The long-awaited El Ghawi has finally premiered, and it’s already making waves. Ahmed Mekky is trending #1 on Twitter, the cinematography is grabbing everyone’s attention, and the casting is getting high praise. But while the show has plenty of strengths, the story is still a big question mark.

So, let’s break it down.

Ahmed Mekky: Finally Acting, No Gimmicks Needed

We all knew Ahmed Mekky was talented, but for years, he leaned heavily on over-the-top comedic characters. In El Ghawi, he finally strips away the exaggerated personas and delivers a raw, grounded performance as Shams Al-Adawy.

The result? A character that feels real.

Mekky plays a man torn between his past and future, a role that requires subtlety—and he pulls it off brilliantly. He could have easily fallen into the Mohamed Saad trap of relying on one-note, cartoonish characters, but he doesn’t. This is Mekky proving he’s not just a comedian—he’s an actor.

The Kozbara & Mekky Duo: A Missed Opportunity?

One of the biggest highlights of the first episode was the chemistry between Ahmed Mekky and Kozbara (Ahmed Bahar). Their scenes together were electric, showing a natural back-and-forth dynamic that felt effortless.

But just as we were getting hooked, it was over too soon. Many viewers were hoping for more screen time between the two, as the duo had the potential to elevate both the comedic and dramatic aspects of the series. Instead, we got just a taste of what could’ve been an unforgettable partnership.

Cinematography & Coloring: A Visual Standout

If there’s one thing El Ghawi does right, it’s the visuals. From the opening scene, the cinematography sets a distinct tone—wide-angle shots, carefully framed compositions, and a color palette that feels rich yet gritty.

The rooftop pigeon scenes, in particular, are stunning. The way the director uses the setting to establish the show’s mood adds an unexpected depth. It’s a refreshing change from the typical “popular neighborhood” aesthetic we’re used to in Egyptian dramas.

The Sound & Music: Subtle but Impactful

The score doesn’t just fill space—it enhances the atmosphere. The music choices complement the emotions of each scene without feeling overbearing.

Whether it’s the tension of a quiet moment or the weight of a dramatic confrontation, the soundtrack plays a crucial role in setting the mood.

And let’s not forget the opening credits. The theme song is already becoming a favorite, matching the show’s tone perfectly while giving off a nostalgic yet modern vibe.

The Story: A Promising Setup, but Will It Hold Up?

Here’s where things get tricky. The premise is strong—Shams Al-Adawy is a former criminal trying to leave his past behind, but when a friend is wronged, he’s forced back into the world he tried to escape.

So far, the execution is solid, but the real test is yet to come. Will El Ghawi deliver a gripping, unpredictable story, or will it fall into generic crime-drama territory? The first episode hints at something special, but it’s still too early to tell.

Final Verdict: A Show with Huge Potential

From the performances to the visuals, El Ghawi has all the ingredients for a standout series. Ahmed Mekky is stepping up his game, the cinematography is some of the best we’ve seen in a while, and the Kozbara-Mekky duo was a pleasant surprise (even if we wanted more).

The only real concern? The story. If it keeps building momentum, we could be looking at one of the strongest shows of the season. But if it loses focus, it risks fading into the background.

What do you think? Is El Ghawi living up to the hype, or are you still waiting for it to impress? Let us know!