Underworld romp, sizzling chemistry: Pakistani dramas worth clearing your schedule for
Ready to ditch your usual TV routine and dive into something that’ll have you glued to your screen? We’ve scoured the drama landscape and found four shows that are anything but predictable. Forget the same old plotlines and prepare for a whirlwind of fresh twists and turns, starring the best of small screen’s acting talent.
Whether you’re craving intense social commentary, a rollercoaster of emotions, psychological intrigue, or a stylish underworld romp, these dramas are about to become your new obsessions. So, pop that popcorn and get ready to binge-watch your way through the ultimate drama fix!
Zard Patton Ka Bunn
If you're hunting for a drama that doesn’t just hit the usual notes, Zard Patton Ka Bunn is your next binge. Sajal Ali, shedding her glamorous veneer, plays Meenu, a village girl who’s on a quest to become the first woman from her village to attend university. Her portrayal is raw and riveting, making you cheer for her against all odds. Hamza Sohail complements her perfectly as Dr Nofil, a doctor with a poetic soul who defies his privileged background.
Never shying from gritty realities, the series tackles everything from population control to gender-based violence with a mix of humour and honesty. The supporting cast, including stalwarts like Rehan Sheikh and Samiya Mumtaz, is an added plus that makes every scene feel alive.
Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum
After nearly a decade away from the drama scene, Fahad Mustafa makes a great comeback in a romance still relatively new to Pakistani TV. Hania Aamir, Javed Sheikh, Bushra Ansari, Emmad Irfani and many more join Fahad in an amazing line-up. With Farhat Ishtiaq’s writing and Badar Mehmood’s direction, the drama promises a rollercoaster of emotions that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
At its core, Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum plays with the opposites attract trope, featuring Fahad as Mustafa—a laid-back, video game-obsessed youngest sibling—paired with Hania’s Sharjeena, a book-loving nerd with a gentle yet fierce personality. Add to that mix the self-centred elder brother Adeel, his assertive boss Rubab, and a supportive family, and you just know you’re in for a treat.
Kaisi Hai Ye Ruswai
Another Hania Aamir-starrer, Kaisi Hai Ye Ruswai reunites the star with her fan-favourite Mere Humsafar co-star, Farhan Saeed. Under the visionary direction of Wajahat Rauf, the drama’s intimate storytelling is made all the more profound by late Asma Nabeel’s writing. The veteran, who completed the script just before her passing, is bound to sway many with her last offering.
Starring Hania, Farhan, Kinza Hashmi, and Bushra Ansari, the drama explores dark underbelly of societal norms and personal integrity. The plot is a maze of deception and revelation, exposing the gritty realities of how society judges and rejects those who dare to defy its expectations. For those craving a domestic storyline with a dash of original, Kaisi Hai Ye Ruswai is one to mark on your watchlist.
Gentleman
When a drama like Gentleman drops, boasting Pakistan’s top stars and a larger-than-life ambition, it’s impossible not to sit up and take notice. Directed by Haissam Hussain and penned by Khalilur Rehman Qamar, the drama features Humayun Saeed as Iqbal Munna, navigating the dangerous turf of Korangi's underworld with both charm and menace with Adnan Siddiqui playing the ruthless villain, Rehmati Bhai. Munna’s interactions with Ahmad Ali Butt's Dilbar add a layer of dark humour reminiscent of iconic duo dynamics.
Meanwhile, Yumna Zaidi’s portrayal of Zarnab, a determined journalist, is as captivating as it is fierce, contrasting sharply with Sohai Ali Abro’s Mifra, whose obsession with Faris, an assistant commissioner played by Zahid Ahmed, adds another twist to the intricate love triangle. Although, the action-packed thrills you might expect from a gangster series are somewhat muted, the drama’s suspense and character-driven narrative offer plenty to keep you hooked.
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