Suno Chanda is an emotional roller coaster that stands out as an unparalleled Ramadan drama. It captures the audience with its perfect blend of family drama, humour and cultural resonance. Despite numerous attempts to replicate its magic, no other show has matched its charm.
Suno Chanda, directed by Aehsun Talish, was released during Ramadan 2018 and was set during the holy month for Muslims. This 30-episode for 30-day format was a first for Primetime Pakistani drama, building anticipation that culminated in a heartwarming finale on Eid, the Muslim Festival that marks the end of Ramadan.
The story by Saima Akram Chaudhry is a modern twist on traditional values, as a result resonates with all age groups. The tension between tradition and modernity, particularly in Jiya and Arsal’s relationship. Jiya’s desire to further her education clashed with her arranged marriage to Arsal, a theme that resonates with many young women, while the older generation represents family values. It isn’t just a family sitcom, but a reality check with an extra dose of humour.
The outstanding performances of Iqra Aziz and Farhan Saeed in the roles of Jiya and Arsal capture the essence of youthful love and family dynamics. Even during their banter, their on-screen chemistry steals hearts, which becomes one of the main reasons for the show’s success.
Their sizzling chemistry draws viewers from all over the world, making it many people’s first exposure to Pakistani drama. Nadia Afghan’s portrayal of Shahana, Arsal’s mother, a Punjabi woman, is flawless, and it helps to capture both the middle-aged and Punjabi audiences from Pakistan and India.
The soundtrack, sung by Farhan Saeed, who also plays the character of Arsal, became an instant hit, adding to the success of the drama overall.
Although the production quality is like that of previous HUM TV dramas, there is noticeable attention to detail in the set design. The Ramadan portrayal, and wardrobe reflects the traditional yet modern Pakistani joint family, giving the impression that as a viewer, you are also part of the family.
Considering the fact that the episodes were filmed and edited the day before they aired and that the actors and crew worked 18–20-hour shifts, the direction and acting is top-notch.
The actors’ careers, as well as the industry, are greatly impacted by Suno Chanda’s success. Iqra Aziz and Farhan Saeed receive a significant boost to fame from the show, further establishing their presence in the drama industry. Following the show’s success, several dramas attempted to replicate its concept but failed to strike the same balance between relatability, humour and emotion.
Suno Chanda aired on television and is available on YouTube. To date, it has 738 million views across all 30 episodes, with the first episode receiving an incredible 83 million views. It also won 22 awards in total.
As a result, Suno Chanda has become a cultural sensation that goes beyond the borders of Pakistan. It connects with people from different regions and cultures appealing to audiences across South Asia.
The show’s success is not solely attributed to its plot, acting, or direction but also to its ability to capture the essence of Ramadan and create a sense of community among viewers. Suno Chanda is the ultimate family experience.