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The cascade of Ramazan dramas resumes once again with delightful productions that etch themselves into the minds of Pakistanis every Ramazan. This year’s stand-out addition to the lineup is HUM TV’s latest offering, Very Filmy.

Remaining true to its name, the Momina Duraid production whisks us away into a world where the inhabitants are passionate about Pakistani cinema and the entertainment world, and the entire narrative builds on this premise.

Staying true to the roots of every Ramazan drama, Very Filmy doesn’t shy away from the tried-and-true formula as it embraces the ever-popular blend of romance and comedy that keeps audiences eagerly tuned in.

Written by Muhammad Ahmed and helmed by Ali Hassan, Very Filmy opens against the breathtaking backdrop of Azerbaijan’s streets, setting the stage for our protagonists’ introduction. Wasting no time, the story plunges us headfirst into the action, unveiling our damsel in distress — the drama’s hero, Rohaan, portrayed by Ameer Gilani. He finds himself at a crossroads when his father issues an ultimatum: marry the Pakistani girl of his father’s choice or give up any financial support from his parents.

Desperate to chart his own course, Rohaan seeks refuge in his brother Freddy, played by Umar Khan, and the two embark on a journey to Pakistan to escape the impending marriage in the most cinematic fashion imaginable.

Meanwhile, in Pakistan, our leading lady Danya (Dananeer Mobeen), a fiercely career-driven and ambitious woman, is immersed in her passion for documentary and filmmaking.

The narrative progresses as Freddy crafts a shrewd strategy to help Rohaan end his relationship with Danya, using her dislike for Shah Rukh Khan to their advantage. As Rohaan essays SRK to vex Danya and she catches onto his antics the story that follows provides delightful post-iftar entertainment.

One of the most memorable scenes in the drama is Rohaan’s entry, when he first goes to meet Danya and her family. A nod to the director’s brilliance, the scene felt like a page ripped from some of the iconic Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, as Rohaan steps out of the car, throwing his bag over his shoulder and runs towards the door in the most filmy style possible.

I must also mention the imitation of SRK’s iconic pose as Rohaan spreads his arms wide like King Khan, sending a wave of nostalgia and excitement through the audience.

Danya’s character adds another layer of charm by stepping into the shoes of not one, but two famed Indian actors — Aishwarya Rai and Kajol. She effortlessly rocks a casual yellow shirt and jeans combo, perfectly embodying Kajol’s spunky Anjali from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. But what had my jaw dropping was Danya’s stunning transformation into Devdas’ Paro, draped in a fiery red saree with her locks styled in graceful waves. It was a visual treat that added an extra sprinkle of Bollywood magic to the show.

While some online critics may have raised eyebrows at the heavy focus on Bollywood, it’s evident that this aspect was handled tastefully. Instead of disrespecting SRK, it serves as an ode to the actor’s influence.

Of course, giving credit where it’s due — Ameer Gilani and Dananeer Mobeen really struck a chord together, delivering incredible chemistry without going overboard.

Ensemble lineup

The rest of the ensemble cast also did justice to their characters. From Deepak Perwani as the suave producer with his signature Gucci scarf to Bushra Ansari rocking the role of a modern and understanding grandma, each character added their own flavour to the mix.

Both Ali Safina’s portrayal of the miserly uncle and Mira Sethi’s portrayal of the successful heroine are also very memorable. The brewing romance between Safina’s character and his unrequited love interest, Sanam (Sethi) added an intriguing yet fun dynamic to the story. Their banter is refreshingly entertaining, leaving audiences rooting for them.

Love is in the air throughout the drama as another couple emerges with Freddy, completely smitten by Maham (Ameema Saleem), who is already engaged. Despite the odds, their relationship tugs at our heartstrings.

The rest of the cast members, including Nabeel Zuberi, Momina Munir, Adnan Jaffar, Tehseen Wajahat Chisti, Salma Hassan and others, deliver commendable performances.

The good and the bad

What immediately catches the eye is the drama’s unique treatment — we breathe a sigh of relief as the creators steer clear of the beaten path. While on the surface, it may seem like a run-of-the-mill drama, the way they have differentiated it by including an entire SRK track, integrating filmmaking conversations into the storyline, and portraying progressive characters engaging in conversations about career and balancing personal life, sets the drama apart from typical productions.

This is not just another mindless watch, instead, the storytelling engages viewers and spurs them to question the decisions of the characters. For example, when Rohaan makes his entry emulating SRK, it’s not out of the blue that we see him making a dramatic entrance, rather, the entire premise is established first. This attention to detail elevates the viewing experience and keeps us invested in the narrative from start to finish.

It’s also commendable that the makers of Very Filmy have sparked discussions about the revival of the Pakistani film industry. While it can get a bit preachy at times, the drama’s focus on informing the audience about the passion behind filmmaking and the challenges faced by the industry is a positive initiative.

However, I can’t help but note a lack of coherence in certain parts of the story. For instance, the subplot involving Danya’s mother and her reasons for leaving the family feels drawn out and poorly executed.

Additionally, the premise of Danya’s father insisting on her marriage due to his brain tumour diagnosis doesn’t quite justify the narrative’s foundation.

The cherry on top, which made us feel that not a lot of time was spent building the plot, is when Danya attempts to manipulate her father into meeting her mother by agreeing to marry a stranger. This feels overly contrived and unrealistic.

Reigniting the Ramazan drama flame

This year, the wave of Ramazan dramas hasn’t quite captured the same fervour as in previous years. Shows such as Suno Chanda, Chupke Chupke, and Hum Tum are not easily forgotten or replaced.

However, it’s undeniable that if we isolate Very Filmy from the broader context, its offerings become crystal clear. The debate about whether Ramazan dramas should grace our screens during this holy month is a debate for another day. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the chance to indulge in some light-hearted content.

If these dramas don’t quite match your taste buds at the moment, fear not, there’s always the option to catch up after Ramazan — all the episodes are up on HUM TV’s YouTube channel.

However, if you’re looking for something to tune into, Very Filmy is highly recommended for its perfect blend of romance, comedy, and emotional scenes.