“Barzakh,” a new series directed and written by Asim Abbasi, is making waves in the entertainment world.
Known for his work on the film Cake and the web series Churails, Abbasi brings together a star-studded cast including Fawad Khan, Sanam Saeed, Muhammad Fawad Khan, Khushhal Khan, Uzma Beg, and Salman Shahid. The series is set against the stunning backdrop of northern Pakistan.
So far, three episodes of Barzakh have been released on YouTube. The first episode has achieved 2.6 million views, while the second and third episodes have garnered around 1 million and 586,000 views, respectively. This viewership is comparatively low given the high ratings of other Pakistani dramas like Jaan Nisar, which can reach 6 million views in just six hours. This discrepancy has raised eyebrows, particularly given the show’s strong cast and the success of Zindagi Gulzar Hai.
Recently, Barzakh has faced criticism from some viewers who believe the show promotes LGBTQ themes in a way that clashes with their values. One fan took to social media, urging a boycott and accusing Abbasi of glorifying LGBTQ issues. Abbasi responded by defending his creative choices, suggesting that those uncomfortable with queer storylines should avoid his content. He emphasized his commitment to telling diverse stories and highlighted that his team stands firmly behind their portrayal of LGBTQ characters.
