Standing by the story

After taking the decision to pull the plug on the long-awaited Barzakh following the tidal wave of backlash against controversial themes explored in the show, director Asim Abbasi took to X to share a heartwarming tribute to those who had supported his vision.

"No story of mine is worth more than the safety of all the beautiful, talented artists who came together to craft it," expressed Abbasi on X. "So this decision really is for the best. For all those who have showered us with love, I hope you enjoy the finale! And remember - stories never die. #Barzakh."

On Tuesday, Zindagi announced the removal of its hit series from YouTube Pakistan starting August 9, aiming for the twin goal of both acquiescing to those who objected to the show but simultaneously leaving fans with enough time to catch the finale, which aired on August 6.

"We, at Zindagi and Team Barzakh, extend our heartfelt gratitude to our global audience for their unwavering support," read the message. "But in light of the current public sentiment in Pakistan, we have decided to voluntarily withdraw Barzakh from YouTube Pakistan, effective August 9, 2024. This decision underscores our dedication to honouring our audiences without causing alienation. We sincerely appreciate your understanding and continued support. Thank you."

Seeing things within context

The decision to remove Barzakh from YouTube has highlighted how polarising unconventional content can be when presented to local audiences. Prior to its release, fans had been eagerly anticipating the arrival of the show, in particular due to the popular collaboration (yet again) of A-listers Fawad Khan and Sanam Saeed. However, with viewers expressing widescale horror online at the provocative themes portrayed in Barzakh, veteran actor Rubina Ashraf rose to defend shows that portray potentially problematic content.

Speaking to a local news outlet, Ashraf explained that the content shown in films and dramas is an accurate portrayal of the all-pervading issues in reality. According to Ashraf, people assume that the trends in society occur as a result of what is being promoted in the media when in actual fact, the opposite is true.

"We show a reflection of society, not the other way round," remarked the Hasrat actor. "Yes, people are against it. But we have also shown incest and abortions and relationships - we have shown them because it is happening. We are not teaching it to you."

Ashraf pointed out that social media has made fans more trigger-happy than they were in the days preceding the internet, but urged them to use shows as a tool to educate themselves, rather than merely expressing dissent online.

"A drama just shows what is happening," pointed out Ashraf. "You burying your head in the sand will not end those practices. This is our society. Do you know what is happening around you? Please concentrate on those things. Protect the people in your own circle."

Meanwhile, actor and model Zhalay Sarhadi took to social media to film a video of herself speaking to her audience, lambasting so-called 'cancel culture'. "You guys want to boycott everything instantly, but artists don't deserve this," stated the Chalay Thay Sath actor, looking visibly frustrated. Defending her own stance of refusing to put down the show, Sarhadi added, "Artists should not say anything negative about another artist. Obviously there are some things in the show that even I don't agree with, but to slate an artist is wrong."

Sarhadi went on to illustrate that artists themselves had very little control over how any particular project unfolded. "The prevalent emotion on socials is hate. I know you think we are responsible for scriptwriting, direction, money, for shaping a nation – but we aren't." Venting her anger at viewers who criticise artists, Sarhadi concluded, "I think you should all boycott everyone and shut down the industry once and for all.

Exploring unchartered territory

Earlier, actor Nadia Khan had heaped praise upon Barzakh and urged viewers to watch what promised to be an explosive show. Speaking to a local news outlet, Khan had said, "The show follows international rules. The language and clothing are all different, so those who are used to international dramas will appreciate the different themes."

According to Khan, what set Barzakh apart was the unique direction the narrative had taken.

"It's really good for people who are fed up of weddings, divorce, and the 'saas-bahu' trope," she noted. "We can't seem to get out of those themes, and whenever we have tried to come up with a mystery, we have failed."

However, the backlash against Barzakh has been real. Celebrities such Maria B have threatened to take legal action against the project for its allegedly immoral themes and Mishi Khan has accused those involved in the show of "selling your soul". Other viewers, too, have expressed their outrage at what they consider blasphemous themes. For example, after Abbasi's statement on X about removing the show, whilst some users expressed sorrow that such ideas could not be explored without the threat of violence, others registered their disapproval that the show existed in the first place.

"This guy purposely makes controversial content," wrote one user. Citing Abbasi's previous projects the commenter added, "Look at Churails. Both that and this latest vulgar production was financed by a production company from [from India]. Make good quality art [which is] meaningful and in line with local culture."

However, despite the show about to disappear from Pakistani screens shortly, there is still a portion of audiences who appreciate art for art's sake.

"I forgot to say this but thank you Asim!" wrote one grateful user. "For standing your ground and not giving in to hate by removing it instantly. For giving Pakistanis, who have supported and loved the show enough time to watch all of it. That's a huge win in and of itself, which no one can take away from you."

Court case or no court case, one thing is clear: no one can accuse 'Barzakh' of slipping quietly under the rug, relegated to the distant shores of forgotten shows.