Alif Drama Review: Alif (Urdu: الف) is a Pakistani spiritual-romantic television series that aired in 2019. Created by Sana Shahnawaz and Samina Humayun Saeed under their newly-established production house, Epic Entertainment, it was penned by Umera Ahmad, adapted from her own novel of the same name. Directed by Haseeb Hassan, the series featured a stellar cast including Hamza Ali Abbasi, Sajal Aly, Kubra Khan, and Ahsan Khan.
Debuting on Geo TV in Pakistan on October 5, 2019, the serial garnered widespread acclaim for its direction, script, performances, and cinematography. It clinched the Best Television Writer award for Ahmad at the 20th Lux Style Awards, among nine other categories.
Story
“Alif” chronicles the intertwined journeys of Momina Sultan, a struggling actress, and Qalb-e-Momin, a successful filmmaker, as they navigate their careers, families, and spirituality. The narrative also delves into the tragic story of the late starlet, Husn-e-Jahan. Through parallel storytelling, the series explores the characters’ relationships with God.
The series begins by depicting the carefree lifestyle of Qalb-e-Momin, a renowned film director who objectifies women in his work. Meanwhile, Momina, a junior artist, grapples with financial hardships and familial neglect, her aspirations overshadowed by her brother’s illness. Sultan, Momina’s father and former makeup artist to Husn-e-Jahan, adds depth to the narrative.
Despite initial reluctance, Momina auditions for Qalb-e-Momin’s film, only to clash with him over his treatment of women. Personal tragedies and professional opportunities force Momina to reconsider her priorities. Simultaneously, Qalb-e-Momin’s grandfather urges him to explore spirituality through his filmmaking.
As their paths converge, Momina’s international acclaim contrasts with Qalb-e-Momin’s introspective journey. Misunderstandings strain their budding relationship, but their collaboration on a film about Husn-e-Jahan’s life brings clarity and closure. Through revelations about Husn-e-Jahan’s past, perceptions shift, leading to a poignant reconciliation between Qalb-e-Momin and Momina.
The series concludes with Qalb-e-Momin’s homage to his mother in a successful film, signaling a transformative moment in his career. Despite Qalb-e-Momin’s proposal to join him in Türkiye, Momina remains committed to fulfilling Husn-e-Jahan’s legacy through calligraphy. Their emotional farewell marks the beginning of new chapters in their lives, symbolized by Qalb-e-Momin’s return to Türkiye and Momina’s dedication to her craft at Master Ibrahim’s side.
Main Casts
| Hamza Ali Abbasi | Qalb-E-Momin | Sajal Aly | Momina Sultan |
| Manzar Sehbai | Abdul Aala | Kubra Khan | Husn-E-Jahan |
| Ahsan Khan | Taha Abdul Aala | Saleem Meraj | Sultan Shah |
Production
Before its release, co-creator Sana Shahnawaz shared with Something Haute, “You’ll witness how the lives of all characters intertwine with this single alphabet.” She emphasized that the series was a “passion project” for everyone involved, expressing their collective excitement for its airing.
Discussing the premise, Shahnawaz explained to The Express Tribune that “Alif delves into the inquiries one has about life and its significance.”
Principal photography for the series commenced in June 2018, with initial filming conducted in Turkey. The filming locations included Istanbul, Turkey, and Karachi, Pakistan.
Music
The original soundtrack of the series “Alif Bas” features performances by Shuja Haider and Momina Mustehsan. Shuja Haider not only lends his vocals but also serves as the music composer and lyricist for the soundtrack.
Major receptions
Alif garnered immediate acclaim upon its debut, swiftly rising to become one of the highest-rated Pakistani dramas on IMDb.
In her review of the initial two episodes, Marryam Suleman of Daily Times highlighted the “strong” script, “beautiful” cinematography, and commendable direction efforts.
Sadaf Haider, writing for Images Dawn, praised the series for its multi-layered storyline and well-developed characters, asserting that the entire cast deserved applause. She particularly highlighted the outstanding and impactful performances of Khan, Abbasi, and Aly. Haider concluded by hailing Alif as one of the most refined and artistically satisfying dramas in recent years, urging the team behind it to bask in the well-deserved praise.
Rameeza Naseem of Oye Yeah echoed the sentiment, commending the drama in her review of the final episode. She credited the veteran writer Umaira Ahmed for crafting a brilliant script and applauded the entire team for creating a masterpiece, noting the excellence in script, performances, and execution.
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