justifying their part in their children’s lives.

Beyond The Script: Predicting Possible Endings For ‘Mein’

By
Zainab Mossadiq
-

Having surpassed the thirty-episode mark, ARY Digital’s ‘Mein’ has successfully captured and maintained the audience’s attention. Despite facing its fair share of criticism, whether loved or hated, the drama possesses a certain hook that has turned it into a guilty pleasure for viewers, compelling them to tune in week after week.

Helmed by the skilled direction of Badar Mehmood and written by Zanjabeel Asim Shah, the drama features a powerhouse cast led by Wahaj Ali and Ayeza Khan, creating a magnetic pull that draws audiences into the narrative.

As the story progresses, we find Zaid (Wahaj Ali), caught in the perilous predicament of having to choose between his two stunning wives, Mubashira (Ayeza Khan) and Ayra (Azekah Daniel). Poor soul, the victim of his own charm, struggles to decide which of his wives to spend time with.

As we see the struggle of Zaid unfold, the drama’s second last teaser just released, making us wonder how the drama will conclude in this tangle of confusion.

Here, we present a list of imagined endings, exploring various scenarios that could serve as the dramatic conclusion to ‘Mein’.

Ayra’s demise, paving the way for Mubashira and Zaid’s happily ever after

In the grand saga of Ayra’s perpetual miseries, it’s almost as if the makers decided to throw everything at her – from the untimely demise of her brother to the mother-in-law-shaped nightmare named Mr Asif and let’s not forget the traumatic scene, which btw was aired without any warnings, of Mubashira’s brother trying to assault Ayra. The girl just can’t catch a break.

Yet, despite this parade of tragedies, the audience remains curiously detached from Ayra’s plight. Could it be that, in the grand finale, she becomes the sacrificial lamb, making way for Zaid and Mubashira’s picture-perfect happily ever after?

In a dramatic turn of events, the last episode sees Zaid and Ayra engaging in a heated argument while cruising in a car. Zaid, in his haste, meets with a convenient accident, landing both in the hospital. Sadly, Ayra doesn’t make it, leaving Zaid guilt-ridden and Mubashira in a newfound state of vulnerability. Mubashira lets go of her ego, as she praises Zaid’s recovery, realizing she can’t control everything.

As the guilt trip intensifies, Zaid recovers, and the duo kickstarts their life anew, blessed by Mr. Asif. They even decided to start a charity in Ayra’s name.

Ah, the twisted yet apparently fitting end – because what’s a Pakistani drama without a dash of sadism in its conclusion?

A love triangle with Zaid’s double delight

In a parallel universe where logic takes a back seat, Zaid, with his innocent façade, continues to weave his spell on his two wives. In this enchanting realm, Mubashira and Ayra set aside their bitterness, along with their diabolical schemes to undermine each other. The last episode unfolds with Mubashira and Zaid engaged in conflicts, as she surprisingly defends her brother’s misdeeds against Ayra.

But hold on, the plot takes an intriguing turn when Mubashira and Zaid join forces to expose Mubashira’s brother by capturing the truth on record. Witnessing this unexpected side of Mubashira, Zaid is captivated and left utterly smitten. As he falls head over heels in love, he confesses that he can’t abandon Ayra. Surprisingly, Ayra, seemingly influenced by Mubashira’s newfound virtue, agrees to accept her as Zaid’s second wife.

Zaid decides to split his time between the two households. Ayra, now a self-sufficient entrepreneur, raises her child independently, living in a separate house where Zaid occasionally visits. Meanwhile, Mubashira, balancing work and business, adopts a lenient attitude towards others, and the trio finds their unconventional happily ever after. As the drama concludes, we catch a glimpse of Zaid and MJ sharing romantic moments.

Father and son duo embrace bachelor adventures

In a scenario far from reality, let’s explore an imaginary ending that might seem lightyears away from the actual plot. Mubashira, unwavering in her self-worth, refuses to settle for a man who considers her a secondary choice. Surprisingly, she takes a stand for Ayra, ensuring justice is served for the attempted abuse by her own brother. In a moment of empowerment, Mubashira decides she’s better off without Zaid and takes charge of establishing her father’s business, bidding farewell to Zaid.

Simultaneously, Ayra, also embracing independence, recognizes Mubashira’s resilience and concludes that Zaid lacks a backbone. Inspired by Mubashira’s bold move, Ayra ventures into establishing her own business, steering clear of Zaid’s indecisiveness.

Left to his own devices, Zaid finds himself abandoned by both wives. He joins forces with his father, Mr. Asif, and the duo decides that the bachelor life suits them best. Embracing their newfound freedom, Zaid and Mr. Asif embark on a journey of living their bachelor lives to the fullest.

As we count the days for ‘Mein’ to conclude, which of these endings are you betting on? Do share with us.

Pagal Khana: A Riveting Dive Into Mental Health With Saba Qamar And Sami Khan’s Grand Comeback

By
Kehkashan Bukhari
-

Green Entertainment‘s latest, ‘Pagal Khana’ written and directed by Iqbal Hussain, beautifully delves into the realm of mental illness, emphasizing the importance of treating psychotic patients with love and care. What makes it a standout is the compelling storytelling Green Entertainment is known for. The return of the powerhouse duo Saba Qamar Zaman and Sami Khan to the TV screen adds an extra layer of excitement, even if we have to patiently wait for our hero’s debut in the first episode.

A Rollercoaster Opener with Room for a Quicker Clue Drop

Diving into the debut of ‘Pagal Khana’ we kick off with a bang as Noor — played by Saba Qamar — leads a squad and drops the enigmatic line, “Inka Takhta Ulat Dengay” cue suspense. Yet, it takes a patient (pun intended) more than ten minutes to uncover who these folks are and why they’re crash-landing our screen party. A quicker clue drop could’ve spiced up the opening, but hey, the beautifully shot chaos had its own charm.

As we navigate through the labyrinth, the big reveal that our action-packed battleground is a haven for souls dealing with multiple disorders hits us fashionably late. Dr. Behrim, aka Syed Jibran, steals the show with a gun-wielding, self-reflective entry, reminding us that mental struggles don’t discriminate, even hitting up doctors.

Saba Qamar Owns, Sami Khan’s Surprise Still Pending

The script had us hooked, even if the first scene felt like it took a bit of a stroll. Huge shoutout to the cast – everyone owned their roles like pros, and Saba Qamar, with her trademark grace and dialogue delivery style, basically stole the show. It was like a mini-reunion too, with Saba and Syed Jibran sharing the screen post ‘Ghabrana Nahi Hai’ adventure directed by Nabeel Qureshi.

But, where’s our guy Sami Khan hiding? YouTube comments spill the tea – folks are holding out for his grand entrance. Some even claim the whole shebang of watching ‘Pagal Khana’ is for the magic duo of Saba Qamar and Sami Khan gracing the TV screen once more. It’s been a decade since they teamed up in ‘Jo Chalay To Jan Se Guzar Gaye’ – directed by Nadeem Siddiqui.

‘Pagal Khana’ Shatters Stereotypes on Psychotic Conditions

In a poignant scene, where Pareshan – portrayed by Momal Sheikh, breaks the fourth wall, delivering a powerful message to the audience. As she engages with students, she becomes the voice advocating for the humane treatment of those grappling with psychotic issues. Along with Momal Sheikh, Babar Ali, Umair Rana, Adnan Shah Tipu and Afzal Khan (Jan Rambo) like cast made it a great watch, especially the lighter fillers.

The drama emerges as a trailblazer, urging viewers to see beyond the stigma, emphasizing that psychotic conditions deserve understanding and care, not judgment. As the first episode unwinds its plot, the intrigue deepens, leaving us hungry for what lies ahead in the unfolding saga of ‘Pagal Khana.’ It’s a reminder that narratives like these, rich in substance and social consciousness, are a much-needed addition to our screens.

Internet Outrage Grows: Why Is Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s Assault Video So Problematic?

By
Zainab Mossadiq
-

Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan found himself amidst a serious controversy following the release of a video featuring the qawwali maestro beating his house help and hurling abuse at him, inquiring about a lost ‘bottle’.

Following the video’s release, the news spread like wildfire on social media, with public outrage calling out Rahat Fateh Ali for his actions and the severity of his actions, demanding accountability for the actions of public figures.

The initial video, seemingly shot secretly, depicted various instances in which Rahat Fateh Ali Khan hurled abuse at his house help, named Naveed Hasnain. Rahat Fateh Ali threw a shoe and slapped him on his face. At one point, he even tossed him to the ground and yanked him by his hair as Naveed apologized and pleaded with him to stop, while some people attempted to intervene and save him.

Following the criticism directed at him, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan issued an apology on his Instagram account on Saturday. The apology featured Naveed Hasnain alongside his father in the frame. Rahat Fateh claimed that “this is a personal matter between a teacher and the student,” and the bottle he was inquiring about was water “dum wala pani” [blessed by a pir (spiritual leader)].

Rahat Fateh stated that he had apologized to Naveed after that incident. He emphasized that he shares a relationship of being Naveed’s Ustaad [teacher], and when Naveed performs well, they are praised, but when they make mistakes, they also face consequences.

Naveed also spoke in the video, stating, “He is my teacher. He loves us a lot too. Whoever has done this act [leaking the video] is plainly blackmailing to defame my teacher.”

Rahat also featured Naveed’s father, who said this was perfectly fine considering their relationship. Rahat also featured his driver of 40 years at the end of the video, saying that, let alone physically abusing him, Rahat has never even hurled any abuse at him.

Public Reaction

Following the release of this video and other posts on Instagram, public outrage intensified as they witnessed the charade. The public expressed their opinions on what was said.

The series of videos feature deeper issues of classism

The apology video appeared even more troubling than the original one. It seemed like a charade and a drama that showcased the entrenched issues of slavery and classism in our society. The apology video showed no sign of remorse from Rahat Fateh; instead, it was an attempt to justify how physical violation is acceptable within the bounds of a certain relationship.

Furthermore, parading your employees to speak for you seemed more about how the qawwali singer wanted to save his reputation instead of actually realizing his mistake. What made matters worse was the fact that the water in that ‘bottle’ was presented as blessed by a pir. Even if the audience is naive enough to believe that it is no excuse to hit someone.

It’s crucial to recognize that this isn’t just about public opinion or a celebrity’s faux pas; it’s an ethical, moral, and legal concern. The act of brutally beating someone demands action from higher authorities and is something that cannot be let go as a simple error of judgment.

Alcohol or blessed water? The hilarious debate takes over social media

In the midst of all the criticism, netizens found a moment of laughter as they poked fun at the idea of the bottle containing ‘daru or dam wala pani’ (alcohol or water blessed by spiritual water). The online platform X, formerly known as Twitter, was flooded with hilarious memes. While these memes provided entertainment, it’s crucial to emphasize, especially at this critical juncture, that regardless of what was in the bottle, the act itself is unequivocally wrong, and nothing justifies it.

The heart of this discussion is a sombre realization that when we elevate public figures to high pedestals, their disappointing actions resonate on various levels. It’s disheartening, particularly in the case of someone like Rahat Ali, adorned with the Sitara-i-Imtiaz and an honorary degree from Oxford University. This situation calls for both swift action and introspection from the public i.e. a reminder to choose our ideals more discerningly. Simultaneously, it’s an earnest plea for celebrities to recognize the weight of their responsibility and strive for actions that align with the position they hold.

What’s Next For ‘Namak Haram’ Beyond Imran Ashraf and Sarah Khan’s Sizzling Chemistry?

By
Zainab Mossadiq
-

HUM TV’s ‘Namak Haram’ promised us a suspense-thriller with an epic romance in its lineup of teasers and trailers. Produced by Momina Duraid, written by Saqlain Abbas, and directed by Shaqielle Khan, ‘Namak Haram’ revolves around a revenge plot with interesting twists and turns that question lifelong beliefs and test loyalties.

With Imran Ashraf and Sarah Khan in the centre of the drama, alongside a strong supporting cast including Babar Ali and Sunita Marshall, Sajawal Khan, and Nabeela Khan among others, the audience was intrigued to see what the makers had in store.

With thirteen episodes already released, the drama has not disappointed us and has continued to keep the audience engaged. The drama revolves around Mureed, played by Imran Ashraf, whose family has been serving Amin Qureshi’s (Babar Ali) family for generations. Mureed, on the surface, plays the servant with unwavering loyalty but in the shadows, he is brewing revenge that he wants to take from Amin Qureshi for his mother.

Meanwhile, Sarah Khan embodies the role of Asma, the beautiful daughter of Amin Qureshi. As circumstances unfold and Mureed plots his revenge deeply, Asma and Mureed get married due to unfortunate circumstances, paving the way for future plot twists.

Introducing the new plot twist

The drama took a thrilling turn in episodes 11-12, unveiling a fiery twist when Asma becomes a victim of a fire accident, trapped in a chair tied by Mureed. Witnessing the house catch fire, Mureed rushes back and heroically rescues Asma. As Asma regains consciousness, the audience is treated to tantalizing glimpses of a budding romance between the two. Mureed’s caring gestures and the gradual easing of tension create an atmosphere charged with anticipation.

Undoubtedly, this element was a key selling point in promoting the drama. Viewers are overjoyed to witness the narrative steering towards showcasing the romantic chemistry between Imran Ashraf and Sarah Khan.

Previously, Imran and Sarah have been lauded for their memorable portrayal of Musa and Zohra in ‘Raqs-e-Bismil’, having successfully crafted their own fanbase. The drama’s conclusion, featuring their characters getting married, left a lasting impression on the audience, eagerly awaiting to see their reunion on-screen.

Are Imran and Sara the only reason to tune in?

As ‘Namak Haram’ gains unprecedented popularity, the burning question is whether Sara and Imran’s sizzling on-screen chemistry is the sole driver of its success. The drama, initially set on an intriguing plot of revenge and suspense, has now reached a point where the storyline appears somewhat predictable. As Mureed’s revenge motives and the inevitable fate of Amin Qureshi seem apparent, the audience is a bit sceptical that the drama will fall prey to a monotonous and predictable storyline.

While our anticipation for the blossoming romance between Mureed and Asma keeps us engaged, we also hope for the drama to unleash a plot twist that not only keeps us hooked but also introduces an element of surprise. As Mureed edges towards concluding his revenge, we’re hoping for suspense interwoven with cinematic shots and adrenaline-pumping action scenes. This infusion promises to keep the drama vibrant and ensures it doesn’t lose its sparkle, preserving our engagement in every episode.

What are your thoughts about the drama? Do share with us.

Javeria Saud’s Impactful Journey: From ‘Yeh Zindagi Hai’ To ‘Mohabbat Satrangi’

By
Armaan Shehreyaar
-

Entertainment is a calculated game of ideas and execution. One with a fine command of this technique and enough courage and dignity to tackle the outcomes and consequences stays and wins in the game. Javeria Saud, a successful stakeholder in the entertainment business is the talk of the town after the success of her recent hit soap serial ‘Baby Baji’.  However, numerous projects have had their somewhat successful runs on the screens and are rightfully to her credit.

Javeria Saud started her career in the late 90s, back then content was originally prevailing in the scripts and stories. After doing a few TV shows like ‘Tipu Sultan: The Tiger Lord’, ‘Piya Ka Ghar Pyara Lagay’, and ‘Mera Naam Hai Mohabbat’, Javeria took a break and returned as a producer and screenwriter with Geo TV’s ‘Yeh Zindagi Hai’.

Javeria Saud has been associated with several projects in different roles, but these big shows of hers really benefitted the industry and the television territory due to their unique nature and out-of-the-box approach.

Yeh Zindagi Hai

The longest-running soap serial in the history of Pakistani Television, and this very fact speaks volumes in itself about how grand this must have been. YZH began to run in 2008 and came to its conclusion after 6 long years in 2013 on Geo Entertainment. Javeria produced the show, wrote the script, and sang the original soundtrack, which was also written by her.

Javeria Saud’s character Jameela became a household name during the run of the show, so much so that when in 2012, the makers planned to kill off the character in a bomb blast, the constant demand from viewers compelled them to bring her back in the show. Javeria also played a double role in the show of an aged woman and a youngster named Chameli. The cast included Fahad Mustafa, Naima Garaj, Salma Zafar, Hina Dilpazeer, Saud Qasmi, Imran Urooj, Sherry Shah, and Moammar Rana. 

It is considered to be the first of its kind, as television was not immune to showing lower middle-class families, less privileged parts of society, common man issues, and real-world economic issues.

Khuda Aur Mohabbat (Season 1)

The ‘Khuda Aur Mohabbat’ franchise doesn’t need any introduction as of now. However, there is a first time for everything. Hashim Nadeem’s novel ‘Khuda Aur Mohabbat’ was first dramatized by Geo Entertainment in 2011 which was produced by Javeria Saud with JJS Productions. The very spiritual and soothing original soundtrack of the show ‘Karun Sajda‘ is also written by Javeria Saud and sung by Ahmed Jahanzaib.

The show was brought with another season in 2016 which recapped and elaborated the first season and completed the story of the novel. The third installment had an entirely different plot and there is yet another season expected from the franchise.

Undoubtedly, ‘Khuda Aur Mohabbat’ holds a magnificent grandness in its title and concept, which was initially brought into the mainstream by Javeria Saud who kept it raw, intense, yet natural, and close to reality.

Baby Baji

A regular daily soap can become the talk of the town, and large credit for the success goes to one character brought to life and played exceptionally with great accuracy. More than any other character, the cunning and unapologetically blunt Azra clicked with the audience instantly. Javeria’s realistic gestures and body language took the character as well as the drama to heights of success. The makers have decided to bring the show with a new season titled ‘Baby Baji Ki Bahuwein’ which is expected to go on floors very soon.

It is hard to survive in the industry with little to no PR and social media tactics. However veteran actor and producer Javeria Saud has had her fair share of work for the last three decades be it on screen or behind the camera. Among a number of drama serials and soaps, she has been a part of several telefilms and reality shows including Morning Shows and Ramzan transmissions. Currently, her drama ‘Mohabbat Satrangi‘ is running on Green Entertainment while we are seated for ‘Baby Baji Ki Bahuwein’.

Imran Abbas Takes Center Stage In Indian-Punjabi film ‘Jee Ve Sohneya Jee’

By
Zainab Mossadiq
-

Imran Abbas, the heartthrob of Pakistan, is set to grace the screen as the lead protagonist in the highly anticipated Indian-Punjabi film ‘Jee Ve Sohneya Jee’. As the trailer dropped, Imran’s performance is already winning accolades, sparking excitement for this noteworthy cross-border collaboration.

Teaming up with Punjabi cinema star Simi Chahal, Imran Abbas takes on the role of a spirited Pakistani character. Scheduled for release on the 16th of February, ‘Jee Ve Sohneya Jee’ not only promises a dose of romance and comedy but also explores universal themes of love, unity, and peace. The film unfolds a vibrant narrative, skillfully blending Imran’s charisma with Simi’s talent.

A celebrated actor in Pakistan, Imran Abbas, has made his presence felt with a diversified body of work, encompassing notable projects like ‘Khuda Aur Muhabbat’, ‘Malaal’, and ‘Koi Chand Rakh’ in the domain of Pakistani dramas. Imran Abbas has extended his impact globally, venturing into international projects, including Indian films such as ‘Creature 3D’, ‘Jaanisaar’, and ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’.

Simultaneously, Imran’s co-star Simi Chahal has earned praise for her work. Following her debut in ‘Bambukat’, Simi has continued to impress with roles in projects like the ‘Chal Mera Putt Trilogy’, ‘Daana Paani’, and ‘Mastaney’. Together, Imran Abbas and Simi Chahal bring their talent to the forefront, creating anticipation for their collaboration in the upcoming film ‘Jee Ve Sohneya Jee’.

The Trailer

The romantic-comedy film, ‘Jee Ve Sohneya Jee,’ is written and directed by Thaparr. The movie unfolds the blossoming romance between an Indian girl and a Pakistani boy, portrayed by Simi Chahal and Imran Abbas, respectively. The narrative follows their meeting abroad after Simi’s character unexpectedly encounters Imran Abbas’ character, Sarabjeet Sab, paving the way for their love story. However, complications arise as Sarabjeet, lies about his nationality, claiming to be from India, leading to hurdles in their love tale.

With a blend of hilarious one-liners and a story crafted with larger-than-life direction, ‘Jee Ve Sohneya Jee’ promises to be an engaging watch that will keep you thoroughly engaged. While the trailer introduces us to the central characters and the dynamics of their relationship, it appears to reveal the entire storyline, diminishing the element of surprise. Nonetheless, the film, backed by magnificent production, strong writing, and a talented cast, is undoubtedly one to look forward to.

Imran Abbas, portraying the character of Sarabjeet Sab, effortlessly embodies the role, skillfully navigating the delicate balance between romance and impeccable comic timing. A seasoned actor, his remarkable acting skills shine through his performance. The character he portrays is not only interesting but also thoroughly engaging, eliciting laughter throughout the movie. Imran’s on-screen presence remains consistently appealing, and a standout moment, which we adored, is when he is wearing a turban.

Presented by VH Entertainment and U&I Films Thaparr, the worldwide distribution will be handled by the esteemed Omjee Group. The film boasts an ensemble cast, including Mintu Kapa, Udaya Vakati, Brian Shaw, Aman Bal, and Swaraj Sandhu, in pivotal roles.

Atif Aslam fans mark your attendance

An exciting surprise for Atif Aslam’s global fanbase is that the maestro singer has lent his voice to this film, collaborating with other musicians. Towards the end of the trailer, Atif Aslam’s vocals are instantly recognizable to all his fans, who are in for a treat.

It’s truly refreshing to witness a cross-border collaboration emerging despite prevailing tensions. Witnessing our stars engaging in projects that champion collaboration and universal love is truly heartening. The film itself appears highly promising, with a unique blend of humour and romance carrying a positive and unifying message.

What stands out is the film’s promotion of unity, delivering meaningful messages while wrapped in a delightful package of humour and romance. Adding to the appeal is the presence of our beloved stars, Imran Abbas and Atif Aslam, contributing to the project’s charm. Their involvement makes it even more enjoyable to watch, and we sincerely hope that such collaborations will continue to foster unity and promote the art of storytelling across borders.

Trailer For ‘Burns Road Kay Romeo Juliet’ Brings A Whirlwind Of Romance And Drama

By
Ifrah Butt
-

Are you ready for a rollercoaster of emotions, laughter, and tears? Look no further, Iqra Aziz and Hamza Sohail’s ‘Burns Road Kay Romeo Juliet’ an upcoming drama that promises to be a delightful blend of love, humor, and heartbreak. This upcoming serial is all set to captivate audiences with its enchanting storyline and charismatic characters very soon on ARY Digital.

The trailer of ‘Burns Road Kay Romeo Juliet’ introduces us to the vibrant world of Karachi’s Burns Road alongside family dynamics for Iqra Aziz’s Freeya aka Juliet and Hamza Sohail’s Farhaad aka Romeo. The narrative is set amidst the popular Burns Road, where our modern-day Romeo and Juliet find themselves entangled in a web of emotions, family dynamics, and societal expectations. The title itself suggests a unique twist to the classic Shakespearean tale, transporting the timeless love story to the lively streets of Pakistan.

Director Fajr Raza, who has previously assisted renowned directors including Badar Mehmood and Aabis Raza in hit drama serial ‘Mein’, ‘Bandish 2’ and ‘Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha’, helmed the direction of the upcoming project as his first independent. ‘Burns Road kay Romeo Juliet’ has been penned by Parisa Siddiqui under the banner of Fahad Mustufa and Dr. Ali Kazmi’s Big Bang Entertainment.

The Trailer

The trailer kicks off with a glimpse of the charming Romeo, played by the talented Hamza Sohail, and the charismatic Juliet, portrayed by the lovely Iqra Aziz. With the few glimpses we get of them together, Iqra and Hamza’s maiden outing on-screen chemistry is palpable, and from the first frame, it’s evident that we are in for a treat. The narrative unfolds with a perfect balance of romance and drama, promising viewers a journey filled with laughter, tears, and everything in between.

The supporting cast deserves special mention for their stellar performances. The characters on Burns Road are not just bystanders but play crucial roles in shaping the destiny of our star-crossed lovers. The ensemble cast brings the streets of Karachi to life, with their impeccable acting and authentic portrayal of the local culture.

One of the highlights of the trailer is the dynamic and colorful cinematography. The camera gracefully navigates the bustling streets, capturing the essence of Burns Road, its chaotic charm, and the palpable energy of the surroundings. The visuals are complemented by a soundtrack that tugs at the heartstrings, enhancing the emotional impact of the narrative.

As we delve deeper into the trailer, we catch glimpses of the challenges and obstacles that Romeo and Juliet must overcome within their family dynamics. From family conflicts to societal norms, the drama promises to address pertinent issues while keeping the audience thoroughly entertained. The screenplay, laced with witty dialogues and poignant moments, sets the stage for a memorable viewing experience.

What We Think?

The trailer for ‘Burns Road Kay Romeo Juliet’ hints at a unique narrative, a different one from the thousand of overused topics we get to witness left, right and centre. There’s originality in the storyline and the characters’ motivations played by Iqra Aziz and Hamza Sohail. Not only that, the setting, our favorite and most popular Burns Road, will add a unique flavor to the already promising pairing of Iqra and Hamza and their story. The trailers have certainly piqued our curiosity and left us yearning for more.

The trailer for ‘Burns Road Kay Romeo Juliet’ with Iqra and Hamza’s powerful performances is like a magnet, drawing you in. Iqra’s expressions radiate depth and nuance, hinting at a layered performance to come. Hamza is his usual suave self, calculated and going into the depth of his character.

In conclusion, ‘Burns Road kay Romeo Juliet’ seems poised to become a must-watch drama that will leave audiences eagerly awaiting each episode. With its fresh take on a timeless love story, endearing characters, and a backdrop that celebrates the spirit of Karachi, this drama has all the ingredients for success.

‘Grey’ Concludes: Bold Drama That Does Justice In Highlighting Social Issues

By
Zainab Mossadiq
-

For some, Green Entertainment’s drama ‘Grey’ might be hailed as a commendable project, while others may hold a different opinion. However, one aspect that everyone can unanimously agree upon is that ‘Grey‘ effectively tackled the harsh realities of harassment and exploitation faced by women in various forms. It genuinely depicted how women experience exploitation in different facets, shedding light on the harsh realities.

Interestingly, the drama serial ‘Grey’ written by Rida Bilal and directed by Sohail Javed, didn’t initially market itself as a drama addressing social issues. Instead, it started as a suspenseful story that uncovered a case of harassment and gradually unfolded to delve into the societal problems of women’s exploitation from diverse angles.

The drama gracefully concluded after sixteen episodes, delivering crucial messages without resorting to unnecessary narrative extensions or subjecting the audience to the distress of excessive flashbacks or prolonged misery, ensuring viewers were engaged without reaching a breaking point.

But did the last episode do justice to the concept ‘Grey’ was resting on?

Bringing forward a balanced narrative

The last episode systematically reached its conclusion. However, it did lose its initial hook and engagement, feeling more like a checklist for the makers to cover various elements. The excessive use of monologues became somewhat tedious in certain instances.

Yet, what truly distinguished the episode was how it wrapped up each character’s storyline. Instead of the conventional portrayal of everyone achieving justice or living happily ever after, the drama opted for a more realistic approach. It highlighted that in reality, the truth can be bitter, but there is always a glimmer of hope. The depiction of characters as morally ambiguous individuals, grappling with decisions between right and wrong, added depth to the narrative.

In Salaar and Emaan’s storyline, portrayed by Sami Khan and Sabeena Farooq, their lives took dramatic turns after the case’s conclusion. While Salaar was declared innocent with a fine that Imaan had to pay, the last episode showcased Imaan’s marriage and her continued career as an actress. Salaar, on the other hand, sought redemption for his mistakes from his wife, played by Zoha Rahman, who ultimately opted for a divorce. The mature handling of their relationship’s conclusion and the decisions made for the betterment of their children stood out.

The drama unveiled the mystery that the audience was keenly awaiting to see in the last scene, in a rather unclimactic way. We see pictures of Salaar and Emaan’s private moments, indicating a consensual relationship and proving that Emaan wrongly accused Salar. We were left a bit disappointed seeing that the most pivotal mystery was revealed in an underwhelming manner.

As the audience, we would have appreciated some creativity in executing this scene. Perhaps including Salaar’s interview in the background, which was showed in the second-last episode, providing insight into how the entire case affected his life, reputation, and the enduring impact. Kudos to Sami Khan for delivering the dialogues with genuine emotion, and Rida Bilal for penning down words that vividly expressed the pain of an innocent person wrongly accused of a crime.

Certainly, other aspects were intriguing. Saleem Mairaj once again stole the spotlight with his performance, as his character took justice into his own hands by killing Rafay in the drama. Rafay was about to get bail and flee the country after being proven mentally unstable. It was a satisfying conclusion to see him punished for his crime in a rather unconventional way, especially when the law and the system failed to do their job.

Unfortunately, when addressing Emaan’s maid character, portrayed by Fajr Sheikh, the makers depicted her ongoing misery, emphasizing that her battle still continues. This choice ensured that the story remained realistic and didn’t fall into the trap of becoming a fairytale.

The narrative also highlighted the significant role played by other entities and bodies in changing and developing the storyline. Noreen Gulwani and Faizan Sheikh, portraying journalists, delivered commendable performances. However, the monologues where they preached about moral responsibility and corruption were tedious. Their redemption through actions and presenting the truth would have sufficed. Paras Masroor also excelled as a corrupt politician who was violent towards his wife.

Grey’s bold portrayal of society’s shadows and grim realities

The drama’s resemblance to real cases, such as Meesha Shafi and Ali Zafar’s, and the inclusion of incidents reminiscent of Noor Mukadam’s tragedy, prompts a reflection on society’s grim reality. While depicting these stories forces viewers to confront prevalent societal issues, it also raises concerns about the potential hurt caused to the real individuals involved. It is crucial to consider whether consent was obtained before transforming these personal narratives into a public drama.

Moreover, Grey masterfully crafts diverse conclusions for its narratives, challenging societal judgments and shedding light on the harsh realities women face across different socio-economic backgrounds. The drama encourages audiences to ponder the prevalence of such cases in society while acknowledging the potential sensitivity of portraying real-life stories.

Alongside the main leads, the drama casts Saleem Mairaj, Zoha Rehman, Paras Masroor, Faizan Sheikh, Irfan Motiwala, Noreen Gulwani, Mahenur Haider, Mustafa Baloch, Fajr Sheikh, Nadeem Kazmi, Peerzada Salman, Salma Zafar, Shazia Gohar, Khalid Anum and Saifi Hasan.

Produced by Multiverse Entertainment in association with SJ Films Productions, ‘Grey’ is one of the few dramas that did justice in underlining a social cause they promised to present.

Nabeel Qureshi And Fizza Ali Meerza Announce New Netflix Series ‘Tik Tik Nol’

By
Kasim Bilal
-

Pakistani audiences have been eagerly waiting for years to have a Netflix series produced in Pakistan. The global streaming service has made a name for itself for collaborating with talent from all around the globe to produce content available to over 190 countries around the world.

After a long wait, Pakistan is also finally making waves in this conversation. Last year, we got the announcement for ‘Jo Bachay Hain Sang Samait Lo’ which is set to mark Pakistan’s debut on the global platform.

The show will feature a stunning ensemble star cast with Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Sanam Saeed, and Ahad Raza Mir in leading roles and a supporting cast featuring Hamza Ali Abbasi, Bilal Ashraf, Maya Ali, Iqra Aziz and Hania Aamir.

However, it turns out that ‘Jo Bachay Hain Sang Samait Lo’ will not be the sole Pakistani production for Netflix. Renowned filmmaker Nabeel Qureshi, best known for his work on ‘Na Maloom Afraad’ and ‘Load Wedding,’ took to Instagram to announce his own upcoming series ‘Tik Tik Nol.’

The project is still under wraps but the ‘Actor In Law’ director unveiled a series of set photos and shared his enthusiasm. Here’s what we know so far.

‘Tik Tik Nol’

So yes, the renowned Filmwala Productions duo Nabeel Qureshi and Fizza Ali Meerza are back again. This time, they are collaborating with Indonesia’s Falcon Pictures for a Netflix series ‘Tik Tik Nol.’

Qureshi shared this news in an Instagram post stating:

“Filmwala Pictures is thrilled to announce our collaboration with Falcon Pictures for the Netflix series, Tik Tik Nol! Proud to have line-produced three episodes in Pakistan with an incredible Indonesian cast and crew. It’s been a journey of cultural exchange and showcasing the beauty of Pakistan. Filmwala Pictures is paving the way for more global filmmakers to explore Pakistan’s diverse landscapes.”

The project is still mainly under wraps, and we don’t know anything about the plot. However, we did set pictures which comprised both Pakistani and Indonesian creatives. We cannot wait to see Pakistan’s beauty and talent being showcased on a massive platform like Netflix.

Nabeel Qureshi and Fizza Ali Meerza, the award-winning director-producer duo, have an impeccable track record. They started Filmwala Pictures, Pakistan’s first independent production house. Their debut film ‘Na Maloom Afraad’ paved the path for other independent production houses to open up in Pakistan.

Filmwala Pictures always tackles social issues, often using a satirical approach to provide searing commentary. We are sure to see such an approach in this upcoming series as well. Stay tuned to Galaxy Lollywood for any updates on ‘Tik Tik Nol.’

1...456...299Page 5 of 299