Fairytale was Ramzan 2023 special drama on Hum TV. It was a sit-com as usual and did just about alright. There was Chand Tara (what a disaster it was; I couldn’t watch it beyond episode 20, even though I tried) and then there was Tere Aany Se, a classic example of well-begun and then spiralling down.

Writer: Sarah Majeed
Director: Ali Hassan

I have been meaning to write about this ever since the drama ended, and you night say that this post is about three months too late. But hey, better late than never.

The Finale

Even though the drama wasn’t about Ramzan, the finale episode was suddenly a Eid celebration which just didn’t make sense. Did the makers think it through?

I mean… I get it. They tried to package the finale episode as enticingly as possible – a cameo by Ahad Raza Mir, Eid celebration, Ummeed winning a lot of prizes… But it still failed to leave a mark

The Characters

some valid observations about the characters in “Fairytale.” It seems that the drama relied heavily on stereotypes when it came to character development. Let’s take a closer look at these characters and the traits that stood out:

The Jodi

Farjad, the pensive hero, may not be a major concern for you, which is understandable. Such characters can often bring depth and introspection to the storyline.

Ummeed, the impetus heroine, is usually a fan favorite. However, in this case, you feel that she lacked growth and failed to learn her lessons. It’s disappointing when a character’s potential is not fully realized, especially when they possess traits that can be empowering. Even till the last episode, Ummeed wanted “money money” and she went after the shortcut to get the riches “the gameshow”. Why didn’t we see any character growth?

The Bride’s side

The forgetful grandma, reminiscent of Bulbulay’s Momo, seems like a poor imitation rather than a fresh and well-crafted character. It’s important for a drama to create its own identity and not rely on borrowed elements from other shows.

The stubborn father, who insists on speaking in English, might come across as out of touch with reality. Such character traits can sometimes be jarring and disconnected from the authentic portrayal of characters. I didn’t laugh, not even once, in his poor attempt to humour us. Also, he was so stubborn and never talked to Ummeed properly. I know, Ummeed was not easy to talk to, but still… His stance was like: main sab ko mana hi karega, kuch bhi ho jaye.

Talal uncle, seemingly supportive but lacking significant contribution, adds little value to the narrative. Characters like him can become stagnant and repetitive, not adding much substance or progression to the overall plot.

Sameer, who’s only job was to ogle at Haya. He wanted to be an artist and not pursue medical education; he could have just said so. Making paintings would bring him some income and he could help with the “financial situation” of the household, but noooo…

Haya, the goody two shoes, who fears speaking her mind, can be frustrating for viewers. It’s always refreshing to see characters who are unafraid to express their thoughts and opinions, adding depth and authenticity to their portrayal.

Whiny aunt Zeenat, whose sole purpose seems to be after Ummeed’s case and occasionally showcasing greed, can become tiresome and one-dimensional. It’s important for characters to have layers and complexities that make them more relatable and engaging.

Groom’s side

If it wasn’t for Asadullah Khan aka AK, this drama would have had little pull. His comedy, his poetry, his personality, his charm, my goodness.

Itna zeher kahan se latey ho?

Kya nashte mein saanp khate ho?

Mimi was also quite likaby, but her screen presence was limited. She was so poised and so pretty. I wish we had seen more of her.

It’s intriguing how the presence of a particular actor can significantly impact the appeal of a drama. Strong performances can indeed elevate a storyline and create a more captivating viewing experience. I hope that we see well-developed and nuanced characters are essential to creating a memorable and engaging narrative. When stereotypes and one-dimensional portrayals dominate, it can hinder the overall quality of the drama. However, it’s worth noting that different viewers may have varying perspectives and preferences when it comes to character portrayals.

The OST Cover by Fairytale Cast

With the basics established, let’s dive into the recent announcement of the sequel to “Fairytale,” accompanied by a song where the cast sings the original soundtrack. Now, don’t get me wrong, but I couldn’t help but notice the heavy use of auto-tune in their voices. It’s so apparent that you can literally hear it!

The idea of the cast coming together to sing the original soundtrack is an intriguing one, as it adds a unique touch to the announcement. However, the excessive auto-tuning takes away from the authenticity and rawness of their voices. It becomes a distraction rather than an enhancement, making it difficult to fully appreciate their singing abilities. I might not like Seher Khan’s face or her acting, but she has a nice voice, if her voice was left raw, she would have sounded great, but alas…

While the video itself may be visually stunning, showcasing the cast in their most glamorous avatars, I can’t help but feel a sense of disappointment. As I watched, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing—our very dear Ali Safina as AK. Their absence leaves a void, a sense of nostalgia for the original cast that played a significant role in the first installment of “Fairytale.”

And the brings us to the announcement. Yep, this OST cover was an annoucement for the sequel and I was like, excuse me?

Sequel Announcement

Okay, so let’s rant about my thoughts on the recent announcement of a sequel to the Pakistani drama “Fairytale.” Now, you might be wondering, just like me, why on earth they would make a sequel for a drama that was just about alright?

Sequels are typically reserved for successful and hit dramas that leave a lasting impact on the viewers. They are meant to continue the story or delve deeper into the characters that have already captured our hearts. But in the case of “Fairytale,” it seems like the decision to make a sequel raises some eyebrows.

Now, let me be clear. “Fairytale” wasn’t a bad drama by any means. It had its moments and managed to hold our attention to some extent. However, it didn’t quite achieve the level of success or create the kind of buzz that would warrant a sequel. It was just alright, you know?

It makes one wonder why the makers of the drama have decided to invest in a sequel. Is it a matter of trying to capitalize on a familiar name or characters? Or perhaps they see potential in expanding the storyline and exploring new avenues within the same universe. Whatever the reason may be, it does leave us curious and skeptical at the same time.

Sequels come with certain expectations, especially when they follow in the footsteps of a drama that was just alright. Will the sequel be able to surpass its predecessor and deliver a more captivating storyline? Will it provide a fresh perspective or simply rehash what we’ve already seen? These questions linger in the minds of viewers as we await further details about the upcoming sequel.

In the world of Pakistani dramas, we have witnessed some remarkable sequels that have surpassed the original and become massive hits (Baraat series comes to my mind). So, it’s not entirely impossible for a sequel to redeem itself and surprise us with its brilliance. However, it remains to be seen if “Fairytale” can achieve that feat.

Also, I fear that the most lovable character of AK would not be there. It’s natural for viewers to have certain expectations and attachments when it comes to sequels. We hope to see familiar faces and experience that same magic that drew us to the original drama. The absence of a beloved actor can leave a noticeable gap and dampen the excitement surrounding the sequel.

While I understand that the sequel may introduce new characters and storylines, it’s essential to strike a balance between innovation and maintaining the essence of what made the original drama special. The inclusion of auto-tuned vocals and the absence of certain actors can affect the overall reception of the announcement, leaving fans with mixed feelings.

Until we have more information about the sequel’s storyline, cast, and direction, we can’t pass a final judgment. Let’s keep an open mind and hope that the makers have something truly captivating and extraordinary in store for us. Let’s reserve our final judgment until we have more information about the plot, cast, and execution of the sequel. Perhaps there are surprises and hidden gems in store for us that will make up for any initial disappointment. After all, the world of Pakistani dramas is known for its ability to surprise and captivate us.

So, my dear drama enthusiasts, let’s keep an open mind as we await further details about the “Fairytale” sequel. As we embark on this new chapter, let’s hope for a harmonious blend of exceptional storytelling, captivating performances, and a soundtrack that showcases the true talent of the cast. Only time will tell if it lives up to our expectations and surpasses the challenges that come with following in the footsteps of a beloved original drama.

Let’s wait and watch as the sequel to “Fairytale” unfolds. Only time will tell if it can live up to the expectations and prove that it deserves a spot among the successful sequels in the Pakistani drama industry. Keep our fingers crossed and approach it with cautious optimism.

Stay tuned for more updates, and in the meantime, let’s continue to indulge in the diverse array of dramas that grace our screens. Happy drama watching, my friends!

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Shabana Mukhtar