📺 If you thought Ramadan series were all about recycled family drama, think again. Welad El Shams is here to shake up our screens this first half of Ramadan — shaping up to be one of the strongest dramas in the lineup so far — with a killer cast, intense action, and a storyline packed with revenge, struggles, and tearjerking moments.

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The story hits hard right from the get-go: This series centers around Welaa (Ahmed Malek) and Moftah (Taha Desouky), two orphans that, despite reaching the legal age to leave their orphanage, remain behind because of their bond with the younger children. Their “father” and orphanage owner Maged (Mahmoud Hemeida) uses the children as leverage to control Welaa and Moftah, forcing them to do his bidding. Things take a turn for the worse, however, when Welaa and Moftah stand up to Maged after he breaks his promise to stop involving the orphans in his underground drug operation.

This series is all about the dynamic duo at the center of the action. The show is the first collaboration between Ahmed Malek and Taha Desouky — and their chemistry is undeniable. Malek is perfect as Welaa, a young man torn between his drive for survival and his morals. Welaa struggles to maintain his tough persona alongside his vulnerability — especially vis-a-vis his love interest Sahar (Farah Youssef) and his constant search for his biological mother.

Meanwhile, Taha Desouky brings maturity and emotional depth to the role of Moftah, the loyal best friend whose internal conflicts make him just as interesting and easy to root for. His performance shifts between nonchalant comedy to deeply heartfelt sincerity, making him a relatable favorite. And no great drama is complete without a formidable antagonist. Mahmoud Hemida delivers a chilling performance as the cynical — and tyrannical — orphanage owner.

Beyond its dramatic core, the series shines with its action and quick-paced story. The chase scenes, fight sequences, and moments of high tension are executed with precision, making the series thrilling to watch. At the same time, the show doesn’t shy away from tender moments, allowing the audience to connect with the characters on a deeper level. The show also sheds light on the harsh realities of institutionalized orphans, portraying their struggles to carve out a future while dealing with manipulation and exploitation. And we have to give a hand to the cinematography. Shady Abdel Salam’s direction doesn’t just tell a story, it shows it, capturing the tension, grit, and heartbreak of these characters’ lives with stunning visuals.

WHERE TO WATCH- You can watch the series on WatchIt and Yango Play or you can watch the trailer on YouTube (runtime:1:33).

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