Ertugrul: Turkish TV serials are a big hit in Pakistan

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Was Game of Thrones aired on Pakistan Television network?

Was Game of Thrones recommended by the PM of Pakistan and did he state that is has educational value?

Did Game of Thrones actors come to Pakistan and receive royal treatment with our political leaders giving them swords and rifles as gifts?

I don’t see why you are equating the two. If the Pakistani Government would have done the same for Game of Thrones, I would criticized them as well and called the obsession cringeworthy.

I have nothing against Etrugrul itself. It is probably a very good fictional representation of the Ottoman Empire/culture just like Vikings is a very good fictional representation of Norse history.

However, my problem is with the PM of Pakistan forcing it down the nation’s throats and laughably declaring that it is an accurate representation of Islamic history and showed be watched by everyone including children.

I thought you had a problem with the violence of Ertugrul yet you yourself are an avid viewer of Game of Thrones which is far more violent and sexually explicit. Now you are moving the goalposts and questioning why the PM has recommended the show. Which he is well within his rights to do so by the way. What is your problem? Did you ever have a problem with Bollywood films which showed arms being chopped off in films like Sholay?

[watson367]

One of my favorite shows is Omar. It is a brilliant show made by Qatar on the life of Caliph Umar Ibn Khattab.

If our PM wants children and the public of Pakistan to watch a show about Islamic history and learn about Islamic values, that is the show.

It is far, far more accurate than a fictional show based on the Ottoman Empire.

All Turkish shows (fictional, romcom,etc.) are better than Pakistani shows nowadays. There was a time when our shows were good (90s and early 2000s) but, now those days are long gone. Dont get why you are so bothered by people appreciating better shows. What do you want us to do go gaga over Bollywood?

[watson367]

If you don't like the current PM and his government, why are you triggered by him recommending something as meaningless as a TV show?

[Mamoon]

I thought you had a problem with the violence of Ertugrul yet you yourself are an avid viewer of Game of Thrones which is far more violent and sexually explicit. Now you are moving the goalposts and questioning why the PM has recommended the show. Which he is well within his rights to do so by the way. What is your problem? Did you ever have a problem with Bollywood films which showed arms being chopped off in films like Sholay?

You need to go back to the first few pages of this thread and see my posts. My main problem with the show has been Imran forcing it down our throats and calling it an accurate representation of Islamic history.

Moreover, I have also criticized the unhealthy obsession of Pakistani public with the show as an illustration of our identity crisis and our desperation to forge links with Arabs and a Turks.

Now before you mention the fandom over Game of Thrones, that is different to people treating Ertugrul Ghazi as some sort of national hero of Pakistan.

[Mamoon]

All Turkish shows (fictional, romcom,etc.) are better than Pakistani shows nowadays. There was a time when our shows were good (90s and early 2000s) but, now those days are long gone. Dont get why you are so bothered by people appreciating better shows. What do you want us to do go gaga over Bollywood?

We can go gaga over Turkish shows as well. Just don’t consider them as your national heroes and don’t morally police them on social media. Moreover, don’t treat them like royalty when they come to Pakistan and don’t let them PM force their work down the throats of the nation.

[Mamoon]

^ and don’t call their fictional shows historically accurate.

[Cpt. Rishwat]

You need to go back to the first few pages of this thread and see my posts. My main problem with the show has been Imran forcing it down our throats and calling it an accurate representation of Islamic history.

Moreover, I have also criticized the unhealthy obsession of Pakistani public with the show as an illustration of our identity crisis and our desperation to forge links with Arabs and a Turks.

Now before you mention the fandom over Game of Thrones, that is different to people treating Ertugrul Ghazi as some sort of national hero of Pakistan.

I asked you a couple of times now, where is the proof that Pakistanis consider Ertugrul as a Pakistani national hero?

[Cpt. Rishwat]

^ and don’t call their fictional shows historically accurate.

There is actually a disclaimer right at the beginning of the credits to say that the show is based on Turkish history. It's a fictional show not a documentary, I am surprised that I am having to explain this to you.

Now before you say "but but Pakistanis!!" let me tell you as a child I laughed in affectionate amusement at an Indian auntie who wept when a Bollywood hero died and asked how will he make a film again?

[watson367]

We can go gaga over Turkish shows as well. Just don’t consider them as your national heroes and don’t morally police them on social media. Moreover, don’t treat them like royalty when they come to Pakistan and don’t let them PM force their work down the throats of the nation.

Nobody is treating them like royalty except for brands who want to cash in on their popularity. What do you expect some uneducated people to do when they get access to social media? And why are you mad if the PM is "forcing down our throats"? You yourself said you like to disassociate yourself from this country. Your backtracking on words is a bit annoying now. Stop being so bias and come out of your fantasy world sometimes.

[Mamoon]

I asked you a couple of times now, where is the proof that Pakistanis consider Ertugrul as a Pakistani national hero?

Check the tweets that we (me and Saeedhk) posted and you can see for yourself if you use Twitter.

[Mamoon]

There is actually a disclaimer right at the beginning of the credits to say that the show is based on Turkish history. It's a fictional show not a documentary, I am surprised that I am having to explain this to you.

Now before you say "but but Pakistanis!!" let me tell you as a child I laughed in affectionate amusement at an Indian auntie who wept when a Bollywood hero died and asked how will he make a film again?

You don’t have to explain to me. Looks like you have to explain it to our PM who didn’t see the disclaimer in excitement and has implored the nation to watch it for its historical content and educational value.

[watson367]

Most people have already finished the show and moved on with their lives so I dont understand the wrist slitting. Trends come and go, get over it.

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Check the tweets that we (me and Saeedhk) posted and you can see for yourself if you use Twitter.

I see, so as I suspected you are forming a view about Pakistanis based on twitter comments. I would ask you and your friend s@aeedhk to visit some twitter pages of Milwall FC fans who are but a small microcosm of Britain and then perhaps go to visit a cafe in the town as I know you are both looking for an alternative to Bradford for eating out in the UK.

[Mamoon]

I see, so as I suspected you are forming a view about Pakistanis based on twitter comments. I would ask you and your friend s@aeedhk to visit some twitter pages of Milwall FC fans who are but a small microcosm of Britain and then perhaps go to visit a cafe in the town as I know you are both looking for an alternative to Bradford for eating out in the UK.

So who should we look at to form views about Pakistanis? Who do you suggest?

[Majid Khan]

I just don’t get it why some people are so against Ertugrul? Even if for a minute you leave aside any religious message or values such as courage, honesty and justice prompted by the show - and just look at it as an ‘entertainment’ product .

Why is it so successful ? There’s dozens of channels in Pakistan and numerous dramas being produced with local artists , why has a foreign program dubbed in Urdu become such a craze in Pakistan?

Just because Imran Khan recommended it in one interview ? Come on that’s ridiculous.

The reason Ertugrul is more popular is simple - it’s a far superior entertainment product to the locally made ‘saas bahu’ or ‘mian biwi saali’ themed dramas that Pakistani TV industry specialise in.

The better product always WINs - period.

And the biggest proof of this is if you look at how popular mainstream Bollywood movies have always been in Pakistan , despite the India-Pakistan tension and religious sentiments - simply because they produced superior ‘entertainment’ products compared to the garbage that was in 80s/90s and probably still is coming out of what they call “Lollywood”.

The point is when you produce quality like Pakistan once did with PTV drama serials like Waaris back in the 70s , the whole country was hooked and came to a standstill.

[Cpt. Rishwat]

So who should we look at to form views about Pakistanis? Who do you suggest?

Twitter is notorious for trolling, same as youtube and facebook and other social media. I guess you can use it to form a view of national characteristics, I can certainly do the same to be honest. I could form some really interesting views of fellow Brits following local twitter comments for example, but on here I think I will concentrate on Indian twitter in particular. How about that?

[Mamoon]

Twitter is notorious for trolling, same as youtube and facebook and other social media. I guess you can use it to form a view of national characteristics, I can certainly do the same to be honest. I could form some really interesting views of fellow Brits following local twitter comments for example, but on here I think I will concentrate on Indian twitter in particular. How about that?

So who do you suggest we look at to form an opinion?

[in_cutter]

I see the usual suspects are still crying because people in Pakistan are enjoying the show.

[Cpt. Rishwat]

So who do you suggest we look at to form an opinion?

I never suggested anything, merely wanted confirmation of how you form opinion. I shall use similar methods myself giving particular attention to Indians and Bollywood. How do you like that?

[Mamoon]

I never suggested anything, merely wanted confirmation of how you form opinion. I shall use similar methods myself giving particular attention to Indians and Bollywood. How do you like that?

Sure.

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Sure.

I should add, when I say Indian twitter I will specifically be paying attention to hindu contributors, not so much sikh or buddhists for some reason. After all, if you and saeed bai can determine that Pakistanis think Turkey and Pakistan are about to become one nation based off a twitter comment, then I imagine you can see how I can make some very interesting deductions about Indians from the same medium.

[Mamoon]

I should add, when I say Indian twitter I will specifically be paying attention to hindu contributors, not so much sikh or buddhists for some reason. After all, if you and saeed bai can determine that Pakistanis think Turkey and Pakistan are about to become one nation based off a twitter comment, then I imagine you can see how I can make some very interesting deductions about Indians from the same medium.

You sure can. You have the liberty to do so.

[saeedhk]

According to reports, Halime Baji will be Peshawar Zalmi’s ambassador. I remember Javed Afridi dropping Malala as Zalmi’s ambassador after public outrage.

We are such a confused nation!

[guna]

Why would people from Central Asia look like Vikings?
I don’t watch the show, but did see pictures and stills from the show. I felt that the show was made by wannabe whites.
I also read articles on the show and it seems most of the story is fictional.

[El Generico]

Why would people from Central Asia look like Vikings?
I don’t watch the show, but did see pictures and stills from the show. I felt that the show was made by wannabe whites.
I also read articles on the show and it seems most of the story is fictional.

I have actually watched the show, all the actors are Turkish and wear traditional Islamic/Turkish attire. Not sure why you think the show is or looks wannabe white. It’s quite possibly the polar opposite of that.

You are right about the fictional part, storylines are loosely based on history but there are a lot of fictional elements.

[Giannis]

Why would people from Central Asia look like Vikings?
I don’t watch the show, but did see pictures and stills from the show. I felt that the show was made by wannabe whites.
I also read articles on the show and it seems most of the story is fictional.

They don't look like vikings at all. Lol @ "wannabe whites", Turkish people are considered white especially in America, so it's ironic you're accusing them of trying to be white as someone from a country where colorism is rife.

[OldWarHorse]

Why would people from Central Asia look like Vikings?
I don’t watch the show, but did see pictures and stills from the show. I felt that the show was made by wannabe whites.
I also read articles on the show and it seems most of the story is fictional.

Turkish populace has had lots of intermingling with different ethnicities
including Europeans, esp Greeks and the Balkans for ages, hence some of them are equally white as the others are. The actors in the show cant be wannabe whites obviously.

However a significant lot look Middle Eastern as well. Maybe they could have had more of such actors owing to the period in their history the show is based on.

[guna]

Turkish populace has had lots of intermingling with different ethnicities
including Europeans, esp Greeks and the Balkans for ages, hence some of them are equally white as the others are. The actors in the show cant be wannabe whites obviously.

However a significant lot look Middle Eastern as well. Maybe they could have had more of such actors owing to the period in their history the show is based on.

The story of Ertugrul is about Turkic people before Ottoman empire started and before mixing with Greeks, Romans and Eastern Europeans. So they all must have Asian in them. Closer to the people of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhs. But they chose a guy who could qualify as a Viking.

I guess when the story is fictional, they can show anyone as the Ghazi saab.

[guna]

They don't look like vikings at all. Lol @ "wannabe whites", Turkish people are considered white especially in America, so it's ironic you're accusing them of trying to be white as someone from a country where colorism is rife.

After marrying and having babies with Greeks and Eastern Europeans, they started looking like Europeans too. But Mr.Ertugrul is straight out of Central Asian stock. But he is still shown as someone from British Isles. Hence wannabe whites.

[Cpt. Rishwat]

After marrying and having babies with Greeks and Eastern Europeans, they started looking like Europeans too. But Mr.Ertugrul is straight out of Central Asian stock. But he is still shown as someone from British Isles. Hence wannabe whites.

Perhaps you should have watched the show before making assumptions, there are actually quite a few characters who could pass for subcontinental ( depending on which part of the subcontinent) , I can search for them and upload images if it is important to you. Not really sure what it is you expect though. Turkish shows are mainly going to use Turkish actors, maybe you think they should hire Pakistani actors so they tie in with what you think Turks looked like back in the 15th century?

[KB]

Reflecting on some of the comments in this thread, while for some the show is nothing more than a TV programme, for others it was more than this. For them it was about identity: who are we, what does Pakistan stand for, what are its values.

There are also some underlying assumptions made by some: that a contested national identity is a problem and that Pakistanis have an identity crisis.

I would challenge such assumptions. Many nations have contested national stories. The very process of contestation is in fact a good thing, if unaccompanied by violence, as there can never be one simple and correct answer as to what national identity should ultimately rest on and what parts of history in the national story should be emphasised. The sense that “all history is present history” influences how the past is remembered in a particular period and means that senses of identity never remain static. Contestation is inevitable and a good thing.

[srh]

The story of Ertugrul is about Turkic people before Ottoman empire started and before mixing with Greeks, Romans and Eastern Europeans. So they all must have Asian in them. Closer to the people of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhs. But they chose a guy who could qualify as a Viking.

I guess when the story is fictional, they can show anyone as the Ghazi saab.

Is not central asia original Caucasian? If yes then the lead actor makes totally sense as Ertugrul.

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Actually the actor on the left (Samsa) looks about as central Asian as you can get. I think maybe poster guna, thinks maybe he should look like he's from mumbai.

[Giannis]

After marrying and having babies with Greeks and Eastern Europeans, they started looking like Europeans too. But Mr.Ertugrul is straight out of Central Asian stock. But he is still shown as someone from British Isles. Hence wannabe whites.

Engin Altan is Turkish himself, with Albanian roots so he's definitely not "British". Central Asian Turks weren't just mongolians like a lot of Indians think, before central asia was turkified, it was home to Persian-speaking Iranic tribes who looked no different from Iranians and Afghans, they absorbed into the Turk population and mixed with them but that doesn't mean that they looked mongol at all.

[KingKhanWC]

This series seems to be making the anti-Pakistan and Islamaphobes getting a stomach ache, so I will watch it properly.

Is there an English dubbed version on Netflix?

[El Generico]

This series seems to be making the anti-Pakistan and Islamaphobes getting a stomach ache, so I will watch it properly.

Is there an English dubbed version on Netflix?

It’s on Netflix with English subtitles. I don’t think they have a dubbed version in English. Subtitles are usually better than dubbing anyways.

[Cpt. Rishwat]

This series seems to be making the anti-Pakistan and Islamaphobes getting a stomach ache, so I will watch it properly.

Is there an English dubbed version on Netflix?

One of the central themes of Ertugrul is not just the wars between neighbouring powers in the region, but also the traitors which there is an endless supply of throughout the 5 series. It is equally maddening and yet highly relevant and current, as you can see in this thread and on Muslim sites in general. Get past the first few episodes which seem a bit stereotypical, then it gets better and better as the characters and plot develop.

[DeadlyVenom]

I really miss this show but its too soon for me to rewatch it. It was a good bit of escapism, the battle scenes were ridiculous but the central themes of justice, courage, religion and uncovering the traitors within were quite compelling. Some of the dialogues were excellent and the scenes with Ibn Arabi were fantastic.

I found the effect of the show to be really positive. It was the first mainstream show that I've seen with a Muslim hero and Islamic references which honestly was brilliant.

Its not a top tier show in terms of plot content as the wire and sopranos but it was really quite enjoyable and I don't understand why people in this thread knock it so much.

[Gharib Aadmi]

I really miss this show but its too soon for me to rewatch it. It was a good bit of escapism, the battle scenes were ridiculous but the central themes of justice, courage, religion and uncovering the traitors within were quite compelling. Some of the dialogues were excellent and the scenes with Ibn Arabi were fantastic.

I found the effect of the show to be really positive. It was the first mainstream show that I've seen with a Muslim hero and Islamic references which honestly was brilliant.

Its not a top tier show in terms of plot content as the wire and sopranos but it was really quite enjoyable and I don't understand why people in this thread knock it so much.

The haters cant understand that's why its so popular. Nothing to do with Turks, had it been about African Muslims it would also have been popular.

[Gharib Aadmi]

This series seems to be making the anti-Pakistan and Islamaphobes getting a stomach ache, so I will watch it properly.

Is there an English dubbed version on Netflix?

I want to watch it for the same reason.

Also I dont think their is an English dubbed version, however from my family members who watched it they said the one in Turkish with English subtitles was better than the Urdu dubbed version.

[Itachi]

Watched a few episodes. Didn't find entertaining to be honest. From technical perspective, I felt that the camera makes too many movements for a scene with low intense and often it is angled some weird perspective where you question about which perspective the director wants to imply.

[Madplayer]

Watched a few episodes. Didn't find entertaining to be honest. From technical perspective, I felt that the camera makes too many movements for a scene with low intense and often it is angled some weird perspective where you question about which perspective the director wants to imply.

You should watch the masterpiece that Mahabharat was. Now that is some serious work of art.

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Watched a few episodes. Didn't find entertaining to be honest. From technical perspective, I felt that the camera makes too many movements for a scene with low intense and often it is angled some weird perspective where you question about which perspective the director wants to imply.

Your view has given me pause for thought. I have said earlier in this thread that it takes a while to get going, and the first few episodes are a bit of a slog. In fact I watched 4 episodes then gave up on it for about 6 months before I gave it another go.

Now I am thinking this might have been deliberate tactic by the producers to put off nosy parkers who would not appreciate the central theme ( not aimed at you ). The show is definitely one which takes a while to get going but then really kicks into gear.

[Itachi]

You should watch the masterpiece that Mahabharat was. Now that is some serious work of art.

Considering the time of making, it was.

[Madplayer]

Considering the time of making, it was.

I am talking about the one that came on sony tv a couple of years back

[DeadlyVenom]

I think some people get put off by the sometimes poor quality fight scenes and judge the whole series on that. Personally, I enjoyed some of the dialogues more. Especially the scenes between Ertugrul and Ibn Arabi where Ibn Arabi would offer spiritual guidance.

Here is a scene between Ibn Arabi and the "ustad -e-azam" of the Christian Crusaders. For me, scenes like this are what made the show.

[Madplayer]

Oh god no no! You HAD TO DO IT. RIGHT?

RIGHT?

You thought i was foolish to mention the old one which was actually good work for its time? No my friend No

[KingKhanWC]

I want to watch it for the same reason.

Also I dont think their is an English dubbed version, however from my family members who watched it they said the one in Turkish with English subtitles was better than the Urdu dubbed version.

I watched a few episodes , great show so far. Somebody wrote the fight scenes are not good but I found them very good. Nice to see none of the nosense of dragons or demons running around and no nude scences. Great dialogue too. Hope it continues for the rest of my watch.

[srh]

I want to watch it for the same reason.

Also I dont think their is an English dubbed version, however from my family members who watched it they said the one in Turkish with English subtitles was better than the Urdu dubbed version.

I watched the Season 1 in Urdu dubbed version of PTV. I usually dont like dubbed version but PTV did an excellent job on Season 1. Then I find out it Ertugrul is available on Netflex with English subtitles, so tried it and its just amazing. Once you watch real version with subtitles, you will not got back to dubbed version.

[DeadlyVenom]

Has anyone started watching the 'Osman' sequel? I've seen a few clips and it looks similar to the original with some familiar faces too.

[Greenstorm]

I watched a few episodes , great show so far. Somebody wrote the fight scenes are not good but I found them very good. Nice to see none of the nosense of dragons or demons running around and no nude scences. Great dialogue too. Hope it continues for the rest of my watch.

Fight scenes are a major upgrade for the millions of Pakistani viewers who only watch Pakistani or Indian content.

[Cpt. Rishwat]

I watched a few episodes , great show so far. Somebody wrote the fight scenes are not good but I found them very good. Nice to see none of the nosense of dragons or demons running around and no nude scences. Great dialogue too. Hope it continues for the rest of my watch.

It will get much better. Get through season 1 and come back on here. We can have nice long discussions about the pros and pros of this magnificent tv series.

[GenericBrand]

Interested in trying it out but intimidated by the amount of episodes there are, and if I'm not mistaken, lengthy episodes.

[gazza619]

I watched a few episodes , great show so far. Somebody wrote the fight scenes are not good but I found them very good. Nice to see none of the nosense of dragons or demons running around and no nude scences. Great dialogue too. Hope it continues for the rest of my watch.

Season 2 was the best and most thrilling amongst all 5 seasons. Loved the show. It actually encourages people to get closer to Islam and pray.

[the Great Khan]

Just finished all five seasons. Probably one of the greatest TV serials I have ever seen. Never gotten so emotional watching TV like this before.

I am already a history buff especially this time period so this was right up my alley. And then a Muslim hero who fights for justice? cmon..who wouldn't want to watch this. I loved the characters. They were well written, the plots were intricate. yes some nationalistic turkish fevour in there but thats understandable given the audience. Overall who wouldnt love Bamsi, Turgut, Dogan and Ertugrul..And then Hayme Ana as one of the great characters on screen. Halime Sultana and even ertugruls children.

And the villains!! cmon..brilliant villians..I mean i really hated the villians lol..which means they were well written and well acted.

With regards to the seasons well i would say:

season 2
Season 1
season 3
season 4
season 5

I felt 5 was probably the weakest but still pretty good..season 2 was zoardaar!! just amazing from episode one onwards.it was a rollercoaster ride!!

[the Great Khan]

Started watching Kurulus Usman but the stream was poor and the translation not so good. Im going to wait for it to come onto netflix..

[the Great Khan]

Watched a few episodes. Didn't find entertaining to be honest. From technical perspective, I felt that the camera makes too many movements for a scene with low intense and often it is angled some weird perspective where you question about which perspective the director wants to imply.

did the same..then I watched the urdu dubbed and I was hooked..i then switched to the english and I was all in...it gets better and better and season two is just another level..

[Majid Khan]

Has anyone noticed how the quality of a Pakistani dramas on private channels in recent months has started to improve ? with more diverse topics and subjects being explored to the usual ‘saas-bahu’ or ‘love triangle’ formula

I wonder if Ertugrul’s huge success and popularity might be a factor , letting the local TV production and industry know that they have to up their own game given the higher quality the audience is expecting as set by the competition

The following ongoing Pakistani drama serials are as good as any I’ve seen in ages:

- Aulad (exploring elderly parents and children relationship)
- Dunk (effects of false harassment allegations on accused individual’s family)
- Raqs e Bismil

And a lot of hype being set for upcoming Khuda aur Mohabbat serial on GEO, supposedly the most expensive drama production in Pak history.

[khan-92]

Started watching Kurulus Usman but the stream was poor and the translation not so good. Im going to wait for it to come onto netflix..

I would recommend watch The Awakening Great Seljuks
https://youtu.be/B8rn2a6SMhI
Based on the reign of Melikshah and his vizier Nizam ul Mulk & their fights against the Byzantine Empire.
Also how the Batini sect of Ismail shia led by Hasan Sabah plotted against the Seljuk Empire.
If you enjoyed Ertugral will love this, It is much better then Kurlus Osman Series.

[Mamoon]

Has anyone noticed how the quality of a Pakistani dramas on private channels in recent months has started to improve ? with more diverse topics and subjects being explored to the usual ‘saas-bahu’ or ‘love triangle’ formula

I wonder if Ertugrul’s huge success and popularity might be a factor , letting the local TV production and industry know that they have to up their own game given the higher quality the audience is expecting as set by the competition

The following ongoing Pakistani drama serials are as good as any I’ve seen in ages:

- Aulad (exploring elderly parents and children relationship)
- Dunk (effects of false harassment allegations on accused individual’s family)
- Raqs e Bismil

And a lot of hype being set for upcoming Khuda aur Mohabbat serial on GEO, supposedly the most expensive drama production in Pak history.

Pakistan produces 1-2 such dramas every year. Last year at this time, it was Alif.

It has nothing to do with our obsession with a fictional propaganda series like Ertugrul.

[Gharib Aadmi]

Has anyone noticed how the quality of a Pakistani dramas on private channels in recent months has started to improve ? with more diverse topics and subjects being explored to the usual ‘saas-bahu’ or ‘love triangle’ formula

I wonder if Ertugrul’s huge success and popularity might be a factor , letting the local TV production and industry know that they have to up their own game given the higher quality the audience is expecting as set by the competition

The following ongoing Pakistani drama serials are as good as any I’ve seen in ages:

- Aulad (exploring elderly parents and children relationship)
- Dunk (effects of false harassment allegations on accused individual’s family)
- Raqs e Bismil

And a lot of hype being set for upcoming Khuda aur Mohabbat serial on GEO, supposedly the most expensive drama production in Pak history.

Competition is good in any industry. Pakistan has been dubbing Turkish dramas before Ertgrul and they have been really popular.

However our artist dont want any competition, and have tried to legally block these shows from coming to Pakistan. They also try to play the Islamic and cultural card to stop these shows.

What Pakistan needs is to remove the legal limits on what percent of content can be dubbed, and bring in addition to Turkish content, dramas and films from Iran, Korea, Latin America, etc.

[MRSN]

Has anyone noticed how the quality of a Pakistani dramas on private channels in recent months has started to improve ? with more diverse topics and subjects being explored to the usual ‘saas-bahu’ or ‘love triangle’ formula

I wonder if Ertugrul’s huge success and popularity might be a factor , letting the local TV production and industry know that they have to up their own game given the higher quality the audience is expecting as set by the competition

The following ongoing Pakistani drama serials are as good as any I’ve seen in ages:

- Aulad (exploring elderly parents and children relationship)
- Dunk (effects of false harassment allegations on accused individual’s family)
- Raqs e Bismil

And a lot of hype being set for upcoming Khuda aur Mohabbat serial on GEO, supposedly the most expensive drama production in Pak history.

Raqs e Bismil is one of my favourites and I usually hate Pakistani dramas but this one is good.

[Nadeemp]

Waris. :BEST PAKISTANI DRAMA EVER PRODUCED. PERIOD.

[Waseem]

Has anyone noticed how the quality of a Pakistani dramas on private channels in recent months has started to improve ? with more diverse topics and subjects being explored to the usual ‘saas-bahu’ or ‘love triangle’ formula

I wonder if Ertugrul’s huge success and popularity might be a factor , letting the local TV production and industry know that they have to up their own game given the higher quality the audience is expecting as set by the competition

The following ongoing Pakistani drama serials are as good as any I’ve seen in ages:

- Aulad (exploring elderly parents and children relationship)
- Dunk (effects of false harassment allegations on accused individual’s family)
- Raqs e Bismil

And a lot of hype being set for upcoming Khuda aur Mohabbat serial on GEO, supposedly the most expensive drama production in Pak history.

To be honest, Pakistan always had such dramas and quality hasn't gone substantially up or down. Even when people compare to Ertugrul, this is not your typical Turkish drama either. I came across some Turkish plays while in Pakistan and most of them were also Masala plays just like Pakistani dramas and Ertugrul is an exception. Pakistan needs some dramas showing proper history as well but otherwise we have fair share of decent dramas focusing on social issues.

[Waseem]

I really dont understand what really upsets people in Ertugrul? I started watching late and only finished 2 seasons and it is quite enjoyable but if people dont like it then watch something else?

Yes Ertugrul is being portrayed as some sort of superhero; in reality he had his fair share of weaknesses and even acted very cruel against Mongols (as drama shows as well). You expect this in every drama based on history, nothing will represent 100% of actual events and some masala is obvious too to make it more watchable.

[Bigboii]

Waris. :BEST PAKISTANI DRAMA EVER PRODUCED. PERIOD.

Oh man I remember watching it's re runs when I was a kid on PTV
Still give me chills, those negative characters and thier scenes really made you hate the guy and the background music
With all that censorships they still producede gems (while getting paid peanuts)

Should also watch sub set hai from 2000s (comedy show)
Offers sociol commentry in a not so over bearing way
The old school tv is a bit under rated...

There are still some gems being produced so it's not all doom and gloom but old school tv was good

[srh]

In Season 4, Eres becoming a muslim is very touching

[Watsupdoc]

In Season 4, Eres becoming a muslim is very touching

Exactly! That was an awesome moment!

[srh]

Exactly! That was an awesome moment!

I also really like moments when Ertugrul with his friends shout out Allah-u-Akbar. Very inspiring.

May be we should do the same in this thread. Everybody who loves Ertugrul shout out Allah-u-Akbar. I will start:

Allah-u-Akbar.

[Cpt. Rishwat]

I will shout for me and Varun in case he misses this thread:

Allah-u-Akbar!

[Local.Dada]

As long as Ertugul has inspired people to start statements with a holy chant relating to their religion, that is a huge positive influence, very good to see.

Just hope it doesn’t become about people mock beheading their pillows and soft toys as infidels. Glad to see at least some people picking up positive morals. May be there are some redeeming qualities after all.

[SpiritOf1903]

Heydiallah , Haqiallah!

[Bigboii]

In Season 4, Eres becoming a muslim is very touching

Spoiler much?

[srh]

Spoiler much?

sorry I thought I was the only one who has not seen the whole series yet

[saeedhk]

Keyboard jihadi put in his place!

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Keyboard jihadi put in his place!

This is not a keyboard jihadi actually, it is just one of those online mystery identities who like to harass women. There is no mention of jihad in that tweet, and in fact there is no way of verifying his or her actual identity, could be a hindu woman for all we know. Halime Sultan handled it most elegantly all things considered.