Pakistani director Asim Abbasi’s web series Barzakh has stirred controversy following its premiere on the Indian streaming platform ZEE5.
The series, featuring notable Pakistani actors Fawad Khan and Sanam Saeed, initially garnered positive reviews with its first two episodes. However, the narrative took a contentious turn in the third episode, aired on July 26. The episode introduced homosexual themes that sparked a backlash among a segment of viewers.
In the third episode, the series portrays a developing romantic interest between two male characters, which some viewers found controversial due to its explicit representation of homosexual relationships. This storyline shift has led to accusations against the director for allegedly promoting values that some viewers believe are inconsistent with local cultural norms.
The depiction of Fawad Khan and Sanam Saeed as step-siblings disappointed fans who admired their previous on-screen partnership in Humsafar. The shift in their dynamic has not resonated well with their fanbase.
The backlash has catalyzed a social media movement under the hashtag “Boycott Barzakh,” where viewers have expressed their displeasure and critiqued the cast’s performances. The controversy highlights the cultural sensitivities surrounding the portrayal of LGBTQ+ themes in South Asian media and the challenges creators face when addressing such topics.
