We have been screaming for a good thriller. Not a “saas-bahu toxicity disguised as a thriller,” but a genuine, bone-chilling murder mystery. Hum TV heard us. Last night, the first episode of Moamma (The Puzzle) aired, and let me just say: Saba Qamar is dangerous when she is quiet.
Here is my initial review of the most hyped premiere of January 2026.
The Premise: The Body in the Basement
The show wastes no time. Within the first 5 minutes, we are introduced to Zoya (Saba Qamar), a reclusive crime novelist who has moved to a foggy hill station to finish her book. But art imitates life a little too well. The discovery of a body in the basement of her rented cottage sets off a chain of events that feels claustrophobic and terrifying. The twist? The body has been there for 20 years, and Zoya seems to know who it is.
The Performances: A Fresh Dynamic
- Saba Qamar (Zoya): She doesn’t scream. She doesn’t cry. She just stares, and it’s unsettling. This is the Saba from Cheekh, but darker. She plays the “unreliable narrator” perfectly—you want to root for her, but you also suspect she might be the killer.
- Hamza Sohail (ASP Faris): This is a massive shift for Hamza. Gone is the “chocolate boy” from Fairy Tale. As the rude, arrogant police officer investigating the case, he holds his own against Saba. Their chemistry isn’t romantic (yet); it’s combative. They hate each other, and it’s electric to watch.
The Vibe: Nordic Noir in Pakistan
Director Saife Hassan has ditched the bright, flat lighting of typical dramas. Moamma is shot in shadows. The color palette is blue and grey. The sound design—creaking floorboards, rain, heavy breathing—builds tension without needing loud music. It feels like a Netflix production, not a 8:00 PM soap.
The Flaw?
If I have to nitpick, the “comic relief” character (the local constable) felt out of place. The show is so dark that the jokes didn’t land. They need to trust the seriousness of the script.
Verdict: WATCH IT.
If Episode 1 is anything to go by, Moamma is going to be the obsession of the season. It asks one question: Is Zoya a victim, or is she the mastermind?
I have a feeling we won’t guess the answer until the very end.
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars.
Did you catch the premiere? Who do you think the body belongs to? Let me know your theories!