The highly anticipated trailer for “Barzakh” has finally been released, offering a glimpse into this mystical creation. Directed by Asim Abbasi, the visionary behind “Churails” and “Cake,” “Barzakh” blends magical realism with supernatural fantasy in a family reunion setting, promising an unforgettable narrative. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Hunza Valley, “Barzakh” invites viewers into a world where the ordinary meets the extraordinary.
The trailer provides a sneak peek into the poignant journey of a 76-year-old man who shocks his estranged children and grandchildren by announcing his wedding to the ghost of his first true love. This unconventional event sparks emotional revelations and confrontations as family members gather, unsure whether to celebrate or intervene.
“Barzakh” intricately weaves together folklore against the stunning Hunza Valley backdrop, revealing a mystical world where everyone is interconnected. Amidst the turmoil, a haunting question lingers: “When all has withered, will love endure?”
The word “Barzakh” means barrier or hindrance in Arabic, which is portrayed in the trailer as the elderly man yearns to be reunited with his first love. The mystical, almost cult-like imagery and hints at the occult are evident, as people in pink with rocks tied to their backs perform a ritual around a tree, and Sanam Saeed confronts a figure enshrouded in red against the backdrop of snow-covered mountains.
The trailer juxtaposes brightly lit scenes showcasing the beautiful scenery of the Hunza Valley with darker, dimly lit scenes filled with sinister laughs and a chalky hand caressing someone’s shoulder. This striking contrast enhances the eerie atmosphere of the show, which is likely to captivate audiences — after all, who doesn’t love a creepy show?
One thing is clear — this hauntingly beautiful show, with powerful performances from the entire cast, is not your typical desi drama and is definitely not one to miss.
Expressing his excitement, Fawad Khan said, “It was amazing. I grew to love the people I was working with, and it felt like being at home. After having seen ‘Cake,’ when I was approached for ‘Barzakh,’ I jumped at the opportunity. Asim’s work sets him apart as a very unique director whose emphasis is on character development in a contemporary way.”
The actor added that he always wanted to attempt something out of the ordinary, and “Barzakh” was nothing ordinary, praising the project’s experimental nature.
“Asim and Shailja [Keijriwal] are a power combo. They’ve tuned into each other’s sensibilities and aesthetics. That makes the process all the easier. Working with such a team is always a pleasure. Under Asim and Shailja, there are many other people who’ve made this journey memorable,” Khan said.
He noted that producer Waqas Hasan’s dedication to the craft was “deeply inspiring,” and the way he brought the story to life was extraordinary.
The “Humsafar” actor wanted to keep the theme of the show a secret. “It’s a family reunion under supernatural circumstances. That’s all I’ll say for now. Working with Sanam after all these years is still a comfort zone. I enjoyed it and I believe in her skills. It always makes my job easy. I hope you enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed the process of making it.”
Sanam Saeed remarked, “Being part of ‘Barzakh’ has been an immensely rewarding experience for me. The show’s premise, which explores themes of family, love, loss, and the afterlife, fascinated me from the start. As an actor, I’m constantly seeking roles that challenge me and offer a fresh perspective on storytelling. ‘Barzakh’ does just that, presenting a narrative that transcends conventional boundaries and delves into the realms of the mystical and the unknown.”
She added that from the moment she heard the story, she knew she wanted to be part of the project, being a fan of Abbasi’s work for its exploration of the unexplored.
“What excites me the most about this is reuniting with a stellar actor like Fawad and sharing the screen with Salman Shahid, Sajid Hasan, and the other Fawad who I’ve worked closely with in theatre. Shailja as a producer has been an absolute dream to work with as always. Now, with the global release of ‘Barzakh,’ I cannot wait to take the viewers into the world of nowhere!”
Alongside Khan and Saeed, the six-episode series stars Salman Shahid, M. Fawad Khan, Eman Suleman, Khushhal Khan, Faiza Gillani, Anika Zulfikar, and Franco Giusti, among others.
Produced by Shailja Kejriwal and Hassan, with cinematography by Mo Azmi, “Barzakh” is a collaborative effort of visionary talents in the industry.
Starting July 19, “Barzakh” will be released simultaneously on Zindagi’s YouTube and ZEE5, with new episodes available every Tuesday and Friday at 7:30 PM Pakistani Standard Time and 8:00 PM Indian Standard Time
