THE WEEK THAT WAS

Jo Bicchhar Gaye | Geo TV, Concluded

After 14 gripping episodes this drama draws to the tragic conclusion already written in the history books, reminding us of the pain and confusion that led to these terrible events. At a technical and creative level director Haissam Hussain sets another standard of excellence in storytelling with this often heartbreaking but unflinching thriller. He has elicited some outstanding perfo­rmances from Wahaj Ali, Maya Ali, Talha Chahour and Nadia Jamil, who, along with Adnan Jaffar, have garnered unanimous critical acclaim. The supporting cast have been a revelation: Rana Majid, Fahad Hashmi, Umer Darr, Zaheer Taj and the chilling Omar Cheema, reminding us just how capable Pakistani actors are when set free from the straightjacket of stereotypes.

Based on a true story, this screen play from writer Ali Moeen has challenged entrenched historical narratives and forced people to look back with a clear head at the many forgotten victims of this war. Political failures, naivety or blind arrogance? The makers have left the decision to the viewers while opening up a much-needed conversation on this painful past.

Yeh Na Thi Hamari Qismet | ARY, Mon-Thurs 9.00pm

Two sisters, two new relationships that have already hit the rocky road of reality after a tumultuous wedding scenario that saw a sudden shift in the future they had planned. Muntaha (Hira Mani) is the good girl whose patience is now wearing thin because despite her long list of sacrifices, she still has not managed to win her husband Ayaan’s (Muneeb Butt) trust. The show has its fair share of predictable twists and plotting villains, but what saves it from being unwatchable are vital nuances in the writing. For example, despite their plotting and poisoning, no one trusts the negative characters because like most families they know every member’s character and motivations from past experience. The word divorce is also not constantly thrown about and like most normal elders, the in-laws want their sons’ marriages to succeed. Strong performances from Hira Mani, Muneeb Butt, Ayeza Awan and Noor Hassan give this show enough energy to take this beyond what might have been a typical potboiler.

Ibn-i-Hawwa | Hum TV, Tuesdays 8.00pm

A strong script and detailed characterisations make Ibn-i-Hawwa a great watch every week. Shehzad Shaikh plays Zahid, a local tailor who has inherited a deep sense of hatred and mistrust for women from his bitter, emotionally broken father. His quiet life is overturned by two women, the effervescent Aliya (Nayab Saleem) and the saintly Mahjabeen (Hira Mani). Nadia Afghan as Shabratan Apa is amusing and confounding by turns, and many of her machinations move the story forward. Written as a comment on the kind of everyday misogyny that pervades our society, this serial illustrates the way myths and ignorance can warp lives. Zahid wants to trust the beautiful Aliya but it only takes a moment for all that goodwill to shatter because of the negativity buried in his subconscious. The standout in this drama is the fresh, fun portrayal from Nayab Saleem who lends both charm and charisma to her role.

What To Watch Out For

Dil Zar Zar | Geo TV, Coming Soon

Brace yourselves for yet another drama in which an innocent young girl is forced to marry a portly, older man played by Yasir Nawaz. This time the honour of weeping through 30 episodes of an unwanted relationship, with a man she hates, is given to Hina Altaf. The only highlight seems to be an interesting supporting character played by Sami Khan, a simple individual whose clumsy ways hide a sincere heart.

Published in Dawn, ICON, March 20th, 2022