Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Dirilis Ertugrul , historical fictional & adventurous series ruling the hearts of Pakistani youth since its premiere on first Ramzan. Hugely popular series is being telecast on Pakistan’s National Television broadcaster PTV on the recommendations of Prime Minister Imran khan.
The show is set in the 13th century and centers on fictional incidents in the life of Muslim Oghus Turk leader Ertuğrul Bey, the father of Osman I, who was the founder of the Ottoman Empire. Muslims of the sub continent always had deep respect and devotion for the rulers of Ottoman Empire, although Ottoman rulers have never ruled on Indian sub continent. It may be due to religious references or predictions as quoted in various sayings by Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) about Turkey so Muslims of Sub Pakistan, India and Bangladesh etc gave utmost respect and considers them a torch barrier of real Islamic values and civilization. Two previous extravagant series “Mera Sultan” and “Kosum Sultan” have already laid the founding stone as both series were hugely popular in Pakistani youth and families alike, so it was obvious that Dirilis Ertugrul will also have decent response but the way it have captivated Pakistani audience into its magic is unheard and unseen.
PTV has restored most of its lost audience with this single series and stats of its youtube channel reflect the real impact of Dirilis Ertugrul. Now I will analyze the five reasons behind its unprecedented success.
1. Narrative of Glorious Muslim Past. Pakistan nation is immensely sentimental in nature and when an issue, incident, play or picture touches its emotional side, nothing can beat it in popularity. Same is the case with Dirilis Ertugrul, the series reflects the various incident of glorious Muslim past with strong references from lives of Islamic Prophets like Hazrat Ibraheem , Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) and HIS companions. Secondly play carries strong narratives of Independent Muslim state focusing on secret mission of white beards with brutal wars (Jehad) with the Christians, Mongols and other traitors alike. Viewers not only enjoy the encounters aptly but also dream of rebirth of such a brave leader again who can raise the flag of Islam again all over the world.
2. Ideal characterization with lethal combination One aspect, which even critics of the Dirilis Ertugrul admit that characterization in the series has been remarkable. Be it the lead pair Ertugrul and Halima, elders of the Kai Tribe Suleman Shah and Haima Hatun, Gondogdu Bey, Wild Damir, Ibn-e-Arbi, Selcan Hatun or even antagonist characters including Noyan, Ustad-e-Azam, Titush, Kordoglu etc all the characters have done full justice to their screen roles.
The brave Alps Turgut, Bamsi and Dogan are real strength of Ertugrul who instantly connect with the audience from the first episode and kept mesmerizing the viewers till their ending scenes. Perfect characterization with lethal adverse combination in each series is backbone of the plot and some characters have become household names because of their utmost sincerity with the mission.
3. Inspiring Insight of Muslim tribal society. The series heavily relies on strong ethical values of tribal society, be it hosting the guest, protecting the nomad tent and fighting the invaders, it has enough food to offer wrapped in a beautifull dish full of emotions and twists and turns. Respect to elders, hate to traitors, hailing the bravery, crushing the greed and conquest of truth and free homeland in the ending are among the some ingredients which viewers are enjoying thoroughly with Dirilis Ertugrul.
4. Brilliant production with espionage encounters The story of Dirilis Ertugrul proceeds with inspiring incidents, which are full of suspense, thrill and provocation, and the production team, has accurately depicted these climaxes on the screen. Loyalty with the religion & state and betrayal for accusation of power and wealth etc has been engulfed in adrenaline pumping action sequences which grabs the audience fully. Entry scene of Noyan, , Painful death of Tugtekin with Gokce , beheading of traitor Kochabash etc are some scene, which remain fresh in memory of the audience for quite long time.
5. Corona Covid-19 Pandemic Last but not the least corona pandemic is one big reason behind the unparallel popularity of Dirilis Ertugrul. Due to the Corona Pandemic the audience especially the youth is stuck in homes and they need good quality content for entertainment as they are ample time to spend and Dirilis Ertugrul have filled this gap. If anyone starts watching it, it engulfs it completely and he remained stuck in exciting encounters of it. Putting authenticity of incidents shown in the series aside, the series have worked significantly and it will create new records in upcoming months and years in television history of Pakistan without any doubt like the rest of world.
