In the world of Ramadan shows, controversy seems to be the order of the day. Whether it's unexpected plot twists, production issues, or ethical dilemmas, the dramas behind the scenes are just as captivating as those onscreen. 

This year, the buzz surrounding some of the most anticipated shows is less about the plot twists and more about the controversies of their productions. Here are the most talked about controversies:

 

Yasmine Sabry's Raheel

Yasmine Sabry's unexpected entrance into this year's Ramadan scene left fans both excited and intrigued. After initially announcing her decision not to partake in the season, her sudden signing for a new show caught many off guard. However, the journey to bring Raheel to life was far from smooth. The abrupt change in directors, transitioning from Ibrahim Fakhr to Mohamed Abdelsalam, raised eyebrows. Also, the replacement of Ahmed Fahmy with Ahmed Salah Hosny as the co-star signalled potential behind-the-scenes drama.

 

Hany Salama's Amir El Awamry

Amir El Awamry had its posters and teaser trailers released; however, the excitement was short-lived with news of the show's cancellation due to production and financial issues. The abrupt halt left fans disappointed and questioning the challenges TV productions face in delivering high-quality content amidst logistical and economic constraints.

 

Ayten Amer's Tal El Raheb

Tal El Raheb has become synonymous with production delays and casting controversies. Originally planned to be released years ago under the title Phobia, starring Khaled El Sawy, the show's journey has been riddled with setbacks. From name changes to recasting decisions, including replacing El Sawy with Fathy Abdelwehab, and now Mohamed Reyad.

 

Rania Youssef's Gareemet Montasaf El Leil

Rania Youssef's casting as a belly dancer in Gareemet Montasaf El Leil sparked major controversy. Viewers questioned the timing of the show's release during Ramadan, a month of religious observance and reflection, raising concerns about the appropriateness of the storyline. Her defence that the dancing scenes occur in flashbacks failed to minimise the uproar, leading to a further backlash. Also, rumours surrounding the show's exploration of the murder of Layla Ghofran's daughter reignited debates about ethical storytelling and respecting real-life tragedies. 

 

Somaya El Khashab's Be 100 Ragel

Somaya El Khashab's appearance overshadowed the show's promotional efforts. Backlash over alleged cosmetic enhancements, namely Botox and fillers, sparked a social media frenzy. This prompted the director to address the issue with humour; however, as the criticism escalated, his defence was that the images were AI-generated. Upon releasing the full trailer, which revealed the extent of the changes, further comments were fueled. 

 

Ahmed Mekky's El Kebeer

El Kebeer has been no stranger to controversy, with criticisms over its perceived decline in quality compared to previous seasons. However, the challenges facing the show reached new heights when the set caught fire, sparking rumours of intentional sabotage. Despite the setbacks, the show remains on track for its release, determined to deliver an unforgettable viewing experience.

 

Sherif Mounir's Ba2eina Etneen

The journey of Ba2eina Etneen has been marked by tragedy following the sudden passing of Tarek Abdelaziz. The loss of Abdelaziz, who suffered a fatal heart attack while on set, left the cast and crew dealing with grief and uncertainty. However, amidst the sorrow, they decided to continue filming as a tribute to Abdelaziz's memory. 

 

Diab's Maleeha

Maleeha finds itself caught up in controversy over its portrayal of the Palestinian conflict, with accusations of exploiting real-world tragedies for entertainment. Amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions, the show's timing has sparked an outcry, raising questions about the responsibility of navigating sensitive subject matter.