Producers Zindagi are eradicating sequence “Barzakh,” starring prime Pakistani actors Fawad Khan and Sanam Saeed, from YouTube Pakistan amid an ongoing controversy over its queer content material.
“We, at Zindagi and Workforce Barzakh, lengthen our heartfelt gratitude to our world viewers for his or her unwavering help for Barzakh – a present that was created to carry individuals collectively in all places. However in gentle of the present public sentiment in Pakistan, we have now made the choice to voluntarily withdraw Barzakh from YouTube Pakistan, efficient August 9, 2024. This determination underscores our dedication to honouring our audiences with out inflicting alienation. We sincerely recognize your understanding and continued help,” the Zindagi deal with posted on Instagram.
The six-episode sequence is produced by Waqas Hassan and Shailja Kejriwal for Zindagi, the Indian subcontinent centered programming block on streamer ZEE5 World. It’s helmed by critically acclaimed director Asim Abbasi who additionally directed Zindagi’s first Pakistani original “Churails” and the function movie “Cake,” which was Pakistan’s entry for the 2019 Oscars.
Set towards the backdrop of the Hunza Valley, the narrative facilities round a reclusive 76-year-old man who invitations his estranged household to his distant valley resort for an uncommon occasion – his marriage ceremony to the ghost of his past love, prompting reflections on life’s mysteries, the afterlife and the enduring energy of affection. The sequence tackles themes of psychological well being, postpartum despair, generational trauma and gender inclusivity. It additionally explores the function of folklore in human expertise. The controversy started when two of the male leads within the sequence almost shared a kiss.
Barzakh can imply a spot separating the residing from the hereafter or the place the place souls relaxation till the day of judgement. A viewer has said that the sequence “twists the Islamic idea of Barzakh right into a fantastical narrative. Full of vulgarity, LGBTQ, and promotes Illuminati and Jewish Kabbalah magic,” and another says, “hidden LGBTQ agenda within the title of drama is being normalised with performs like Barzakh.”
The final episode of the sequence streams Aug. 6. Abbasi posted the Zindagi statement with the remark: “Sure, the finale nonetheless airs tonight.”
The sequence had a well-received premiere at Series Mania final 12 months.
