BIRYANI REVIEW EPISODE 4-5

The drama is finally beginning to settle into its intended trajectory. The frequent references to the 1947 India–Pakistan Partition and the feudal system are no longer random; they tie directly into Nisa’s backstory. Her family, uprooted from India, migrated to Pakistan and had to rebuild their lives from scratch with very limited resources.

While some migrants may have embraced the new homeland without resentment, others—like Nisa’s uncle—carried the scars of displacement. His bitterness stems from a belief that his sacrifices were never acknowledged or rewarded. This bias is particularly visible in his disdain for Meeran, even before meeting him, simply because Meeran belongs to a wadera family—a system infamous for exploiting power in Pakistan.

Interestingly, Meeran defies the stereotype. Unlike the typical cruel landlord, he is nuanced, showing a different side to the feudal identity. This raises a thought-provoking question: is Nisa’s uncle justified in his resentment, or is he trapped in the weight of history?

One of the drama’s strongest aspects is its celebration of Sindhi culture in all its colors and contradictions. From the spiritual aura of the mazar and the vibrancy of a Sufi mehfil, to the richness of ajrak and intricate Sindhi embroidery, the cultural representation feels authentic. At the same time, it doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths—like the exploitation of women’s cheap labor that underpins much of this beauty.

That said, while the mazar scenes were shown with grandeur, they don’t quite align religiously. It feels more like a cultural representation than a spiritual one, so viewers may want to appreciate it in that context rather than as a reflection of faith.

Another moment that stood out was Meeran’s mother’s attitude toward Haroon, whom she otherwise treats as her own son. Referring to him as najas (impure) simply because of his disability was deeply unsettling. Perhaps this is a reflection of certain outdated cultural attitudes within Sindhi society, but it was still jarring to watch.

And then, there’s the mystery around Gul. What exactly is her relationship with Meeran—sister, cousin, or something else? The ambiguity adds intrigue, but what’s undeniable is the on-screen chemistry between Sarwat Gillani and Khushal Khan—it absolutely sizzles. Meanwhile, Ramsha Khan feels like the ilaichi in this biryani—you can’t ignore her presence even if you’re not sure whether you like it!