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The much-anticipated trailer of Barzakh has finally been released, offering a glimpse into the mystical creation. Directed by the visionary behind Churails and Cake, Asim Abbasi, Barzakh blends magical realism with supernatural fantasy in a family reunion setting, promising an unforgettable narrative. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Hunza Valley, Barzakh invites viewers into a world where the ordinary meets the extraordinary.

The trailer gives a sneak peek into the poignant journey of a 76-year-old man who stuns his estranged children and grandchildren by announcing his wedding to the ghost of his first true love. This unconventional event sparks emotional revelations and confrontations as family members gather, unsure whether to celebrate or intervene.

As seen in the trailer, Barzakh intricately weaves together folklore against the stunning Hunza Valley backdrop, revealing a mystical world where everyone is interconnected. Amidst the turmoil, a haunting question lingers: “When all has withered, will love endure?”

The word Barzakh means barrier or hindrance in Arabic, and that is what the trailer shows as the elderly man yearns to be reunited with his first love. The mystical, almost cult-esque imagery and hints at the occult are discernible, as people in pink with rocks tied to their backs perform a ritual around a tree and Saeed comes face to face with a figure enshrouded in red with snow-covered mountains behind them.

The trailer shows juxtaposing imagery of brightly-lit day scenes, showcasing the beautiful scenery of the Hunza Valley, and darker dimly-lit scenes with sinister laughs and a chalky hand caressing someone’s shoulder. The stunning contrast furthers the eerie atmosphere of the show but could potentially captivate audiences even more — who doesn’t love a creepy show?

One thing is evident — this hauntingly beautiful show, with powerful performances from the entire cast, is not your typical desi drama, and is definitely not one to miss.

Talking about his excitement Fawad Khan said, “It was amazing. I grew to love the people I was working with and it felt like being at home. After having seen Cake, when I was approached for Barzakh, I jumped at the opportunity. Asim’s work sets him apart as a very unique director whose emphasis is on character development in a way that is contemporary.”

The actor said that he always wanted to attempt something out of the ordinary and that Barzakh was nothing ordinary, adding that he loved the experimental nature of the project.

“Asim and Shailja [Keijriwal] are a power combo. They’ve tuned into each other’s sensibilities and aesthetics. That makes the process all the more easier. Working with such a team is always a pleasure. Under Asim and Shailja there are many other people who’ve made this journey memorable,” Khan said.

He stated that the way producer Waqas Hasan brought the story to life was nothing short of extraordinary and his dedication to the craft was “deeply inspiring”.

The Humsafar actor wanted to keep the theme of the show a secret. “It’s a family reunion under supernatural circumstances. That’s all I’ll say for now. Working with Sanam after all these years is still a comfort zone. I enjoyed it and I believe in her skills. It always makes my job easy. I hope you enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed the process of making it.”

Sanam Saeed said, “Being part of Barzakh has been an immensely rewarding experience for me. The show’s premise, which explores themes of family, love, loss, and the afterlife, fascinated me from the start. As an actor, I’m constantly seeking roles that challenge me and offer a fresh perspective on storytelling. Barzakh does just that, presenting a narrative that transcends conventional boundaries and delves into the realms of the mystical and the unknown.”

She stated that from the minute she was told the story, she instantly knew she wanted to be part of the project, adding that she was a fan of Abbasi because he always tries to explore the unexplored.

“What excites me the most about this is reuniting with a stellar actor like Fawad and sharing the screen with Salman Shahid, Sajid Hasan and the other Fawad who I’ve worked closely with in theatre. Shailja as a producer has been an absolute dream to work with as always. Now, with the global release of Barzakh, I cannot wait to take the viewers into the world of nowhere!”

Alongside Khan and Saeed, the six-episode series stars Salman Shahid, M Fawad Khan, Eman Suleman, Khushhal Khan, Faiza Gillani, Anika Zulfikar and Franco Giusti, among others.

Produced by Shailja Kejriwal and Hassan, with cinematography by Mo Azmi, Barzakh is a collaborative effort of visionary talents in the industry.

Starting July 19, Barzakh will be released simultaneously on Zindagi’s YouTube and ZEE5, with new episodes available every Tuesday and Friday at 7:30pm Pakistani Standard Time and 8pm Indian Standard Time.