Razia:
Guess who returned to the small screen in 2023, stealing hearts once again? None other than the beloved Mahira Khan, gracing us with her presence in the Mohsin Ali directorial miniseries, Razia on Express Entertainment. This series seamlessly slides into the familiar yet compelling tradition of shedding light on social issues while delivering top-notch entertainment.
In the titular role, Mahira breathes life into Razia, a character that serves as a powerful reflection of how patriarchy continues to wield influence over women’s lives in various aspects. Supported by moving performances from Mohib Mirza and Moomal Sheikh as her parents, the storyline revolves around Razia, an unwanted daughter in a family yearning for sons.
Sure, the premise might sound familiar, but Mohsin’s directorial finesse takes Razia’s character to new heights. With a perfect blend of punch and wit, Razia stands tall, refusing to be a victim of a discriminatory system. This isn’t your typical damsel in distress Razia portrays women as they truly are, sometimes defiant, and at other times, complicit. Among the plethora of TV offerings, fans can’t get enough of Mahira’s poignant narration and Shaheera Jalil’s exceptional debut, making Razia a series worth watching on repeat.
Kabuli Pulao:
No doubt, Kabuli Pulao stands tall as one of the best this year, captivating audiences far and wide with its unique narrative prowess. Under the creative guidance of writer Zafar Meraj and director Kashif Nisar, this drama weaves an unconventional love saga between Barbeena, a widowed Afghan refugee played by the talented Sabeena Farooq, and the middle-aged Pakistani Haji Mushtaq, portrayed by Muhammad Ehteshamuddin.
Bound by unusual circumstances into matrimony, the duo faces a barrage of challenges, from Mushtaq’s spurned childhood flame to an arrogant ASI officer and a scheming brother-in-law.
Mushtaq swiftly emerged as one of television’s cherished protagonists, embodying a rare blend of religious devotion and worldly wisdom. On the flip side, Sabeena’s nuanced performance beautifully encapsulates the struggles of countless refugees living in Pakistan.
The resounding acclaim, particularly for Sabeena, underscores the significance of bringing diverse stories to the forefront, challenging the tried-and-true norms of storytelling. In a narrative landscape often saturated with saas-bahu conflicts, Kabuli Pulao’s focus on refugees and resilient women is a breath of fresh air, marking a delightful departure from the norm.
Tere Bin:
If you’re a die-hard fan of Pakistani television dramas, chances are you’ve spotted the ensemble cast led by Wahaj Ali and Yumna Zaidi in the captivating roles of Murtasim and Meerab. With heavyweights like Bushra Ansari, Sohail Sameer, Sabeena Farooq, and more in supporting roles, this drama promised a star-studded experience.
Sure, Tere Bin might have cranked up the melodrama meter a tad too high, but let’s be real it’s a guilty pleasure that crossed borders for a reason. Breaking away from the usual clichés, Tere Bin brought us Murtasim, hailing from an influential feudal family in Hyderabad, and Meerab, a Karachi-bred dreamer with aspirations of donning the lawyer’s hat.
Amidst societal norms and familial expectations, Meerab’s quest for autonomy clashed with Murtasim’s reluctance to conform, adding layers of complexity to the storyline. Tere Bin deftly tackled themes of consent and compatibility, shining a spotlight on the importance of individual agency in life decisions.
Fairy Tale:
If you missed out on Fairy Tale this Ramazan, you might want to catch up ASAP. Directed by the talented Ali Hasan and penned by Sarah Majeed, Fairy Tale brought a breath of fresh air to Pakistani television with its charming mix of romance and comedy that lingered long after the Eid celebrations, airing its second season shortly after.
The vibrant Umeed, portrayed by the endearing Sehar Khan, is at the centre of this contemporary fairytale. She is determined to succeed no matter what. Add fate—played by the versatile Hamza Sohail as the pragmatist businessman Farjad—and you have the makings of a perfect recipe for a string of happy accidents. Fairy Tale reinvents the traditional relationship between a quirky heroine and a brooding hero. Think of Aditya and Geet’s famous first meeting in Jab We Met or the clever banter between Qabacha and Sanya in Tanhaiyaan.
Sehar’s skill at comedy timing and her tendency to get into situations that occasionally verge on selfishness give her character depth, and Hamza’s ability to play both humour and drama is evident in how well he navigates Farjad’s serious but often irritable demeanor. Amidst the mayhem, the side story romance between Sameer (Adnan Raza Mir) and Haya (Aena Khan) develops with a hint of order, which adds to Fairy Tale’s overall complexity and great entertainment value.