"Fares Al-Helou shines in ‘Mawlana’ amid widespread praise for his performance"

Fares Al-Helou has managed to win the admiration of viewers.

In a comeback described as powerful, Syrian actor Fares Al-Helou returned to the screen after a long absence through the series “Mawlana”, in an appearance filled with surprise and admiration, accompanied by wide acclaim for a performance many described as “strong and creative”, far removed from the comedic image long associated with him in the audience’s memory.

This return comes after nearly fifteen years away from Syrian drama, following his departure from the country in 2011 to France with his family. He now returns through contemporary social drama, in a role completely different from what viewers were used to.

A strong presence

In “Mawlana”, broadcast throughout the holy month on Roya TV, Al-Helou portrays Colonel Kifah, a domineering officer with a harsh presence. His performance is marked by intensity and restraint, relying on sharp looks and minimal gestures, giving the character inner tension and striking authority clearly reflected on screen.

The series brings together a distinguished cast, including Tim Hassan, Nour Ali and the legendary Mona Wassef, directed by Samer Al-Barqawi and produced by Al-Sabah Company. The work also features a number of stars from different generations, such as Jirjis Jabbara, Jamal Al-Ali, Abdullah Al-Sheikh Khamees and Sulafa Owaishiq, confirming that Al-Helou’s acting tools have not lost their brilliance despite the years of absence, and that his presence is measured not by the number of works, but by the depth of impact he leaves on viewers.

This shift in his artistic choices extends a career rich in diversity, beginning with his comedic success in “Ailat Khams Nujum” as “Farhan”, alongside Samia Al-Jazairi and Amal Arafa — a landmark in his career. He later continued his collaboration with the late director Hisham Sharbatji in “Yawmiyat Abu Al-Hana”, alongside Duraid Lahham, where the character “Ismail Kamkha” became a popular icon, in addition to his appearances in the sketch show “Buq‘at Daw’”.

His work was not limited to comedy, as he also took part in Levantine period drama through three parts of “Al-Hasram Al-Shami”, directed by Saif Subaie, proving his smooth ability to move between different dramatic styles. Today, with his return in “Mawlana”, Fares Al-Helou once again proves that absence has not dimmed his presence, but rather paved the way for a confident artistic comeback that continues to surprise and impress audiences every time.