Top 10 Pakistani Dramas of 2019
The Pakistani television industry, known for its progressive social themes, has been consistently producing many hit shows over the years. Most of them have poignant themes, focusing on contemporary issues. A shining example would be that of Zindagi Gulzar Hai (2012-13) with its strong female lead, or 2015’s highest rated serial, Diyar-e-Dil which had a dysfunctional family as it’s crux.
In this article, we will list the top ten most talked about shows of 2019. If you disagree or have a different recommendation, leave us a comment below!
10. Cheekh
Cheekh, which literally means scream in Urdu, created some big waves at the beginning of 2019. The story revolves around the murder of a girl who belongs to a lower income class family, and portrays how the rich subvert the law and justice system to their benefit. Reviews of the show commend the performance of the cast. Bilal Abbas transforms from his usual guy-next-door look to a fearsome villain on the show, widening his character arc on the series. The cast includes Saba Qammar, Emmad Irfani, Aijaz Aslam and Azekah Daniel amongst others. The average rating of the show during the first two weeks was a phenomenal 7.4. We’d say it was literally screaming to be seen.
9. Do Bol
This unusual love story revolves around two individuals who come from very different backgrounds but are destined to spend their whole lives with each other.
The protagonist Gaiti Ara, played by Hira Mani, is a beautiful girl from a rich upper-class family who falls in love with Sameer, a young educated and charming character played by Haroon Shahid. However a twist of fate leads to a forced marriage between Gaiti and Badar, who is an ordinary, middle class guy. We loved watching this story unfold after Gaiti swore to never accept her marriage to Badar, which is why we think it deserves a spot on this list!
8. Kaisa Hai Naseeban
Kaisa Hai Naseeban is a powerful take on the South Asian dowry system, which often results in lifelong abuse after marriage. This show, written by Uzma Gillani, aired on ARY digital and the cast includes Ramsha Khan, Muneeb Butt and Uzma Gillani. The story revolves around Mariam and Ahmed’s relationship, and the domestic abuse that Mariam faces throughout. Kaisa Hai Naseeban shifts its focus from domestic abuse to the stigma around divorce towards the end of the show. It deals with a lot of delicate issues in a careful and thorough manner, giving screen time to each adequately. Sometimes a tear-jerker, this show is definitely a must watch on our list.
7. Anaa
Anaa, which literally means “ego” in Urdu, focuses on a climatic love story which has disastrous consequences for the two families involved. Produced by MD Productions, the show stars Shehzad Sheikh (of Karachi to Lahore fame) as Areesh and Hania Amir (of the 2016 movie Janaan) as Daneen. Anaa shines a spotlight on people who own their individuality and their uniqueness and in return are not liked very much for just being themselves. The TRP ratings of the show were low, ranging between 3.5-4.5 but Hania Amir's remarkable performance as Daneen was widely appreciated.
6. Alif
Alif, which is the first letter in the Arabic alphabet, is a complex show with intricate characters played by Hamza Ali Abbasi, Sajay Aly, and Kubra Khan. Through out the show, the letter Alif symbolises the bond of an individual with God Almighty. The show is based on the book of the same name, which is written by Umera Ahmed. The show has many themes, dealing with emotional trauma, societal pressure, and career goals. Whew! The less said about the show in this list is better. Watch it to believe it. It almost feels like a movie.
5. Meer Abru
Number five on our list is Meer Abru, a love story about two people who belong to very different classes of society. Abru (Sanam Chaudhry) is a middle-class girl, trying to earn an honest living for her family while Meer (Noor Hassan) is the owner of a giant group of industries. How the two meet and deal with their relationship forms the focal point of the show. It ran from April to August 2019. The musical score, OST and the alap of Meer Abru has got a lot of praise from audiences and critics alike. What we liked about the show is the no-nonsense drama and realistic approach to life like situations.
4. Khaas
Khaas, which literally means special in Urdu, is another hit from MD Productions. The story revolves around Saba Faraz (Sanam Baloch), who is a confident and ambitious young woman Ammar Saud (Ali Rehman Khan), an equally confident but extremely self-involved man. Ammar falsely chams Saba and convinces her to marry him, only to show his true colors after the vows. How Saba navigates through all of this forms the basis of the 27 episodes.
3. Koi Chand Rakh
This cliched story failed to bring anything new to the table. A boring plot and poor characterization makes Koi Chand Rakh an unfavourable addition to the list. The show was met with high commercial success but a lot of negative critique.The lead cast includes Ayeza Khan, Imran Abbas, Areeba Habib, and Muneeb Butt as Dr. Rabail. Zain, Areeba, and Umair, respectively. High ratings place this show at number three on our list but don’t take our word on it, go watch and tell us how you feel!
2. Inkaar
Number two on our list is the incredible show, Inkaar. In these especially politically turbulent times, the show stands out for it’s direct take on widespread corruption and a flawed judicial system. Inkaar follows the plight and suffering of a brave university student Hajra (played by Yumna Zaidi) who sets out to fight against these oppressive systems. Watching the show, both angers and inspires you at the same time and we 100% recommend it!
1. Deedan
Numero uno on our list is the inspirational show Deedan. Written by Attiya Dawood, the shows stars Sanam Saeed and Mohib Mirza in leading roles. Deedan tells the story of two friends from a rural village: One girl finds fortune in the big city while the other is forced to remain in the mountains. The show deals with patriarchy and how two women want to be treated as equals, and not as objects. It is powerful and raw at the same time and a highly recommended watch.
