When “Fairytale” made its debut during Ramadan this year, it was the underdog of the four “big” Ramadan dramas – “Chand Tara,” “Heer Da Hero,” “Tere Aane Se” taking the lead. And yet, in a strange twist of fate, of the four dramas, it’s “Fairytale” which remained the most memorable show, one which had viewers talking, squealing over its leads and making predictions despite its smaller, less known cast. Adding to its popularity, “Fairytale” also managed to accomplish something no other drama has been able to – producing a sequel within the same year, only months after the first season came to an end. Did the sequel live up to expectations? Absolutely! Starring Hamza Sohail, Sehar Khan, Adnan Raza Mir, Aena Khan, Saleem Sheikh, Salma Hassan, Tehseen Wajahat, Saman Ansari and Amna Youzasaif, the story has been written by Sarah Majeed and directed by Ali Hassan.
“Fairytale 2” has never been a particularly storyline driven show, rather it’s one full of light-hearted moments which put a smile on the viewer’s face – and yet, it’s a show full of strong, positive messaging, making points in a subtle way. In the finale, nothing earth-shattering happens, as has been the theme of the show. Umeed (Sehar Khan) decides she’s going to cook for her entire family and make Chinese food, despite the fact that she’s never cooked before. She recruits the help of Farjaad (Hamza Sohail), her green flag, always willing to help, husband and the two go grocery shopping together. Meanwhile, while Umeed cooks, Farjaad calls her family to invite them for dinner – as they are his family too. Niggo (Saman Ansari) and Mimi (Amna Youzasaif) cheerlead Umeed from the sidelines as supportive in-laws while Pasha (Saleem Sheikh) plays supportive father, eager to applaud his daughter’s efforts – even if he knows she can’t cook. On paper, this storyline for a finale sounds absolutely ridiculous and flimsy, but in the world of “Fairytale,” it brings us to tears with how much our characters have grown, bonded and learned to support one another, finding joy in little things and within the family unit. Ironically, in the end, when Umeed throws up, everyone jumps to the conclusion that she’s expecting, a cliché that we all despise watching – which brings us to laughs when everyone gets food poisoning from Umeed’s cooking. But ultimately, Umeed is, in fact, expecting a child and “Fairytale 2” is brought to a close with the most beautiful montage of our blissfully in love couple with their little daughter…..Farmeed?
The incredible thing about “Fairytale” is how it makes these great statements while still being overall silly. For example, Agho Jaan has clearly been mentally ill for the majority of the show and while the family acts ludicrous, acting as though the house is haunted rather than tending to their elder, Umeed and Farjaad step in and do the needful by taking her to the doctor. Was the ghost angle overdone? Yes, but it has been written that way to prove a point – the things we chalk up to ghosts and spirits can sometimes simply be a loved one desperately in need of our love and attention. There have been beautiful moments like Niggo giving her husband’s ring to Umeed, just after telling her how important it was to her only days earlier. While Niggo had her doubts about Umeed, even plotting against her like a “zaalim saas,” she has now accepted Umeed into her life, not as a daughter-in-law, but as a daughter. Of course, the happy way with which Umeed and Farjaad react to Umeed’s pregnancy, along with the love of their families, is heartwarming and simply beautiful.
Is “Fairytale 2” perfect? No, there are flaws certainly, one complaint largely being some of the unnecessary comedy tracks. One of the greatest complaints is the way AK (Ali Safina) was written off the show – and while we understand that this was most likely his choice not to return, suddenly having AK marry Reena mentally destroyed a lovable character. AK deserved Mimi – and Mimi deserved better than how she was treated.
In the end, “Fairytale 2” (and one) has been a true fairytale, Umeed’s fairytale to be specific. From being a young girl with a neglectful, tyrant father with dreams of escaping her home through “finding” money, Umeed has gone through a journey of becoming a responsible, loving wife, a loving daughter-in-law and recognizing that her heart remains in her childhood home with her family. Everyone from Saleem Sheikh as Pasha, Saman Ansari as Niggo, Amna Youzasaif and Aena Khan as Umeed’s confidants, Tehseen Wajahat as Chachu, Salma Hassan as Chachi, everyone has been excellent in their roles, truly becoming part of our family. The Umeed and Farjaad relationship has been the highlight of the entire show, of course, depicting exactly what a healthy, loving, supportive relationship and marriage looks like. Can we have more relationships like this on-screen and less of the toxic Mama’s boys and silent, weeping females? “Fairytale 2” is a show which has brought so much joy to its audiences and it will be missed terribly. Can we hope for a season 3?