This past Ramadan, Pakistani drama audiences found themselves spoiled – or overwhelmed – for choice with four Ramadan dramas on-air daily. This left viewers not only struggling to keep up with four daily shows, but also with regularly scheduled programming. Ultimately, viewers picked their favorites and, in a strange twist of fate, the underdog, “Fairy Tale,” wound up sweeping up the most praise from audiences not only due to its light-hearted nature and fresh cast, but also due to its compelling, heart-warming love story with socially relevant characters. Cut to four months later where, due to the success of season one, Hum TV has now begun airing the second season of “Fairy Tale.” Written by Sarah Majeed and directed by Ali Hassan, Sehar Khan, Hamza Sohail, Adnan Raza Mir, Aena Khan, Saleem Sheikh, Salma Hassan, Tehseen Wajahat, Saman Ansari, Amna Yousafzai and, hopefully, Ali Safina, return to our screens in “Fairy Tale 2.”
With the season premiere, we’re given a mega episode, which is essentially two episodes. The first part serves as a warm-up, giving us a cute five minute recap of the previous season before throwing us into Farjaad (Hamza Sohail) and Umeed’s (Sehar Khan) life at present post declaration of love. While Umeed’s family has wholeheartedly accepted Farjaad as a part of Umeed’s life and a positive addition to their family, Niggo (Saman Ansari) has heated feelings towards this relationship. Fortunately, Niggo could never be a stereotypical negative “saas” and that’s what makes Saman’s portrayal of her so entertaining. The highlight of the episode arrives in the form of her dream sequence, envisioning herself as a Star Plus saas, Mimi (Amna Youzasaif) as a plotting vamp with Farjaad and Umeed as the innocent couple. This sequence playfully pokes fun at the Indian television shows we have grown up watching and the dedication all the actors show to the moment – particularly Amna – is hilarious and applause-worthy.
The second part of the episode shows how Umeed begins her new position at Farjaad’s office. While Umeed has a rough time getting started in terms of work, the office romance is in full swing. Farjaad is committed to work, but Umeed’s presence is a visible distraction for him – but in the sweetest way. Umeed’s jealousy towards Ms. Mehak is understandable, particularly with Mehak plotting against her with Niggo, but the way Farjaad handles Umeed just reminds us why this pair is so root-worthy. They balance out the other and generally just respect each other – in their own way. It’s also great to see Pasha Sahab (Saleem Sheikh) staying true to character, but showing visible growth as a father. His scenes with both Umeed and Haya (Aena Khan) are excellent and make us smile.
What makes “Fairy Tale” work, not only in season one, but now in season two as well is Hamza Sohail and Sehar Khan’s chemistry. These two characters together are a perfect fit, like a hand in a glove and their relationship feels personal. It does not feel like we’re watching two actors pretending to like each other, which is often what we see on our screens – acting. Hamza and Sehar play off one another with their reactions and expressions in a way that connects with the audience. This is the most natural depiction of a relationship between two diversely different characters and honestly, it works. The season is off to an excellent start with all the key players giving wonderful performances in an episode that more than meets expectations, it exceeds them. For over an hour, “Fairy Tale 2” delivers on laughs and romance. We can’t wait to see what’s next!