Hubbry Logo
WabaalWabaalMain
Open search
Wabaal
Community hub
Wabaal
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Wabaal
Wabaal
Wabaal
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Wabaal
Urduوَبال
GenreDrama
Mystery
Written byQaisra Hayat
Directed byAmin Iqbal
Starring
Country of originPakistan
Original languageUrdu
No. of episodes26
Production
Executive producerMomina Duraid
ProducerMomina Duraid
Production companyMD Productions
Original release
NetworkHum TV
Release3 September 2022 (2022-09-03) –
26 February 2023 (2023-02-26)

Wabaal (Urdu: وبال, lit. 'calamity') is a 2022 Pakistani television series produced by Momina Duraid for Hum TV under banner MD Productions. It is directed by Amin Iqbal and written by Qaisra Hayat. The series stars Sarah Khan and Talha Chahour in leading roles. Wabaal's story revolves around the practice of Riba (usury) and the want for riches. The first episode of the series aired on 3 September 2022.[1]

Plot

[edit]

Anum is an over-ambitious girl who wants a luxurious life by any means at all. This is the story of the errors of judgement that she makes in life.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

In early July 2022, it was rumoured that Sarah Khan and Talha Chahour of Jo Bichar Gaye fame would play the leading roles in Amin Iqbal's directional and Qaisra Hayat's written, which was confirmed at the end of month.[2][3] The first teaser of the series was released on 10 August 2022.[4][5]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Wabaal

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Wabaal is a Pakistani Urdu-language television drama series that aired on from September 3, 2022, to February 26, 2023, consisting of 26 episodes broadcast weekly on Saturdays at 8:00 PM. Produced by under her banner MD Productions, the series was directed by Amin Iqbal and written by Qaisera Hayat, marking a collaboration that highlighted contemporary social issues in Pakistani television. The story revolves around Anum, a middle-class young woman portrayed by , who dreams of escaping poverty and achieving a luxurious , often fabricating tales of to impress her affluent friends. Her aspirations lead her into complex relationships, including a romance with Faraz, a self-made businessman played by , while her sister , enacted by Merub Ali, represents contrasting family values. Supporting cast members include as a lender entangled in financial webs, Salim Sheikh, and others, whose interconnected lives in a lower-middle-class neighborhood drive the narrative. At its core, Wabaal (meaning "calamity" or "curse" in ) examines the perils of interest-based loans, , and familial pressures, portraying how unchecked ambitions can unravel personal and communal stability. The series blends romance, drama, and , drawing attention to economic vulnerabilities faced by everyday , though it received mixed reception for its pacing and somewhat idealized resolutions.

Synopsis

Plot

Wabaal centers on Anum, a middle-class young woman portrayed by , whose ambition for a luxurious lifestyle drives her to fabricate a wealthy among her affluent friends. This pretense exposes her to intense social pressures, prompting impulsive financial choices that strain her family's modest resources, including her parents and Shakir's everyday struggles. Anum's aspirations clash with her younger sister Maham's more grounded outlook, highlighting sibling dynamics amid economic hardship. As Anum's deceptions deepen, she becomes entangled in a web of —known as in Islamic teachings, a prohibited practice involving exploitative interest-based loans—facilitated by her Shagufta, a local moneylender whose operations create familial rifts and ethical quandaries. These loans, initially sought to maintain appearances, escalate into broader conflicts, including betrayals within her social circle and mounting debts that threaten her family's stability. The narrative explores the corrosive effects of and , with Anum facing moral dilemmas as her pursuit of status unravels personal relationships. The introduction of Faraz, played by , a from a humble background who moves into the neighborhood, introduces romantic tension and cultural contrasts to Anum's urban ambitions. Their chance encounters underscore themes of destiny and compatibility, complicating Anum's choices amid escalating crises like financial ruin and interpersonal betrayals. Spanning 26 episodes, the series traces the consequences of unchecked ambition through interconnected lives, emphasizing the fallout from poor decisions without delving into final resolutions.

Themes

Wabaal centers on the destructive impact of , or , portraying it as a pervasive force that traps middle-class families in cycles of and exploitation. The series depicts how interest-based lending, often facilitated by community members like the character Shagufta, a whose lending stems from personal hardship, leads to familial breakdowns and neighborhood conflicts, emphasizing the ethical and social toll on vulnerable borrowers. The drama further explores social class disparities and the perils of aspiration-fueled , illustrating how of affluent lifestyles prompts characters to compromise their morals. Anum's pretense of status among friends exemplifies this theme, highlighting the insecurities and isolation arising from such facades in Pakistan's stratified society. Gender roles and female ambition are intricately woven into the narrative, showing women navigating patriarchal constraints while seeking . Shagufta's role as a widowed lender underscores the and risks of economic agency for women, while Anum's pursuit of personal goals risks social and . A key cultural tension emerges between simplicity from humble origins, embodied by Faraz's grounded values, and the allure of urban , critiquing how rapid modernization erodes traditional communal bonds and promotes superficial pursuits. This clash manifests in character interactions that favor over excess, reflecting broader societal shifts in contemporary . Islamic ethical principles subtly underpin the storyline, particularly the prohibition of , serving as moral lessons against greed without didactic preaching. The narrative's focus on usury's consequences aligns with Islamic teachings on just financial dealings, urging viewers toward ethical living. Finally, the series examines the consequences of and , demonstrating how can escalate personal weaknesses into widespread communal harm. Relationships strained by deceit and misplaced , such as those involving Anum and her circle, amplify individual flaws into collective tragedies.

Cast and characters

Main cast

Sarah Khan stars as Anum, a cunning and status-obsessed whose relentless ambition for a luxurious life propels the central narrative forward. Her portrayal captures Anum's willingness to employ any means to escape her middle-class constraints, making her a pivotal force in the story's exploration of desire and consequence. Talha Chahour plays Faraz, an innocent rural suitor whose earnest simplicity offers emotional contrast to the urban complexities surrounding him. This marks Chahour's debut in a major romantic lead role, where he embodies Faraz's wide-eyed vulnerability and genuine affection as a village boy navigating unfamiliar city dynamics. Merub Ali portrays , Anum's younger sister whose sensible and grounded nature represents contrasting . Ali's performance highlights Maham's role in ensemble scenes, showcasing strong on-screen chemistry with her co-stars that underscores the interpersonal tensions driving key interactions. Shagufta Ejaz depicts Shagufta, the exploitative moneylender whose greed manifests as a central antagonistic force in the proceedings. As a veteran actress renowned for her commanding antagonistic roles across Pakistani television, Ejaz brings depth to Shagufta's manipulative persona, emphasizing themes of moral compromise through her character's ruthless pursuit of profit.

Supporting cast

Tara Mahmood portrays Rahat, Anum's mother and a seamstress grappling with the family's financial hardships. Her character introduces dynamics of maternal support and economic strain within the household, enriching the series' exploration of class divides and familial pressures. Rahat's interactions highlight how parental sacrifices amid limited means can influence children's ambitions, contributing to the broader narrative on societal pressures. Saleem Sheikh plays Shakir, Anum's father and a modest worker grappling with financial hardships typical of the . As a figure of quiet resilience and occasional , Shakir represents paternal expectations clashing with economic realities, underscoring the familial strains caused by and limited opportunities. His role bolsters the domestic subplot by illustrating the emotional toll of on everyday families, adding authenticity to the community's socioeconomic landscape. Nida Khan appears as Neha, a family member who amplifies tensions in household scenes through her involvement in everyday conflicts and emotional support structures. Her portrayal contributes to the portrayal of internal family discord, particularly around financial decisions and relational strains, thereby deepening the view of home life amid economic woes. Raza Ali Abdi embodies Gul Khan, a key figure in the rural elements of the story who provides context for Faraz's origins and challenges. As a local and , Gul Khan's presence expands the world-building by connecting urban struggles to rural roots, supporting subplots related to migration and inherited . His character subtly weaves in themes of community interdependence and the ripple effects of financial exploitation across regions. Muhammad Hunbal depicts Naveed, entangled in schemes of monetary deception and family loyalties that fuel intrigue around illicit lending practices. Naveed's actions drive secondary conflicts involving betrayal and opportunism, illustrating how usury corrupts personal relationships and perpetuates cycles of debt within tight-knit groups. Through him, the series highlights the interpersonal betrayals that sustain exploitative systems, enhancing the depiction of moral dilemmas in the community. Additional minor roles, such as extended family members and informal lenders, serve to depict the pervasive community repercussions of , from neighborhood gossip to collective hardships. These characters collectively ground the narrative in a realistic social fabric, showing how economic vices infiltrate daily interactions and reinforce the theme of widespread vulnerability.

Production

Development

The development of Wabaal was spearheaded by MD Productions in collaboration with , with the project teased in early August 2022 as a drama series tackling the issue of () within contemporary Pakistani . The , penned by Qaisera Hayat, centers on the psychological ramifications of unchecked ambition and the entrapment of cycles, drawing from real-world socio-economic pressures. Director Amin Iqbal brought a vision to blend mystery elements with dramatic storytelling, prioritizing authentic depictions of middle-class struggles in to resonate with everyday audiences. Executive producer , through her MD Productions banner, produced the series, aligning with her track record of narratives on social issues. A was released on August 10, 2022. The production was structured around a 26-episode format, emphasizing natural and cultural nuances to ensure relatability within Pakistani contexts.

Filming

Principal photography for Wabaal commenced in summer 2022, primarily in . The production team utilized practical locations to represent the series' themes of class disparity. Director Amin Iqbal focused on dramatic storytelling to convey character vulnerabilities. Filming involved coordinating the for the 26-episode run. Post-production concluded prior to the series' February 2023 finale.

Broadcast

Premiere and airing

Wabaal premiered on on September 3, 2022, with its first episode airing at 8:00 PM (PKT) as part of the channel's evening drama slot. Episodes 1 through 18 were broadcast weekly on at 8:00 PM PKT without mid-season interruptions, sustaining viewer engagement throughout Pakistan's peak drama-watching season from late summer into early winter. Starting with episode 19 on January 8, 2023, the series shifted to Sundays at 9:00 PM PKT, continuing this schedule through the finale on February 26, 2023. This adjusted schedule maintained narrative momentum for the remaining episodes. Each episode ran for approximately 35 minutes, providing a compact format typical of Hum TV's prime-time offerings. In total, the series consisted of 26 episodes, enabling a complete storytelling arc within a single season. The production's timely completion facilitated this prompt premiere shortly after filming wrapped, aligning with Hum TV's strategy for seasonal content delivery. The promotional campaign for Wabaal began in August 2022 with multiple teaser trailers released on Hum TV's official YouTube channel and social media platforms, building anticipation through glimpses of the central conflict involving family dynamics and moral dilemmas. These teasers, along with behind-the-scenes clips, emphasized the drama's exploration of usury and its consequences, drawing viewer interest to the thematic depth. Cast interviews, such as those featuring lead actress Sarah Khan on platforms like Haute Talk, further highlighted the storyline's relevance to contemporary social issues, including the perils of riba (usury). To reach international audiences, Hum TV made episodes available on its YouTube channel shortly after broadcast, offering closed captions and global accessibility that extended the show's reach beyond Pakistan. This digital strategy complemented the linear TV airing, positioning Wabaal as accessible educational entertainment that addressed ethical themes like financial exploitation within an Islamic context.

Episode list

Wabaal is a 26-episode Pakistani drama serial that initially aired weekly on Saturdays at 8:00 PM on HUM TV, commencing on September 3, 2022. Starting from episode 19, the airing moved to Sundays at 9:00 PM, concluding with its finale on February 26, 2023. Each episode has a runtime of approximately 35 minutes. The episodes are untitled and numbered sequentially, progressing the narrative of ambition, debt, and relationships without major guest appearances or noted location shifts in production. The complete series is available for streaming on HUM TV's official YouTube channel post-finale. The following table provides an overview of select key episodes, including air dates and brief non-spoiler synopses highlighting pivotal developments:
EpisodeAir DateBrief Synopsis
1September 3, 2022Introduces Anum's middle-class world and her initial aspirations for wealth and social elevation amid family dynamics and friendships.
13November 26, 2022Mid-series installment escalating tension in debt accumulation through and evolving romance subplots, as characters confront mounting personal and financial pressures.
26February 26, 2023Series finale that resolves the central conflicts involving ambition-driven debts and relational entanglements, providing closure to the protagonists' arcs.
Intervening episodes build incrementally on these themes, with the storyline focusing on the repercussions of and interpersonal strains, leading to heightened by the midpoint.

Reception

Critical response

Wabaal received mixed to positive reviews from Pakistani media outlets, with praise centered on its realistic depiction of and its educational value in highlighting the harms of . Critics appreciated the drama's focus on interest-based loans and their societal consequences, noting it as a refreshing departure from conventional romance narratives. For instance, Youlin Magazine commended the exploration of semi-religious themes, providing insight into the repercussions of exploitative lending practices. Similarly, MAG the Weekly described it as an "interesting watch" that addresses the important issue of interest-based loans provided by middle-class women to those in need. However, some critiques pointed to pacing issues, particularly in the mid-season, where subplots such as the romantic elements were seen as overshadowing the core financial themes. Youlin Magazine found the storyline slow and fairytale-like, with the love subplot lacking sparks and failing to engage audiences fully. In an interview, director Amin Iqbal acknowledged weaknesses in connecting subplots, such as those involving 's character, which diluted the narrative cohesion. Fashion Times Magazine, while praising the breezy early episodes, implied a need for sustained momentum to maintain broader appeal. The performances garnered widespread acclaim, especially Sarah Khan's portrayal of the ambitious protagonist Anum, noted for its nuanced depiction of greed and entitlement. Reviewers highlighted Khan's ability to convey a " attitude" convincingly, pushing boundaries in a bratty role that showcased her range. Shagufta Ejaz's villainous turn as the lender was particularly lauded for its intensity and depth, with Youlin Magazine crediting her for carving out a niche and MAG the Weekly calling her "brilliant" in key scenes. Fan reactions echoed this, praising Ejaz's "impeccable" acting, even in the dramatic resolution. Regarding direction, Amin Iqbal was commended for handling mystery elements with control in the initial episodes, though some found the twists predictable due to the inevitable downfall of central characters. Overall, Pakistani media verdicts were generally positive, with Youlin Magazine expressing mild interest in the storyline's progression and MAG the Weekly emphasizing the fresh cast pairings. Fans on , as compiled by Reviewit.pk, appreciated the moral lessons on avoiding interest-based dealings and their eternal consequences, though some criticized abrupt resolutions, such as the portrayal of evildoers as insane, as a clichéd trope. The drama's fresh on-screen chemistry between leads was a highlight, contributing to its reception as a socially relevant, if uneven, production.

Viewership and impact

Wabaal achieved significant viewership on during its original broadcast from September 2022 to February 2023, contributing to the channel's strong prime-time performance in Pakistani television. While specific TV ratings data for individual episodes is not publicly detailed, the series aligned with 's dominance in drama viewership, where top serials often attract audiences in the millions across . The drama garnered substantial digital engagement, with its full 26-episode playlist on Hum TV's official YouTube channel accumulating over 1.4 million views as of recent metrics. Episodes, particularly the finale, drew notable attention, reflecting strong in its closure and performances. Wabaal influenced public discourse by highlighting the consequences of interest-based loans () within middle-class contexts, prompting discussions on financial ethics in Muslim communities through its portrayal of debt's societal toll. The series' exploration of these themes resonated amid ongoing debates in about Islamic finance alternatives to conventional lending. The drama boosted Sarah Khan's career trajectory following her maternity break, solidifying her as a leading actress with subsequent roles in Namak Haram (2023–2024) and Sher (2025). It also marked a breakthrough for , introducing him as a lead actor after supporting appearances, leading to his starring role in (2023). Wabaal received no major awards but earned recognition through fan appreciation and alignment with Hum TV's acclaimed slate, though it did not secure nominations at the 9th in 2023. The series left a lasting legacy in Pakistani television by effectively blending commercial entertainment with on middle-class debt traps, emphasizing the moral and emotional ramifications of in a relatable framework.

References

  1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3ZfhbMYs5s
  2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRJCxuG7wUQ
  3. https://images.dawn.com/news/1190643
  4. https://www.youlinmagazine.com/article/drama-review-wabaal/MjM2NQ==
  5. https://magtheweekly.com/detail/16514-wabaal
  6. https://showbizhut.com/wabaal-drama-cast-real-name-with-picture-actors/
  7. https://showbizhut.com/wabaal-drama-cast-story-timing-writer-ost-hum-tv/
  8. https://fuchsiamagazine.com/does-faraz-in-wabaal-need-to-be-more-of-a-man-ask-drama-viewers/
  9. https://www.thecelebrays.com/wabaal-drama-review-cast/
  10. https://fuchsiamagazine.com/is-wabaal-a-lost-opportunity-director-amin-iqbals-story/
  11. https://www.samaa.tv/2087312410-veteran-actress-shagufta-ejaz-worries-about-pakistan-s-drama-industry
  12. https://images.dawn.com/news/1190643/the-teaser-for-sarah-khan-and-merub-alis-upcoming-drama-wabaal-is-out-now
  13. https://ajjtak.pk/momina-duraid/
  14. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BskCRiNmwgw
  15. https://www.instagram.com/p/CfjKVgJoUpL/
  16. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt35748196/
  17. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yLqWGSNUgc
  18. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeWbbb2xO4s
  19. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbVdwtmx18sv2BHjAvsRGBDFyvojaaCaP
  20. https://wegreenkw.com/entertainment/wabaal/
  21. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbwd6nUXEFU
  22. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPrWKNHt2EE
  23. https://hum.tv/wabaal-last-episode-26/
  24. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7D4PVAYo6s
  25. https://reviewit.pk/wabaal-last-episode-public-reaction/
  26. https://propakistani.pk/lens/wabaal-third-episode-puts-fans-on-the-edge-with-plot-twist-review/
  27. https://fashiontimesmagazine.com/fashion-times-review-wabaal-takes-an-impressive-start-with-bravura-performances-as-its-usp/
  28. https://www.facebook.com/HUMNewsPakistan/posts/ratings-update-hum-tv-dramas-continue-to-dominate-prime-timepowerful-stories-unm/853117824092214/
  29. https://www.iosrjournals.org/iosr-jbm/papers/Vol14-issue2/E01423040.pdf
  30. https://kids.kiddle.co/Sarah_Khan
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.