THE WEEK THAT WAS

Sang-i-Mah | Hum TV, Sundays 8.00pm

Sequels are always at a disadvantage to originals, as expectations are high. Despite its success, purists still find Sang-i-Mah slightly lacking in comparison to the raw brilliance of the original, Sang-i-Mar Mar.

While the latter was laser-focused on the story, with each character assigned to a skilled actor, Sang-i-Mah has made good use of Atif Aslam’s star power and pulled in the crowds, racking up millions of YouTube hits. By episode 12, we see author Mustafa Afridi has spun a web of intrigue around the family of Haji Marjaan (Naumaan Ijaz), whose stepson Hilmand (Atif Aslam) suspects him of murdering his father.

Afridi’s masterful script is reminiscent of classic suspense novels as each episode reveals new information, shifting the perspective of the viewer along with the understanding of each protagonist. In an atmosphere of secrets and suspicion, even what should be the cooling shade of forgiveness ignites a confrontation, pitting brother against brother. Once again director Saife Hassan is slowly reeling in the scattered threads of this story, but fans of the first season still expect that the creators to pull off a few shocks and twists.

Aye Musht-i-Khaak | Geo TV, Mon-Tues 8.00pm

What could have been a fascinating exploration of the way differences of faith and values are still ignored when contracting a marriage, has devolved into stereotypical mush for easy entertainment. As with all of director Aehsan Talish’s projects, the gaps in writing are filled by melodrama and the cast left to their own devices as far as dressing and authenticity are concerned. What Talish does get it right is the pace of the show and pulling together a gripping story.

Feroz Khan has given his all to his role as Bobby who, despite the meme-worthy scenes written for him, has been the main reason to watch the show. Sana Javed is always better in powerful scenes but her portrayal of Dua’s broken heart and confusion has also been very effective. The clumsy dichotomies of soporifically flawless “good” people in the serial versus the energy and nuance of the “bad guys” are curiously self-defeating, but guarantees a certain audience that enjoys not being challenged.

Aangna | ARY, Mondays 8.00pm

This serial touches on the perennially favourite topic of innocent girls and their bad luck with husbands and in-laws. Pakistani dramas continue their campaign to portray professional single women as demons at worst, and neglectful at best.

Rubina Ashraf is the psychotic mother-in-law and businesswoman controlling her son’s life. Rubab Hashim plays the victim while Ali Abbas is the brainwashed son supplying at least one slap per episode. While the graphic scenes have outraged many on social media, such things do happen and must be illustrated, but perhaps less graphically. The other girls in this family have their own tales of love and betrayal, including the usual secret second wife track. People never tire of such stories because, somewhere in each plot line, there is a seed of truth that resonates with the audiences’ life experiences.

What To Watch Out For

Hum Tum | Hum TV, Coming Soon

Fans were excited to see the new pairing of Ahad Raza Mir and Ramsha Khan sparring their way to love in the teaser for this serial. The other couple in the show is fitness freak (Sarah Khan) and the foodie who wants to win her over (Junaid Khan).

Paristan | Hum TV, Coming Soon

Another Ramazan serial starring the Chupke Chupke couple Aymen Saleem and Arsalan Nasir is also headed our way.

Published in Dawn, ICON, March 27th, 2022