“Dil Wali Gali Mein” is a textbook example of how not to write a female lead

LAHORE (RNN TV) — Dil Wali Gali Mein starts as a lighthearted romantic dramedy set in a lower-middle-class neighbourhood that slowly spirals into a lesson on how not to write a female lead, or for that matter, a love story.

Starring Sajal Aly as Deeju and Hamza Sohail as Mujji, the drama follows the ‘enemy families and lovers’ trope — a spin on the classic ‘enemies-to-lovers’ arc.

Written by Zafar Mairaj and directed by Kashif Nisar, early episodes of Dil Wali Gali Mein present viewers with a fresh take on modern love with moments of humour and relatability, capturing Deeju and Mujji’s attempts to build a life together, irrespective of the tension between their families.

But as the drama progresses, their love story becomes mired in a tiring cycle of manipulation, entitlement, and emotional immaturity, disillusioning viewers. The problem? One poorly written character.