THE WEEK THAT WAS

Dar Si Jati Hai Sila | Hum TV, Wednesdays 8.00pm

Following the success of Udaari, here is a new serial on molestation, an insidious social issue that could easily take a few serials to create awareness. After some amazing performances this year (Khan, O Rangreza and Imam Zamin), the inexorable Noman Ijaz plays Joyi Mamu, the bespectacled, beady-eyed slimy perpetrator who lives in a joint family set-up and creates hell for his munh-boli niece Sila, played by Yumna Zaidi (Guzaarish, Jugnoo, Yeh Raha Dil). Noman’s get-up with slicked-back greasy hair, a thin sliver of a moustache, and red pan-stained tongue lends to the slimy character of Joyi. Written by Bee Gul and directed by Kashif Nisar (already doing some immaculate work in O Rangreza), this promises to be a powerful serial. The sensitive story revolves around Sila’s destroyed mental state and her bitter relationship with her mother (Saman Ansari) who seems to know a deep, dark, sinister secret.

Khaani | Geo TV, Mondays 8.00pm

After Azfar Rehman’s villainous feudal character in Hum TV’s Adhi Gawahi and Ali Agha in Andaaz-i-Situm, playing a young, gun-friendly feudal is the newest trend in TV serials. This time it is Feroze Khan as Mir Hadi, a maniac with bodyguards who shoots people’s ankles when they are talking to him. Starring opposite him is Sana Javed as Khaani who adores her twin brother Sarym (Ali Ansari). After an altercation over a blocked car at college, the scholarship-winning Sarym confronts Hadi who shoots and kills him, leaving Khaani no choice but to cry bucketfuls of tears. According to the teasers, in the next few episodes, Khaani takes a stand against the bratty Hadi but only until cupid goes stupid and she falls in love with him. Seriously? Recommended only for ardent Sana Javed or Feroze Khan fans and do keep a tissue box handy.

What to watch out for

Aisi Hai Tanhai | ARY Digital, Wednesdays 8.00pm

A unique storyline by Mohsin Ali, interesting chemistry between Soniya Hussain and Sami Shah, and Nadia Khan’s comeback to acting, are all winners for this well-shot new serial that is being aired two episodes at a time. All hell breaks loose when Pakeezah (Soniya Hussain), trying to clear some trust issues with her love interest (Sami Shah), saves some (inappropriate) photos in her mobile phone. The phone gets snatched and photos are leaked on social media. What follows is anybody’s guess but will surely involve family dishonour, heartbreak and complications for the elder sister’s upcoming wedding. Nadia Khan, a talented actor, plays the difficult role of Pakeezah’s elder sister which will transition as the serial progresses.

Published in Dawn, ICON, November 26th, 2017