KARACHI: Shaandaar, a new crime thriller on Express Entertainment, is drawing attention for its bold storytelling inspired by real-life roadside killing cases that have sparked national debate in Pakistan.

Directed by Wajahat Rauf, the 16-episode series is not based on a single incident. Instead, it combines elements from several high-profile cases involving violence, privilege and influential individuals to create a fictional narrative that examines crime, power and accountability.

Unlike traditional family dramas, Shaandaar focuses on the consequences of abuse of influence and the impact of crimes that often dominate headlines before fading from public attention.

A Fresh Take on Pakistani Television

The drama features an ensemble cast including Shamoon Abbasi, Shahzad Sheikh, Areeka Haq, Ali Dayan, Laila Wasti and Ahsan Afzal Khan.

Its fast-paced storytelling blends suspense with social commentary, offering viewers a crime thriller that reflects issues already familiar to the public.

Ahsan Afzal Khan, who plays the lead character Salar, said the unique script was one of the main reasons he joined the project.

He said Wajahat Rauf’s productions often stand out for offering something different, adding that Pakistani television rarely explores the crime thriller genre.

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A Story That Keeps Viewers Engaged

Khan described Shaandaar as a dark and gripping series with moments of humour that gradually give way to a more intense storyline.

He said the drama avoids unnecessary delays in its narrative, keeping viewers invested from one episode to the next.

According to the actor, the show’s pace has attracted younger audiences, particularly teenagers and Generation Z, as well as viewers who typically prefer international streaming content over traditional Pakistani television dramas.

A Complex Lead Character

At the centre of the story is Salar, a wealthy and influential young man whose arrogance and misuse of power drive much of the narrative.

Khan said the character is intentionally layered rather than portrayed as a conventional villain.

He explained that while viewers may understand Salar’s emotional struggles and personal experiences, those factors do not excuse the harm he causes.

The actor added that the drama explores how upbringing, personal experiences and social environments shape individual behaviour, encouraging audiences to consider the complexity of human nature without justifying criminal actions.

By combining suspense, social issues and morally complex characters, Shaandaar aims to offer a fresh storytelling approach while expanding the range of genres on Pakistani television.