The teasers for ‘Biryani’ stirred excitement among avid drama viewers for several reasons. First, it marks the much-anticipated return of Sarwat Gilani to television after a seven-year hiatus. Second, it reunites Ramsha Khan and Khushal Khan, rekindling the on-screen chemistry that fans loved in Dunyapur. And third, the script comes from none other than Zafar Mairaj known for his masterful blend of heartfelt storytelling and profound social insight. So is this ‘Biryani’ as good as it looks? Read on our full review to find out.
What’s ‘Biryani’ All About?
‘Biryani’ follows the journey of Meer Meeran (Khushal Khan), a young man from a feudal lord background who is determined to carve out his own identity. Uninterested in his family’s traditional business, he aspires to lead a corporate life. Meeran asks his close companion, Gul Mehar (Sarwat Gilani), to seek permission from the family patriarch, Baba Saien (Yousaf Bashir Qureshi), to pursue his ambitions.
Eventually, Meeran moves to the cosmopolitan city and begins his studies in business administration. At the university, he meets Nisa Majeed (Ramsha Khan), a bright, hardworking student from a lower-middle-class background. Nisa financially supports her mother, played by Laila Wasti, and her Mamu Jaan, played by Javed Rizvi.
Nisa is assigned the task of tutoring Meeran, something she initially resists but agrees to later. However, as time passes, a bond forms between them, and they begin to develop feelings for each other. Just when everything seems to be falling into place, Nisa is hit with the biggest shock of her life.
Less is More: The Magic of Simple Story Telling
Zafar Mairaj smartly weaves a simple story. This is a premise that is more in the realistic zone in terms of treatment. It raises important points about friendship, companionship, and relationships. Fiftteen episodes down, the premise stays true to the context; nothing is out of place as such. Director Badar Mehmood shines in the dramatic and emotional scenes. The characters are relatable, and so are their struggles. Every scene has a meaning and relevance. A special mention to the way the striking contrast of the two different worlds of the protagonist is both crisp and impactful.
Some scenes are crafted purely to entertain, while others tug at the heartstrings and stir deep emotions. Standout moments include the hilarious yet heartfelt attempts by Nisa and Mamu Jaan to drive Meeran away from the tuition class, hoping he’ll quit on his own. Nisa’s candid conversation with her friend reveals the depth of her feelings, as she confesses to feeling powerless in the face of love. And of course, the major narrative twist involving Gul Mehar’s connection to Meeran, a revelation that truly must be seen to be believed.
Biryani’s Ultimate Selling Point: The Performances
Badar Mehmood brings out great performances from his actors. Ramsha Khan scores a home run for her act as Nisa Majeed. It easily goes down as one of her most accomplished works. Her act is sure to be loved in the upcoming episodes. Khushal Khan delivers a fine performance by staying extremely true to his character. He delivers a lot through his eyes and expression. First Dunyapur and now Biryani, the chemistry between Ramsha and Khushal is magnetic.
This is the perfect comeback for Sarwat Gillani. She is likable, inspiring, spirited, and totally in her character. She remains composed throughout and captivates you with her remarkable screen presence. Her performance feels so natural that it hardly feels like acting, leaving you eager to see her in more dramas.
Senior actor Javed Rizvi is in great form and delivers a good performance. His act as the uplight senior citizen contributes to the fun quotient. Laila Wasti is an important pillar and she charms with her performance. Yousaf Bashir Qureshi makes an impact. Mahnoor Parvez, who plays Ramsha’s friend, deserves a special mention for her role as Nisa’s support system.
Full of Flavours So Far
‘Biryani’ has proven to be a truly flavorful watch. It offers a well-balanced mix of drama, strong emotions, and effective storytelling, making it a complete family entertainer. With a major plot twist on the cards, it will be interesting to see how the story unfolds and keeps the audience hooked.
