Written by: Umera Ahmed
Directed by: Fahad Noor
Produced by: Misbah Shafique
Channel: Green TV Entertainment
Schedule: Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9:00 pm
Serial Killer marks a novel entry into the current wave of Pakistani crime dramas. This genre injects a welcome departure from the conventional Pakistani TV narrative, showcasing a producer’s openness to tread uncharted territories. While not all recent crime series have lived up to expectations, the overarching venture into this realm is commendable. Serial Killer stands out as a promising illustration, consistently outperforming its predecessors in quality. Unlike its counterparts that centered around solitary murder cases, Serial Killer adopts a unique approach by crafting a storyline around a serial killer. This departure significantly widens the storyline’s scope, presenting viewers with a more expansive and intricate plot to unravel. Moreover, it’s genuinely gratifying to witness female characters in Pakistani dramas breaking stereotypes. These characters bring a fresh dimension to the talented actresses who portray them, redefining traditional roles.
Serial Killer breaks away from conventional crime and investigation storylines by giving significant weight to the human side of its characters. This intentional focus on character depth brings a distinctive dimension to the series, ensuring a strong connection with the audience. Saba Qamar delivers an outstanding performance as SP Sarah Sikandar, a dedicated police officer grappling with a haunting past. Her portrayal adds layers to the character, making it easy for viewers to connect with the human aspect of the story. Additionally, it’s refreshing to witness Daniyal Raheel’s return to the screen, portraying a character that deviates from the typical male leads often seen in Pakistani dramas. Shahzain embodies all the admirable qualities that viewers appreciate in a leading man.
Umera Ahmed’s script skillfully captures the enigmatic essence of this crime series. The storytelling possesses notable strengths, distinguishing itself from recent crime dramas by showcasing the writer’s imaginative prowess to the fullest, creating heightened anticipation for viewers. What elevates this drama is its ability to keep the audience in suspense regarding the culprit. Additionally, the writer wisely avoids excessive reliance on grim details, maintaining a serious yet light-hearted tone throughout the series. The script adeptly sheds light on the nonchalant attitude of the police officers, an unfortunate but recurring reality. By doing so, the writer exposes the flaws within the system that often allow perpetrators to evade justice. While similar portrayals have surfaced in recent crime series and Jhok Sarkar, Umera Ahmed’s perspective stands out for its nuanced approach. Unlike others, she delves into the finer details, offering viewers insights into the system’s shortcomings. The narrative not only paints a broader picture but also meticulously focuses on the intricate aspects of the issue.
Director Fahad Noor deserves commendation for meticulously crafting each scene, elevating the overall viewing experience of the series. Every detail, from locations to camera work, contributes to a heightened quality in each scene. With the exception of the dim lighting in Sarah’s office and certain police station offices, every element is executed flawlessly. The subdued lighting in these areas prompts questions about how Sarah copes with limited light, adding an intriguing dimension. Fortunately, the relief comes in scenes shot outside with proper daylight, providing a welcomed contrast.
Saba Qamar, renowned for her outstanding body of work, delivers yet another standout performance in Serial Killer, arguably one of her best. The project aligns seamlessly with her acting prowess, placing her in a role that allows for significant character exploration. Saba Qamar effortlessly establishes on-screen chemistry with her co-stars, breathing life into their characters. Her portrayal of Sarah Sikandar is commendable, capturing the internal struggles and the pursuit of perfection to compensate for past losses. The beautiful depiction of Sarah’s relationship with her nana adds another layer, making her character’s journey captivating and enjoyable to watch. A favorite aspect of this storyline is Sarah’s profound connections with those she holds dear. These connections serve as a captivating focal point, infusing depth and emotional resonance into the narrative. The on-screen chemistry between Daniyal Raheel and Saba Qamar becomes the highlight of this storyline.
Ahmed Randhawa skillfully embodies the role of Inspector Sarfraz, transforming it into a significant supporting character that truly stands out. DSP Mehboob, portrayed exceptionally by Fahad Hashmi, is another noteworthy supporting character, highlighting his considerable talent. Faiza Gillani, a talented actress, brings Barbara’s character to life adeptly in this series, showcasing her acting skills. Shahnawaz Zaidi is a perfect choice for a role that is likable on multiple levels, contributing to the overall appeal of the series. The actor portraying Eman’s role deserves praise for delivering an outstanding performance. It’s a true delight to witness such a talented ensemble cast bringing their characters to life in various ways.
Serial Killer maintains impeccable sound quality, effectively utilizes background scores, delivers outstanding performances, and exhibits precise camerawork. However, there is a noticeable drawback in the lighting, which at times becomes strenuous on the eyes. The story unfolds at a steady and measured pace, providing a seamless and smooth flow to the narrative. The plot is rich in substance, and what truly stands out is the absence of overt or forced attempts to captivate the viewers. The lack of desperate measures to grab attention speaks to the confidence in the narrative’s inherent strength. This allows the story to unfold naturally, keeping viewers hooked through its substance rather than relying on regular commercial tactics.
Have you been tuning in to Serial Killer? Feel free to share your thoughts.
Add comment