Sanam Saeed and Fawad Khan’s highly-anticipated new show for Zee Zindagi is finally here!
For the longest time, I’ve wondered why Pakistan hasn’t been able to produce original content for OTT platforms. Especially when you see anything from across the border—despite sometimes average content—airing on major platforms like Netflix or Prime. So, why is it so difficult for Pakistan to create work that can sell on these platforms?
Watching the first episode of Barzakh made me question this even more! Written and directed by Asim Abbasi, known for Cake and Churails, and produced by Shailja Kejriwal, the show stars Fawad Khan, Sanam Saeed, M Fawad Khan (yes, there are two Fawad Khans in Barzakh), Salman Shahid, Khushhal Khan, Sajid Hasan, Uzma Beg, and Nighat Choudhry. Considering the quality of this work was 80% Pakistani (except for the production), I wonder when we’ll create more content for a global audience, not just our own.
Plot Overview
The plot is set in the mountains or the ‘Land of Nowhere’ amidst stunning fall imagery from Hunza, Pakistan. The story tells the tale of Jafar Khanzada (played by Salman Shahid), who is determined to marry for the third time, this time to the ghost of his first true love, Mehtab, who passed away 60 years ago.
Jafar summons his sons from his first two marriages—Shehryar (Fawad Khan), a widower with a nine-year-old son, and Saifullah (M Fawad Khan)—to join his celebrations, which will take place atop a mountain. Both sons come with their own baggage. Sanam Saeed plays Scheherezade, the manager of Mahtab Mahal, a luxurious estate with a dubious past.
Atmosphere and Cinematography
Abbasi’s storytelling transforms the picturesque Hunza Valley into a mysterious otherworldly zone between life and the afterlife, capturing the essence of “Barzakh”. The beauty of Barzakh lies in the perfection of the cast choice, their performances, the storytelling and character development, the direction, and the set design. The writing and direction are particularly strong, with Asim Abbasi deserving immense credit for his work.
Mo Azmi’s beautiful cinematography blends lighting, colors, and hues to perfection, making the sets and characters look stunning in every frame.
Performances
Saeed and Fawad Khan are compelling in their roles, as expected. M Fawad Khan holds his own, showcasing his character’s emotional baggage. Salman Shahid delivers an outstanding performance in a unique and interesting role, while Sajid Hassan adds to the intrigue with his short but compelling appearance in the first episode.
Saeed’s narration of the plot doubles the mysterious element and adds a theatrical charm to Barzakh.
Looking Forward
While the first episode was rich and packed with detail, the next few episodes will unravel the mysteries and questions in viewers’ minds. I, for one, can’t wait for Tuesday!
New episodes of Barzakh air every Friday and Tuesday on Zee Zindagi’s YouTube channel.
