Raqaas debuts to praise as it explores Urooj’s artistic dreams clashing with strict patriarchal control

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Niche

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Opening with a chirpy young girl, Urooj (Komal Meer), returning home after completing her medical degree, Raqaas dives into the complex history of her family, including an aunt who brought dishonor to the family and the girl giving up her dream of becoming an artist to fulfill her father’s desire. On the other hand is Hamza (Danyal Zafar), a musician living alone in the house opposite hers, who has instantly intrigued the young girl with his mysterious personality and instruments. From playing the guitar on the balcony to the smooth transition to the piano, the main lead has created interest in his character.

Written by Radain Shah and directed by Shahid Shafaat, the drama serial has delved into the prospect of romance between the two, as Urooj secretly peeks into his house, and he is surprised by the neighbor’s interest in her. However, the prospect of their love affair is Urooj’s cousin, Fawad (Hunain Shahid), who is not only interested in her but is also the ideal proposal for her parents. The comfort the two have developed after being raised together in the same house, with him being the sole successor to their father (Dilawar-Babar Ali), means Fawad is chosen for her. In a household fed by patriarchy, her life decisions are in the hands of her father, who has chosen a degree as well as a match for her; enlightened by her education and time away from home, Urooj is a rebel in the making.

With hints of the past, Urooj’s mother (Nighat-Farah Sadia) tends to protect her from her father’s judgment and wrath, which had disrupted their family. From being stuck in the haunting past of the aunt’s life, Urooj’s love for music and the arts keeps the mother on her toes as she continues to ensure that she is appropriately dressed and away from what is deemed immoral in their family. As the young girl rides out of the house on her bicycle, she is still expected to carry the family’s honor on her shoulders, with every step being watched.

Set in the mountains, Raqaas has a diverse cast and an interesting plotline revolving around honor, music, and love; the drama serial has premiered to praise, as viewers have connected with it. While netizens are in awe of the scenic beauty, they have also delved into each character’s arc, motives, and histories. Appreciating the lead pairing, an X user called Raqaas perfectly paced and posted:

Admiring the drama serial for etching out the characters perfectly, an X user said:

Looking forward to the possible love triangle, a drama critic also posted to X and said:

Calling it a promising start to the drama serial, another user posted:

Loving Raqaas as a whole, a user stated:

In awe of the drama serial’s cinematography, a netizen added:

The beautiful portrayal of the main leads won over a netizen; they posted:

The family history of Urooj, her father’s past, and the consistent mention of an honor killing have engaged the audience. Pointing out how Urooj has been made to pursue medicine to prove that Dilawar is a good man, a user posted:

Speculating that he is not only a misogynist but a murderer as well, a user added: