t this point, every publication seems to be calling it an exclusive, but that’s not the key point. The point is that Asim Abbasi’s OTT series, Barzakh, is finally being released. Many involved with the project have shared why it’s worth watching, and we will delve into that.

For me, it was Fawad Khan’s enthusiastic leap when we were primarily discussing the film The Legend of Maula Jatt, that highlighted the potential of Pakistani cinema when it’s given time, patience, courage, a substantial budget, and strong actors.

Fawad’s excitement and his experience working with Asim Abbasi spoke volumes about the project, even though he didn’t elaborate on the details of the series at that time. He clearly recognized the significance of celebrating The Legend of Maula Jatt, but his enthusiasm also conveyed the belief that working with a director like Asim Abbasi meant good work comes to those who are patient and wait for the right script. That was then.

“It‘s a figure of speech as a matter of fact/Did you ever really think about the time you had?”

‘Waqt’ by EP

Barzakh, written and directed by Asim Abbasi, was eagerly awaited following the success of The Legend of Maula Jatt. Many hoped it would be released soon after, but that wasn’t the case. The six-episode series gained significant acclaim in France at the international Series Mania festival in 2023, but it was never released—until now.

In 2024, Barzakh finally makes its debut. This marks the first collaboration between Fawad Khan and Asim Abbasi, alongside other noteworthy reunions. Sanam Saeed and Fawad Khan share the screen for the first time since their iconic pairing in Zindagi Gulzar Hai. Additionally, Sanam Saeed and Asim Abbasi previously worked together on the highly acclaimed film Cake, which was Pakistan’s submission for the 2019 Oscars. Cake remains a benchmark for its visual storytelling, character development, cinematography and compelling ending, offering lessons for many directors.

Asim Abbasi also helmed the excellent series, Churails, the first Pakistani original for Zindagi. Returning to collaborate with Abbasi on Barzakh is master cinematographer Mo Azmi, known for letting his work speak for itself.

Regarding Barzakh, some collaborations were expected, while others hint at promising future projects. What’s clear is that this OTT series has captured the attention of fans on both sides of the border. It’s one that the discerning and burgeoning South Asian audience is eagerly anticipating.

“It’s a barricade of twigs that’s really never there/Did u ever really think that time even cares?” – ‘Waqt’ by EP

In addition to Fawad Khan and Sanam Saeed, the cast of Barzakh features Salman Shahid, Eman Suleman, Khushhal Khan, Faiza Gillani, Anika Zulfikar, and Franco Giusti. It’s truly an all-star cast, showcasing some of the best talent from across Pakistan.

Barzakh is tailored for a Zee5 Global audience. As Variety reports, “The six-episode series is produced by Waqas Hassan and Shailja Kejriwal for Zindagi, the programming block on Zee5 Global that focuses on the Indian subcontinent.”

Variety also details the series’ themes: “Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Hunza Valley, captured by DoP Mo Azmi, the narrative centers around a reclusive 76-year-old man who invites his estranged family to his remote valley resort for an unusual event – his wedding to the ghost of his first love, prompting reflections on life’s mysteries, the afterlife, and the enduring power of love. The series tackles themes of mental health, postpartum depression, generational trauma and gender inclusivity. It also explores the role of folklore in human experience.”

To quote Variety, here’s what series director, Asim Abbasi had to say: “The process of making Barzakh started during the throes of COVID and the pandemic. Shailja and I were having a lot of conversations about life and death, to have lived and to have a legacy and have meant to lose so many people. It also reminded me of my own father’s passing and his soul, where did they go, that’s how the idea of Barzakh germinated.”

Abbasi carried on: “I had then just recently completed Churails and Zindagi was quite keen on collaborating with me again. This made me think that I can explore television the way literature is explored. I also wanted to move away from the hyper realness I had created in Churails and wanted to create a dysfunctional family and generational drama similar to what we had created in Cake.”

“Love, loss, death, and the world beyond are explored in Barzakh,” Abbasi added. “Shailja has championed this and supported me in creating this show as I envisioned it. Zindagi as producers allowed me the freedom that honestly no other platform would’ve provided.

I think as a storyteller, director, and writer I’m always looking to tell a story that is authentic to me and can transcend to my viewers. The only thing I want my audiences to take away from Barzakh is to have a better understanding of relationships, humanity, and the fact that this life is just a part of the much bigger picture. The lives that we have lost, have not gone forever.”

As the release of Barzakh draws near, the anticipation among viewers is palpable. This series represents not only a significant moment for Pakistani cinema, but also a testament to the creative vision of Asim Abbasi and the talented ensemble cast. With themes ranging from love and loss to the mysteries of the afterlife, Barzakh promises to be a thought-provoking journey that resonates deeply with its audience.

Zindagi’s Instagram has unveiled six aesthetically designed posters for Barzakh. With fans eagerly awaiting the series for almost a year, not sharing these visuals would be a disservice.

Barzakh will premiere on July 19th, worldwide for streaming on Zindagi’s YouTube channel and Zee5 Global. The series is set to leave a profound impression, providing more than just entertainment by delving into the human experience and exploring timeless themes that resonate universally.

– With addition information from Variety.com

“I think as a storyteller, director, and writer I’m always looking to tell a story that is authentic to me and can transcend to my viewers. The only thing I want my audiences to take away from Barzakh is to have a better understanding of relationships, humanity, and the fact that this life is just a part of the much bigger picture. The lives that we have lost, have not gone forever.” – Asim Abbasi