The makers of the highly talked-about Pakistani drama series Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum have credited its success to content that deeply resonated with audiences. The final episode, which aired in cinemas nationwide on Tuesday, drew significant attention. Featuring prominent actors Fahad Mustafa and Hania Aamir in the lead roles as Mustafa and Sharjeena, the show had been a topic of widespread discussion since it first premiered in July.
The 34-episode series, which aired twice a week, culminated with a grand finale shown on both television and in cinemas. Each episode managed to trend on Twitter, not just in Pakistan but also in India and Bangladesh, maintaining its cross-border popularity. The drama’s 9.2 IMDb rating stands as an exceptional achievement for Pakistani television.
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Jerjees Seja, CEO of ARY Digital Network—the channel behind the drama—remarked on the unprecedented nature of the show’s success. “This has never happened before [in the history of Pakistani television dramas], and I wonder if it will happen again,” he said. He emphasized the importance of the emotional connection between the audience and the content, noting how viewers felt drawn to Mustafa and Sharjeena’s journey.
Seja also shared that tickets for the final episode were sold out in advance in major cities like Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Faisalabad, with screenings extended until midnight to meet the demand.
Mehwish Hayat, a well-known Pakistani actress, praised the move to screen drama finales in cinemas. Speaking to Arab News, she noted, “It’s wonderful if cinemas can be revitalized through drama serials. The way audiences filled cinema halls across Pakistan for this final episode is phenomenal, and this trend should continue.”
Written by acclaimed writer Farhat Ishtiaq and directed by Badar Mehmood, Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum depicted different phases of love in the lives of the main characters, Mustafa and Sharjeena. Mehmood highlighted that the story’s relatability played a major role in its success. “Everyone could see themselves in one character or another, whether it was Adeel, Mustafa, Sharjeena, or Rubab,” he explained.
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The drama boasted a strong ensemble cast, including Emmad Irfani, Naeema Butt, Bushra Ansari, and Jawed Sheikh, who all delivered powerful performances. Emmad Irfani, who played the complex anti-hero Adeel, spoke about the overwhelming response from fans. “The love I have received from people, not just in Pakistan but globally, has lifted me from my lowest low to my highest high in just a few months,” he said. He attributed Adeel’s popularity to his unpredictable nature and the character’s intriguing blend of capriciousness and volatility.
A very beautiful ending ♥️
Mustafa & Sharjeena shifted back to their home, communicated with each other using sticky notes when unavailable, chai together, M playing games & S reading books when together, spending time on hilltops together! #KabhiMainKabhiTum pic.twitter.com/jmS2BjQ2vD— • (@crictwt) November 5, 2024
Audiences at the finale screening expressed their emotional connection to the drama. Fauzia Mehtab, a fan who couldn’t get a ticket, shared her feelings: “It was very family-oriented, and we could relate to it. It felt like the story of our own home. Now, we’ll be so bored on Mondays and Tuesdays without Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum.”
Fahad Mustafa with his father and mother at 'Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum' finale at Karachi Cinema. #Karachi #FahadMustafa #MustafaSharjeena #Sharjeena #HaniaAmir #KabhiMainKabhiTum pic.twitter.com/cPcgbqdSwC
— Times of Karachi (@TOKCityOfLights) November 5, 2024
Fans were thrilled to see Fahad Mustafa in person at the event, with many hoping for a chance to take selfies with the star, who appeared moved by the audience’s warm response. “I came to the cinema just to see the actors because I really like Fahad Mustafa,” Mehtab said. “I wanted to meet him, but it’s difficult in these circumstances.”