Zubair Qureshi
First Pakistan-made original series, “Churails” is becoming an internationally popular series being telecast by a number of TV channels there besides being a sensation on social media websites too.
The 10-part show, consisting of 55-minute episodes is on air from Aug 11 and all its episodes are available at the same time, enabling binge-watching.
The series follows four self-proclaimed Churails – strong, independent-minded women – who operate a covert detective agency to expose cheating husbands amongst the city’s elite.
As their operations expand, they come to be saviors of abused, harassed and mistreated women. Storylines cover issues including child abuse, sexism, and domination along class and racial lines.
The show is directed by Asim Abbasi, the UK-based director who in 2018 made “Cake,” Pakistan’s acclaimed, but ultimately unsuccessful, Oscar contender.
In an exclusive interview with Pakistan Observer, ‘Team Churails’ Asim Abbasi, Sarwat Gilani Mirza, Nimra Bucha, Mehar Bano and Yasra Rizvi replied to various questions and told about the character they are playing and the feedback they are receiving after the show goes on air recently.
Asim Abbasi said his inspiration behind directing was “every strong woman I have met in my life.” My mother, my sisters, my wife all they are my inspirations, said Abbasi.
“It is also from every woman who though came from an ordinary background and struggled and has been oppressed in one form or the other in a deep-rooted patriarchal and misogynist society. ‘Churails” also highlights themes of child marriages, colorism, a woman’s right over her own body, the exploitation of women. These were all in my mind for a very long time and Churails provided me that canvas to explore these themes.
About what the audience should expect, he said the audience should first enjoy the story, characters, plot, a binge worthy thrilling ride filled with a lot of suspense.
They will be able to reflect on it after they have seen it. There are lots of questions about gender empowerment, what it means to be a woman, what it means to be a man; I think all these will resonate with the discerning audiences.
Nimra Bucha is playing role of Batool, a woman who has served 20 years in prison for murder. She is a tough customer, unapologetic and without remorse.
It was a long process getting into Batool’s skin. “Asim Abbasi had a very clear idea how he wanted me to play her and he knows the art of crafting character inside out,” said she.
Mehar Bano said she was playing Zubaida in Churails and nothing was compared to that.
“It was definitely the most physically challenging character to portray than from all the other characters I have ever done in my life,” she said.
Sarwat Gilani termed ‘Churails’ a revolutionary project. “It is the first of its kind that is coming out of Pakistan and representing Pakistan on a global platform,” she said.
Last but not the least, Yasir Rizvi said the part he loved was the on-camera performance as Jugnu and that was fun to play.
