Pakistani dramas are the best in terms of storyline, cinematography, and showcase of social issues of Pakistan. Due to all these and more reasons, they are well-liked by audiences in Pakistan and abroad. But, the characters and the narratives are so short-lived that the viewers get saddened towards the end of Pakistani dramas. Keeping the love of the audience in consideration, many drama makers decide to make Pakistani drama sequels to bring their favourite characters and familiar narratives to the audience. Are these sequels successful in Pakistan or they are just a failed attempt to gain the rating?
Pakistani Drama Sequels History
Recently, Pakistani drama viewers praised the drama serials Fairy Tale and Tere Bin. The hype was so great that the fans requested for season 2. Therefore, to keep the viewers happy, the producers announced the sequels of these Pakistani dramas. Well, this is not happening for the first time in Pakistan. Let’s take a look at the past when we got some of the hit sequels of dramas.
Khuda Aur Muhabbat
Khuda Aur Muhabbat has not gotten one but two sequels and all of the seasons have been well-received by the audience. Different directors have directed the three seasons Anjum Shahzad directed season 1, Ali Usama worked in Season 2 and Syed Wajahat Hussain directed season 3. This series is the favourite of many because of the compelling narratives, fan-favourite actors, and melodious and heart-touching OSTs.
The narrative revolves around the spiritual journey of the characters in attaining love. The first two seasons cast Imran Abbas and Sadia Khan as Hammad and Iman. It showed how their social class difference became an obstacle in their love and Hammad’s journey onto a spiritual path. The third season revolves around the story of Mahi and Farhad played by Iqra Aziz and Feroze Khan. It narrated the idea of religion for the young generation, love, loss, family pressures, social class, and incomplete love story.
Suno Chanda
Suno Chanda is the pioneer of the rom-com Ramdan transmission. It reached the heights of success due to the cute bickering between Ajiya and Arsal played by Iqra Aziz and Farhan Saeed. The first season was about these two cousins who live in a joint family and how they are forced to get married. After their nikkah, they turn from bitterest enemies to lovers. The first season of Suno Chanda was very entertaining mixed with love, humour, and family life.
The sequel of Suno Chanda continued with the story of Arsal and Ajiya after their wedding. They continued to fight and love each other. It was entertaining but the storyline was not attractive to many. Fans believed that season 2 was just a drag to the plot of season 1 without anything new. It was like by the audience but could not meet the success of Suno Chanda season.
Mere Saaien
Mere Saaein portrayed the feudal lord system of the tribal areas of Pakistan. It revolved around the story of Malik Wajahat (Nouman Ijaz) who urged to get a male heir. In his pursuit to get a male heir, he deteriorated the lives of many women. Shazmeen (Sunita Marshal married this polygamous man in order to bring change in the lives of women. However, she ends up getting shattered and hopeless.
The second season followed the story of Shazmeen and Naina, the two living wives of Malik Wajahat. They two were best friends but turned into bitterest enemies and got involved in family politics.
Bandish
Where the Pakistani drama industry revolved around love stories and social issues, there was a gap in it. That gap was in the horror genre which was filled by Bandish drama. It was a horror story which scared the viewers to the bones. After its successful reception, the writers Syed Nabeel and Shahid Nizami along with director Aabis Raza presented the sequel of this Pakistani drama. Both of the seasons are stand-alone watches but season 2 is not as horror as the season 1 set the expectations. Bandish 2 concerns black magic, family politics, a love story and lesser horror element.
Sang-e-Mar Mar
The stand-alone series Sang-e-Mar Mar focused on the tribal areas of the Pashtun side of Pakistan. It followed the ritual of objectification of women as compensation for murder. Actors like Kubra Khan, Nouman Ijaz, Mikaal Zulfiqar, Sania Saeed, and Omair Rana did an amazing job. It was liked by the viewers due to a different yet realistic storyline.
It was followed by Sang-e-Mah as one of the best Pakistani Drama sequels. Sang-e-Maah casted Nouman Ijaz, Sania Saeed, Samiya Mumtaz, Atif Aslam, Kubra Khan, Hania Amir, and Zaviyar Nouman. It was a drama series set in the tribal areas of Pakistan and followed the same concerns regarding women. Just like Sang-e-Mar Mar, Sang-e-Maah also became one of the top 10 Pakistani dramas.
Upcoming Pakistani Drama Sequels
The success of sequels depends upon the success of the dramas. However, it is not promised that the sequels will turn out to be a success. To keep it away from failure, the makers have to focus on the plotlines, characters’ choices, and direction. If the dramas seem to drag the useless narratives just because season 1 was famous, it may be the biggest turn-off. Recently, there is a big announcement of the Pakistani drama sequels of the two hit projects. Know more here.
Tere Bin
Recently, Tere Bin became hype all over the internet. The popularity was so massive that it reached 3 billion views on YouTube. Within only 58 episodes of Tere Bin, the on-screen chemistry of Murtasim and Meerab and the cunningness of Haya grabbed everyone’s attention. The love-hate saga ended on a happy note which made the fans happy. However, the ending left them in despair that they would not see their best on-screen couple again.
To cater to the request of the fans, the directors announced the sequel which seems completely unnecessary because the drama wrapped up finally. To drag it unnecessarily would be to risk it. Let’s see how it turns out.
Fairy Tale
The story of Umeed and Farjad and Haya and Sameer became a routine watch for viewers during Ramadan 2023. It was a laughter-filled journey that encapsulated the love tales in a perfect way. The makers have dropped a few teasers of the sequels that involve the same cast. Fans of Fairy Tale are looking forward to the romantic chemistry between the lead couple of Hamza Sohail and Sehar Khan. As far as the teaser show, the sequel seems to be entertaining and filled with fun.
Conclusion
The history of Pakistani drama sequels is right in front of the audience who have seen some hits as well as failures. To make these upcoming sequels a success, the makers need to put a little more attention to the making. Else, the hype and love are at risk of shattering.
