Fawad Khan's Barzakh Ignites Outrage Over Queer Romance, Yanked Off YouTube

Fawad Khan and Sanam Saeed's supernatural fantasy drama, Barzakh, has been taken down from YouTube in Pakistan after facing severe backlash over its portrayal of same-sex love. The series, which premiered on July 19, 2024, on Zindagi's YouTube channel and ZEE5, directed by Asim Abbasi, has sparked debate on social media, with some users criticizing the show, while others have praised the bold storytelling.

Hyderabad:The supernatural fantasy drama Barzakh, starring Fawad Khan and Sanam Saeed, has ignited considerable controversy across Pakistan due to its depiction of queer love. The series, which was released on July 19 on Zindagi's YouTube channel and ZEE5, has been taken down from YouTube in Pakistan following significant backlash. The announcement regarding its removal was made by the makers on Zindagi's official Instagram account.

The statement read, "We, at Zindagi and Team Barzakh, extend our heartfelt gratitude to our global audience for their unwavering support for Barzakh - a show that was created to bring people together everywhere. But in light of the current public sentiment in Pakistan, we have made the decision to voluntarily withdraw Barzakh from YouTube Pakistan, effective August 9, 2024. This decision underscores our dedication to honouring our audiences without causing alienation. We sincerely appreciate your understanding and continued support."

Director Asim Abbasi also relayed the statement on his X account, stating, "#barzakh Yes, the finale still airs tonight." The controversy erupted after a particular episode displayed a scene in which Fawad Khan, portraying Saifullah, and Franco Giusti, playing Lorenzo, nearly shared a kiss. This moment sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for a boycott due to what they perceived as the promotion of LGBTQIA+ themes. In response, Asim tweeted, "With all due respect, if you find queer non-heteronormative storylines distasteful please do not watch my content."

In contrast to the backlash, several viewers have praised the series for its artistic quality. One user commented, "#Barzakh is nothing short of a masterpiece. thankful to Asim Abbasi - @IllicitusProduc - and the entire creative team, and the cast, for believing in the grand vision and helping in its realization."

Another viewer shared a more nuanced perspective, stating, "No series is perfect & immune to criticism. Some scenes & plots are self-indulgent. It's different, has good (sensitive) stories & great. It makes me realize & think things. Watching experience & whether is an interesting series is personal & subjective #Barzakh."

Additionally, a netizen wrote, " #Barzakh is a stunning portrayal of navigating, confronting, and healing from trauma. The masterful narrative, intertwined with magic realism, reveals the impact of ignored traumas on our lives. A must-watch for its depth and beauty - BEFORE THE HOMOPHOBES MAKE IT GO OFFLINE."

On the flip side, not all feedback was positive. Some users expressed disappointment, with one stating, "#barzakh is slow and boring. So hard to stay engaged. DNF."

The plot of Barzakh centres around a solitary resort owner who invites his estranged children for his third marriage. The twist is that his fiance is believed to have died long ago. As the family gathers, they are compelled to confront both their personal demons and their complex family dynamics. The six-episode series delves into major issues, including mental health challenges, postpartum depression, generational trauma, and inclusivity regarding gender identities. In addition to Khan and Saeed, the cast features notable actors such as Salman Shahid, Eman Suleman, Khushhal Khan, Faiza Gillani, and Anika Zulfikar.

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