Geo TV’s high-budget drama Dayan has stirred quite the discussion across digital platforms. Produced by the renowned 7th Sky Entertainment, the drama brings together some of Pakistan’s biggest names under the direction of Siraj Ul Haq, the man behind blockbuster serials like Tere Bin. Written by Fatima Faizan and Amber Azhar, Dayan was expected to be a captivating blend of supernatural mystery and emotional depth.
Starring Ahsan Khan, Hira Mani, Mehwish Hayat, Osama Tahir, Sohail Sameer, Shamil Khan, Zainab Qayum, Afsheen Hayat, Nayyar Ejaz, and Nida Mumtaz, the cast is nothing short of stellar. With over 3.5 million views per episode, there’s no denying the drama’s popularity—but popularity hasn’t protected it from criticism.
What’s the Buzz Around Dayan?
As of now, twenty episodes have been aired, and while the drama continues to attract viewers in droves, the tone of the audience online has started to shift. Many fans have taken to social media to share their opinions, with a common thread being the show’s striking resemblance to Indian StarPlus dramas—a sentiment that’s sparked widespread debate.
The drama’s aesthetics—especially Hira Mani’s frequent saree appearances—have drawn comparisons to Indian serials. While sarees are a beautiful part of South Asian culture, Pakistani viewers seem to prefer traditional shalwar kameez in local productions. A viewer commented:
“It’s not our traditional dress—please promote shalwar kameez instead.”
This has led to claims that Dayan is attempting to adopt an Indianized visual tone, a move that has not sat well with some viewers.
“Dayan Feels Like an Indian Copy” — Fans Speak Out
The backlash isn’t limited to fashion choices. Fans have also pointed out the overuse of slow-motion sequences, dragged-out storylines, and melodramatic camera work, all reminiscent of classic StarPlus-style storytelling. A social media user shared:
“This drama has too many slow-motion sequences and has been unnecessarily dragged like StarPlus shows.”
Another viewer criticized the casting, particularly Mehwish Hayat, saying:
“This role doesn’t suit Mehwish Hayat. They should have cast someone else who fits the character better.”
The hospital and bedroom scenes, often stylized and exaggerated, have also been labeled “unrealistic” and “over-the-top” by online commenters.
Ahsan Khan and the Pill Controversy
Adding to the drama’s controversies was a scene involving Ahsan Khan that led to a “pill controversy.” Though not much detail was disclosed officially, fans speculated about the unrealistic portrayal of medical scenarios and their impact on the narrative. This has added fuel to the fire, raising further questions about the overall direction and intent of the show.
Is Dayan a Hit or Miss?
There’s no question that Dayan has been crafted with ambition. The production value is evident in every frame, the acting caliber is high, and the themes are bold. However, when creativity begins to mimic another region’s storytelling style too closely, it may alienate the core audience it seeks to engage.
While some viewers are still enjoying the drama’s mystique and glamorous visuals, others are calling for more culturally grounded content that reflects Pakistani values and aesthetics. It’s a delicate balance, and the makers of Dayan might need to pay close attention to audience feedback as the show progresses.
Final Thoughts
Dayan is a perfect example of how Pakistani dramas are evolving—with grander sets, bigger casts, and bolder storytelling. But in this race for high TRPs, it’s crucial not to lose the essence of what makes our dramas unique and beloved. The criticism might just be what the industry needs to refocus on authenticity, relatable characters, and truly original narratives.