Asim Abbasi returns to Zee Zindagi after his compelling crime thriller Churails with a new project, Barzakh. This time, he reunites Fawad Khan and Sanam Saeed, who last worked together in the beloved romantic drama Zindagi Gulzar Hai over a decade ago. However, instead of rekindling their on-screen romance, they play separate roles in this folk fantasy. Despite the exciting reunion, the show struggles to convey its narrative effectively.
Barzakh’s Story and Setting
Barzakh is set in a mystical valley called the Land of Nowhere, which seems to be in Pakistan. The plot revolves around Jafar Khanzada (played by Salman Shahid), a wealthy man who is preparing for his third wedding. His new bride is Mahtab, his first love who has been dead for years. Jafar believes that she still exists on the other side and is determined to marry her again. His younger son Shahryar (Fawad Khan) is skeptical about the whole affair, while Scheherezade (Sanam Saeed), who takes care of Jafar, tries to convince everyone to believe in the unknown.
Asim Abbasi’s vision for Barzakh involves a lot of supernatural elements, but this approach complicates rather than enhances the story. The show is filled with whimsical and strange imagery—fairies weighed down by rocks, a mysterious tree that splits during cosmic disturbances, and a woman who paints and gives guests their darkest secrets. Additionally, Abbasi includes quotes from the Book of Nowhere in a Rumi-like script, a haunting voiceover, and characters who speak as if reading from a slow-moving teleprompter.
These elements feel more like distractions than meaningful additions. Abbasi seems to be inspired by Ari Aster’s Midsommar (2019), but the visual style in Barzakh doesn’t have the same impact. While Midsommar had memorable and striking imagery, Barzakh lacks that cinematic magic. The stunning landscapes are evident, but the storytelling often comes off as condescending, treating the audience like they are incapable of understanding without constant explanations.
Characters and Performances
The show might have been more engaging if the worldbuilding hadn’t overshadowed the interesting characters. Salman Shahid gives a powerful performance as Jafar, portraying him as a man whose obsession with his lost love may have shielded his inner brutality. His line, “Mujhe pyar karna aata hi nahi hai” (I don’t even know how to love), captures his conflicted emotions perfectly, though it also highlights his troubled life.
Fawad Khan’s character, Shahryar, is the typical rebellious son who vows not to repeat his father’s mistakes, only to find himself becoming like him. Khan brings depth and empathy to the role, making Shahryar’s pain and struggles palpable. The show also features his elder brother, who is frustrated by his role as a caregiver, and Shahryar’s wife, who struggles with postpartum depression.
The Themes and Overall Impact
Barzakh explores themes like the burden of caregiving, the repetitive cycle of parenting, and the suppression of sexuality with sensitivity. However, these themes are overshadowed by the show’s heavy-handed supernatural elements. The fantasy elements might have offered a fresh perspective on these themes, but instead, they often feel like an intellectual obstacle course for the audience.
The show tries to blend supernatural elements with everyday struggles, but the execution is flawed. Asim Abbasi’s approach comes across as overly complicated and less effective. A lighter, more nuanced touch might have made Barzakh more relatable and enjoyable. Instead, the show ends up feeling stuck in a confusing limbo.
