First episode of ‘Badshah Begum’ garners mixed reviews by fans

While some loved the performances and set, others were offended by lack of trigger warnings and a typical storyline

Entertainment Desk March 02, 2022

The Khizer Idrees directorial political period drama, Badshah Begum, aired its first episode starring Zara Noor Abbas, Farhan Saeed, Ali Rehman Khan and Yasir Hussain in pivotal roles. Penned by Saji Gul, the dynastic politics drama took Twitter by a storm with netizens raging about the convincing ruthlessness of the characters and the depth in their personalities, with a spotlight on Saeed’s acting versatility shining through the episode with his Pir avatar.

The first episode of #BadshahBegum is gripping with family politics & the quest for power as the central focus. #FarhanSaeed & #YasirHussain’s performances stand out, along with #SamanAnsari. The ruthlessness of these characters make this a show to look out for! #PakistaniDramas pic.twitter.com/PRKH4Bgny5
— SophiaQ (@SophiaAQ) March 2, 2022

Not even a slight hint that this is the same person who was being casted in light-hearted comic dramas for past 3 years. Brilliant show of Fàrhan Saeed versatility #FarhanSaeed #PirShahzaib #badshahbegum pic.twitter.com/uu9C7qcGCs
— PageNo70 (@PageNo70) March 1, 2022

However while the episode gathered praise for its gripping storyline, fans were disappointed for its lack of trigger warnings given the amount of violence displayed in the series. Abbas, essaying the titular role of Jehan Ara, recites an English poem in the episode that did not sit well with the masses. Another major setback, just from the first episode, was how the two royal siblings are chasing after the same man.

Honestly I'm not the biggest fan of the sister rivalry showed in our dramas. Both the sisters fighting for the same man is just a cheap plot point. #BadshahBegum
— abi 🎼 (@nczenie_) March 2, 2022

Khan and Abbas playing college students was also a bit over the top for netizens.

Ali Rehman Khan and Zara Noor donot look like university students at all!!#BadshahBegum
— abi 🎼 (@nczenie_) March 2, 2022

It seems like the episode pulled the viewers in for its intriguing character sketches and royal setting, but will it be able to hold the attention with an authentic experience of power and politics in a fantastical world?

Here’s what netizens had to say about the first episode.

Again a different script quiet and engaging 1st episode #FarhanSaeed has given quite mixture
performance .
I don't know but I have gut feeling Yasir Hussain act would be very entertaining in the coming episodes.
#FarhanSaeed #PirShahzaib #BadshahBegum pic.twitter.com/PDRDsTbXV2
— Zainab Fatima💫 (@abrooo_e_zainab) March 2, 2022

#BadshahBegum was interesting 🤩
Loved Farhaan and Yasir❤️‍🔥✋Never seen them like this🙈
Zara has so much grace n class✨
Except, nobody looks like a college student please😂😭
Rest seems nice 🤟🏻Will definitely watch more ; )
— Soumya🧘‍♀️ (@high_ishk) March 2, 2022

His Eyes Speaks Thousands of Emotions ✨

The way he SAID
" Mazlum ki Wafadaari tabh tak h jab tak us ka Pait bhaara hua ha"

His Dialogues are Very Powerful he delivers It SOO Brilliantly.

HE is setting The bar soo High for OTHERS 👑 AS ALWAYS #farhansaeed #badshahbegum pic.twitter.com/3aGPP2kpNu
— Meg🐯 (@WANDERERLUSTER) March 2, 2022

Think I might even rewatch the first episode of Badshah Begum before the next one, feel like you need to keep an eye on every single person in a frame!
— . (@splendeurr) March 1, 2022

Seriously, what was that?