THE WEEK THAT WAS

Prem Gali | ARY, Mondays 8.00pm

Directed by Qasim Ali Mureed, Prem Gali continues to entertain although a little more substance would add intrigue to the story. Despite being married to each other, Joya (Sohai Ali Abro) and Hamza (Farhan Saeed), are still unable to spend time together because of one family shenanigan or another. Everyone watches them like hawks. The proximity of both of their families has become quite challenging for the newly-married couple as they tackle over-protectiveness, possessiveness and a tendency to be overfed by their families. Peppered by Faiza Iftikhar’s crisp lines, quite a funny situation arises when Hamza’s dada jee (Qavi Khan) and Joya’s grandmother Rahat (Shamim Hilali) team up and totally misconstrue Hamza’s return home late at night. Poor Hamza is attacked by his whole family, who believe he has been enjoying some night life while his newly-wed wife awaits him at home. The characters are lively and the actors seem to be enjoying their roles.

Qarar | Hum TV, Sundays 8.00pm

A day before Maya’s (Sanam Jung) arranged wedding to Amaar (Muneeb Butt), her previously married college admirer Salman (Ali Safina) turns up to meet her father Siraj (Waseem Abbas). Major confrontation happens and the greedy Maya confesses that she wants to marry Salman, not Amaar. An angry Siraj meets Amaar’s grandmother (Sangeeta) and Amaar to apologise and clarify his position but Amaar’s grandmother shocks everyone by asking for Siraj’s angelic, orphaned niece Fareeha’s (Rabab Hashim) hand. Because grandmother’s words are etched in stone, everyone, including Fareeha and Amaar, agree to her decision. Seems like Amaar and Fareeha will sort out their lives together sooner or later but for the manipulative and materialistic Maya, there might be a surprise or two ahead. Mikaal Zulfiqar’s entry as Amaar’s brother is still awaited.

What To Watch Out For

Jalan | ARY, Tues-Wed 8.00 pm

Things are warming up between Areej (Hajra Yamin) and aloof husband Ahmer (Fahad Shaikh), despite ex-fiancé Nisha’s (Minal Khan) attempts in vain to steal Ahmer from right under Areej’s nose. But Nisha can’t accept that Ahmer is no longer interested in her. Blinded by Ahmer’s financial stability and status, and disappointed with her own husband Asfandyar’s (Emaad Irfani) small share in his family property, Nisha not only misbehaves with Asfandyar but also demands a divorce. Asfandyar confronts an arrogant Nisha and tells her that he now knows how she used him to get her hands on his wealth. Doing everyone a great favour by containing her evilness, Asfand locks up an enraged Nisha in their bedroom. With intense scenes between the two couples and powerful performances by the actors, Jalan is justified in consistently getting one million views on YouTube

Published in Dawn, ICON, December 13th, 2020