Tearjerker tele-novellas or films are no strangers to the team of celebrated writer Umera Ahmed and director Haseeb Hassan. Now, after their last such two collaborations – the film Parwaaz Hai Junoon and drama serial Alif, it seems the duo in Dhoop Ki Deewar might have another project on their hands that promises to take their audience on an emotional roller coaster journey.
The trailer for the much awaited web series, recently unveiled, shows the story is set against the backdrop of India-Pakistan conflict in the aftermath of a rebel bombing in Indian Occupied Kashmir. That perhaps will be one of the show’s USPs: Memories of regional tensions stirred between the two rivals following the Pulwama incident are still quite fresh, and something most of us can connect with.
However, there is a twist – instead of usual cross-border shows or films where the male protagonist is shown to hail from the production’s native country, here we have Ahad Raza Mir playing Vishal, the son of a downed Indian military-man, killed in a conflict with Sara’s (played by Sajal Aly) father, who also has passed away. How Sara and Vishal — two potentially hostile characters — connect, and come to the terms with their unique circumstances, and each other, is what the plot deals with.
From what little the preview gives away, it seems Sajal Aly is all set to impress with her portrayal of Sara. This is a character that was likely written with her in mind, and her performance is something that fans and critics alike will be looking forward to. Ahad Raza Mir too makes a mark with his trademark restrained act and might win a whole lot of new fans, although it is still very early to say. Frankly, after witnessing a slew of loud, demagogic Indian-army characters and their kin in cross-border dramas from India, it is indeed refreshing to watch Ahad bring some realism and dignity to his character. The trailer also showcases an elaborate supporting cast that lends authenticity to the Indian and Pakistani threads of the storyline.
With the tagline ‘United by grief,’ relating to its two lead characters, Dhoop KI Deewar promises some hatke entertainment with plenty of food for thought. Production wise, producers Motion Content Group seem to have done a slick job, and if the series stirs substantial interest this side of Wagah, it just might establish the template for future web-based productions in the country.
Dhoop KI Deewar will be releasing on online-VOD service Zee5 on June 25. Watch this space for the latest on the show and the best from Pakistani showbizdom!
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