Ramadan has started with moon sighting, iftar trays, ramadan corners, sehri preparations and much more. For better or worse, Pakistani Ramadan dramas have become a tradition. Suno Chanda started the trend and we have seen some good and not-so-good dramas follow. The Pakistani Ramadan dramas run over the 30 days of Ramadan with a new episode everyday. Really loved Ishq Jalebi from two years ago which was written by Saima Akram Chaudry. She has also become a staple of Pakistani Ramadan dramas along with huge multi-generational families, cousin marriages, social media star presence and child stars. We have four Pakistani Ramadan dramas in the 2023 lineup and here is a quick review based on first impressions.
I saw the first two episodes of all the four dramas so that you don’t have to! Here is a pros and cons list to help you make the decision of which one to start.
Pakistani Ramadan Dramas Review 2023
1. Chand Tara Review
This one stars Ayeza Khan as a doctor and her husband Danish Taimur as the love interest. This year this is the only Ramadan drama written by Saima Akram Chaudhry.
Pros:
- Some Aun Zara feels where the girl wants a bigger family and the guy is sick of his overbearing family members.
- If you liked Chupke Chupke you will like this one.
- Loving Saba Faisal as a doctor. She always aces her character personification from the dressing, tone and hair style.
- Danish Nawaz is the director (and also acting) and the drama has his style. Again same Chupke Chupke/Kala Doriya feels.
- Like the role of Danish’s sister Mala who is tom boyish.
- Chand Tara is set in a hospital environment and it’s nice to see a professional setting for a change.
[Also on the blog: BOOK REVIEW OF UNMARRIAGEABLE BY SONIAH KAMAL]
Cons:
- Why does Tara need to refer to herself in third person as Tara? Exactly like Meenu in Chupke Chupke and Pari in Chaudry and sons. Also that “signature style” line is tiresome.
- Same big khandaan on Saarim’s side. Thankfully at least there is no cousin romance.
- Why is everyone on a caffeine overdose in a Saima Chaudry drama and always spewing out “word play jumlay”
Fairy Tale Ramadan Drama Review
Pros:
- Fairy Tale is a fresh story where the girl is ambitious (but stupid) and the boy (played very well by Hamza Sohail) is serious, successful and focused. Hamza Sohail looks awesome!
- Adnan Raza Mir (Ahad’s brother)‘s accent has been covered well with a back story.
- There seems to be a connection with Ramazan because the story starts with the 1st of Ramazan.
- Love the backyard of the house they show!
Cons:
- Another cousin romance for the second pair.
- I haven’t warmed up to the lead ladies.
- Hope the silliness doesn’t go overboard.
Heer da Hero Ramadan Drama
Pros:
- I think Amar Khan has great potential as a writer.
- You will like this one if you like big Punjabi loud dramas such as Chaudry and Sons (but this one is definitely more Over The Top): There is andoor lahore, jugatein, dances, emotions etc etc.
- Production quality is quite high and cinematic.
Cons:
- Stereotyping of punjabis, same TiKTok star, angry Punjabi man etc.
- Can be a lot for the senses. I feel this one is catering to a worldwide Punjabi audience.
Teray Anay Se Ramadan Drama
Pros:
- The support cast is awesome! love Shamim Hilali and Salman Shahid.
- Plays on the same Punjabi sentiment, so folks who like this will enjoy this drama. I think there is an urdu speaking family also, but not sure.
Cons:
- Huge cast and too many characters. I have no idea who’s who.
- Same strong willed girl who is out against the world. Show me something new!
- Both geo’s Ramadan dramas are quite similar. The weakest one of all the ramzan dramas I think.
[Also on the blog: PAKISTANI DRAMAS WITH STRONG FEMALE CHARACTERS]
So, this was my initial review of the Pakistani Ramadan dramas for 2023. Which ones are you watching or planning to watch?