Mark your calendars! The highly anticipated series "Barzakh," starring top Pakistani actors Fawad Khan and Sanam Saeed, is set to premiere on July 19 on Zindagi’s YouTube channel and ZEE5 Global.
A Stellar Production Team
This six-episode series is produced by Waqas Hassan and Shailja Kejriwal for Zindagi, the Indian subcontinent-focused programming block on ZEE5 Global. The series is directed by the critically acclaimed Asim Abbasi, known for his work on Zindagi’s first Pakistani original “Churails” and the feature film “Cake,” which was Pakistan’s entry for the 2019 Oscars.
A Unique Narrative in a Stunning Setting
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Hunza Valley, captured by DoP Mo Azmi, "Barzakh" tells the story of a reclusive 76-year-old man who invites his estranged family to his remote valley resort for an unusual event – his wedding to the ghost of his first love. This intriguing premise prompts reflections on life’s mysteries, the afterlife, and the enduring power of love.
Exploring Deep Themes
"Barzakh" delves into significant themes such as mental health, postpartum depression, generational trauma, and gender inclusivity. The series also explores the role of folklore in human experience, adding a layer of depth and mystique to the narrative.
Star-Studded Cast
Reuniting for the first time since their hit show “Zindagi Gulzar Hai,” Fawad Khan and Sanam Saeed lead an impressive ensemble cast that includes Salman Shahid, M. Fawad Khan, Eman Suleman, Khushhal Khan, Faiza Gillani, Anika Zulfikar, and Franco Giusti.
Director’s Vision and Inspiration
Director Asim Abbasi shared insights into the making of "Barzakh":
“The process of making ‘Barzakh’ started during the throes of COVID and the pandemic. Shailja and I were having a lot of conversations about life and death and to have lived and to have a legacy and have meant to lose so many people. It also reminded me of my own father’s passing and his soul, where did they go, that’s how the idea of ‘Barzakh’ germinated. I had then just recently completed ‘Churails’ and Zindagi was quite keen on collaborating with me again, and this made me think that I can explore television the way literature is explored. I also wanted to move away from the hyper realness I had created in ‘Churails’ and wanted to create a dysfunctional family and generational drama similar to what we had created in ‘Cake.'”
A Journey Beyond the Ordinary
“Love, loss, death, and the world beyond are explored in ‘Barzakh,'” Abbasi added. “Shailja has championed this and supported me in creating this show as I envisioned it. Zindagi as producers allowed me the freedom that honestly no other platform would’ve provided. I think as a storyteller, director, and writer I’m always looking to tell a story that is authentic to me and can transcend to my viewers. The only thing I want my audiences to take away from ‘Barzakh’ is to have a better understanding of relationships, humanity, and the fact that this life is just a part of the much bigger picture. The lives that we have lost, have not gone forever.”
Behind the Scenes
Kejriwal added: “After ‘Churails,’ Asim and I both spoke of doing something simpler, more contained, more about family and personal issues. And then came the synopsis that read – A wedding invite. A dead bride. A family reunion where ghosts arrive. The story was about a family, about love, about loss, about guilt, about anger – all the family issues. But what it also had was fairies and ghosts and myths and red moon nights and paper balls raining down from the sky. It was the most amazing thing that I had read, and it reminded me of Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s work. Now comes the tough part. Asim’s story defied all audience research and data – and I had to choose between head and heart. I’m happy with my choice, praying fervently for the audience to like it as well.”
A Collaborative Effort
Producer Hassan reflected on the experience: “Creating the ‘Barzakh’ universe with Asim and Shailja was a milestone. Working with an international partner broadened horizons for Pakistani filmmakers, showcasing their ability to meet global standards. From constructing villages to forging lifelong friendships, ‘Barzakh’ embodies a heartfelt project ready to captivate audiences worldwide.”
FAQs
Q: When will "Barzakh" be released?
A: "Barzakh" will be available for streaming worldwide on Zindagi’s YouTube channel and ZEE5 Global from July 19.
Q: Who are the main actors in "Barzakh"?
A: The series stars Fawad Khan and Sanam Saeed, reuniting for the first time since their hit show “Zindagi Gulzar Hai.”
Q: What is the premise of "Barzakh?
A: The story revolves around a 76-year-old man who invites his estranged family to his remote valley resort for his wedding to the ghost of his first love, exploring themes of love, loss, and the afterlife.
Q: Who directed "Barzakh?
A: The series is directed by Asim Abbasi, known for his work on “Churails” and “Cake.”
Q: Where is "Barzakh" set?
A: The series is set against the stunning backdrop of the Hunza Valley.
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