The new web series Crossroads, featuring the talented stars Mamya Shajaffar and Khushhal Khan, has dropped its first five episodes. We watched them right away, and here’s why you should too!
Crossroads is making waves as Asia’s first vertically shot series. You might be wondering what that means—essentially, it’s filmed in a 9:16 aspect ratio, making it ideal for mobile viewing. The series goes a step further in embracing a global audience by being available in over 20 languages, utilizing both human and AI dubbing to ensure everyone can enjoy it. This multilingual strategy helps to break down language barriers and expand its reach worldwide. Additionally, Crossroads introduces an innovative storytelling format with episodes lasting just 75 seconds, perfect for those with busy schedules. You can catch this groundbreaking series on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.
What Is The Story All About?
Crossroads unfolds the intense saga of Burak, a billionaire consumed by a thirst for revenge, and Haya, a spirited game designer. They parted ways painfully after a heart-wrenching breakup in college, but destiny had other plans in store. When Haya’s gaming company joins forces with Burak’s vast business empire, their unexpected reunion reignites long-buried emotions. This resurgence of their shared past sets the stage for a riveting tale of passion, redemption, and the intricate depths of the human heart. Amidst their professional collaboration, suppressed desires and unresolved conflicts surge to the forefront, propelling the narrative with relentless intensity. The series is expected to plunge deep into their tumultuous journey, exploring themes of love, vengeance, and the profound quest for second chances.
What The First Five Episodes Offered Us?
The first five episodes threw us into the world of Baby Billionaire Burak, played by Khushhal Khan. Each episode, though only under 2 minutes, had enough to keep us entertained and intrigued. Burak being interviewed on a show, marking his personal successes, reveals what Burak thinks of love and his advice to all the youngsters watching him was:
“Focus on your goals, your dreams, your passion, go with your gut feeling, AND postpone romance, It never ends well, it’s a distraction.”
Khushhal Khan as Burak in Crossroads
Following this dialogue, we were thrown into Burak’s past, the college breakup with Haya. Though no glimpses of Haya were shown, we saw some glimpses of that heart-wrenching breakup that probably made Burak, the Baby Billionaire Burak.
The interview continued and enter Faria and Reem, Haya’s colleagues, falling for Baby B. Haya had no clue whom they were talking about. Listening to the interview, they discussed the identity of the girl who left Baby B. Little did they know, the girl who had broken up with Baby B was sitting right behind them – a mystery as of now.
The first five episodes were all about Baby Billionaire, lessons from Burak, Haya’s colleagues having their eyes on Burak, and nostalgia of his past heartbreak. Haya and her side of the story, all of Haya’s world is still under wraps, and we are waiting to listen in to hers!
There is news of a merger in Haya’s firm and of course, if you’re a sharp viewer, you know it’s about to happen – the Burak, Haya showdown because, of course, Burak’s firm has to have something to do with this?
What Was The Win-Win Moment In Crossroads?
The Turkish feel of the drama was a win-win moment. All of us have watched enough Turkish dramas and what really captivates us is that signature regal feel of the drama that connects with Gen Z and caters to other age groups as well. The intense and edgy look donned by Khushhal Khan in the series threw us into the emotional depth we love about Turkish dramas – the shots, the look, the feel, everything was so good!
It’s like getting the best of both worlds – quick-hitting style for Gen Z and rich, melodramatic storytelling that keeps you hooked. Crossroads is shaping up to be a unique and exciting experience! Watching Crossroads was a never-seen-before experience for us, considering it is made in Pakistan!
Introducing the characters in novel, funky ways also adds to the visual experience. While we got to know about Burak through the interview, Haya and her friends had a mood board all their own with an instant peek into their character traits and a snappy character wrap that didn’t need 5 episodes.
Khushhal Khan’s Performance Took Our Breath Away!
Khushhal Khan’s performance has the ultimate screen presence! He impressed at first go, showcasing a whole new side of himself—heartbroken yet strong, moved on but still carrying the weight of the past. Khushhal delivered his dialogues with impact and naturally, it felt like he wasn’t acting at all; he truly captured our attention. While we didn’t see enough of Mamya Shajaffar, the makers want us to slow walk into this one, we’re confident she will complement Khushhal’s feels and the two will give us a great onscreen pair!
What Fell Short & Could’ve Been Better?
While we appreciate that it’s Pakistan’s first vertically shot web series, and understand that 75-second episodes fit well into busy schedules, they don’t provide enough time for storytelling. However, with over 60 episodes planned, we hope to see a complete story unfold despite the short duration.
Secondly, there was room for the narrative to progress further rather than focusing solely on Burak, his interview, and past heartbreak for all three episodes. The repetitive scenes could have done with more variation and advancement in the plotline. But don’t lose hope, there is much more to come!
Crossroads is a project of DRM Drama, directed by Fahad Noor and written by Eric Berg. Crossroads boasts a stellar cast with Khushhal Khan, Mamya Shajaffar, and Simi Raheal leading the way. The ensemble cast also features Asad Alvi, Hussain Rajut, Anam Husain, Mahnoor Shah, Areej Tariq Chaudhry, Hamza Majeed Khan, Mahnoor Pervaiz, and a special appearance by Sophiya Anjam.
