After Suno Chanda’s surprising success in 2018 as the first Ramadan special serial, we have seen multiple dramas come out every year. Some, like Chupke Chupke and Ishq Jalebi, managed to achieve the same level of success as Suno Chanda (if not more), while others often could not reach the mark.
Generally speaking, Ramadan dramas have always been a hit or a miss. Each year, the wait is either rewarded with a full package of romance, comedy, and lighthearted family banter or a forgettable 30-episode serial.
This year, too, multiple dramas are being aired on our television screens. While some people follow the serial with each new episode, others opt out and choose to binge-watch after Eid.
It can be somewhat taxing to go through each episode of multiple serials to decide which one to stick with for the month or to find out which story is your cup of tea. That is one of the reasons I took it upon myself this year to watch all four of the current on-air Ramadan special serials—to curate not only a thorough overview but also to lay out my personal first impressions.
The list of these dramas will be in order from least enjoyable to most enjoyable (in my opinion).
- Aas Paas
Aas Paas is a 7th Sky Entertainment project, airing on Geo Entertainment. It is produced by Abdullah Kadwani and Asad Qureshi, directed by Muhammad Iftikhar Iffi, and written by Samra Bukhari. The premise of the drama revolves around Arshia (played by Laiba Khan), who is juggling odd family dynamics. Her father, Ausaf (played by Afzal Khan), has married for the second time and is stuck between two households. On the other side is the male lead, Dr. Saham (played by Ali Ansari), carrying his own burdens. Expectedly, the story is about how their lives will intertwine.
First Impression:
Despite Aas Paas securing the highest number of views compared to the other three dramas, I have found it to be the least enjoyable of the batch. Forced comedy, coupled with the compulsion of portraying the female lead as an over-the-top loud character for her to be perceived as “strong-willed,” is nothing but off-putting. The overall acting of most of the cast is not helping either. I, personally, was not intrigued by the story enough to continue watching it. Not the best Ramadan drama Geo Entertainment has put out.
- My Dear Cinderella
My Dear Cinderella, airing on Hum TV, is produced by Momina Duraid Productions, directed by Mohsin Talat, and written by Hassan Imam. Sana (played by Zara Peerzada) is living with her two stepmothers, a grandmother, and a stepsibling. Our male lead is an aspiring doctor, Afrasyab (played by Khaqan Shahnawaz), who is to live in this household until he finds a hostel to move to.
First Impression:
With such family dynamics, one would expect a certain level of toxicity between these characters (given that this is a Pakistani drama). However, to my pleasant surprise, the bond within this family is nothing but sweet. The male lead is also not an annoying doormat but a fun character. The show is enjoyable, but here’s the catch—only if you put it on 2x speed. That way, the acting becomes bearable, specifically that of the leads. Otherwise, it is a show you can put on in the background while completing chores.
- Ishq Di Chashni
Ishq Di Chashni is airing on Green Entertainment. It is produced by Tehreem Chaudhary, directed by Shahid Shafaat, and written by Sadia Siddiqa. The show revolves around an only child, Shehryar (played by Khushal Khan), and, on the other side, Rakshi (played by Sehar Khan), who has been brought up in a chaotic joint family. Rakshi wants to open her own mithai shop, while Shehryar wants to run his own restaurant. They get caught up in ambition, competition, and possibly companionship.
First Impression:
Even though I expected Ishq Di Chashni to be a feast (judging by its teasers), it has come close to My Dear Cinderella in terms of enjoyability. But, unlike My Dear Cinderella, the problem with Ishq Di Chashni does not essentially lie in the acting. While the comedy at times feels contrived, the editing and direction also seem choppy, which affects the pace of the serial. The enjoyable part, however, is the plot, which is the only thing keeping me engaged with the show.
- Dil Wali Gali Mein
Dil Wali Gali Mein, airing on Hum TV, is produced by Momina Duraid Productions, directed by Kashif Nisar, and written by Zafar Mairaj. It is essentially a simple story of college sweethearts, Deeju and Mujji (played by Sajal Ali and Hamza Sohail), who get married and then get caught up in family rivalry.
First Impression:
While cousin marriage is not something I endorse or prefer watching in dramas, the premise of Dil Wali Gali Mein and the way it is handled make the serial not only enjoyable but also thought-provoking. The show highlights concepts such as privacy, mutual respect for boundaries, and the absurdity of intimacy between married couples being perceived as taboo in our society. These aspects of the show also make it a bit more solemn than what one would expect from a Ramadan serial.
While there is a comedic element to the drama, it is done in a satirical manner, often relying on situational comedy. And even though this is drawing most of the audience away from the show, I perceive it as a possible redefinition of Ramadan dramas.
Out of these four, which Ramadan drama are you enjoying the most?
