THE WEEK THAT WAS

Mor Moharan | TV One, Tuesdays 8.00pm

Writer Ali Moeen skillfully integrates a timely message about water conservation with richly sketched-out characters and a strong story. Sonya Hussyn plays Rohi, a graduate in environmental science, who uses her knowledge and position as the daughter of an influential sardar to further projects vital to the area’s ecological future. Rohi has developed a soft spot for the foreign-returned son of the local nawab, Sikandar (Mustafa Changezi). Sikandar may be the textbook reactionary lover, but Rohi also has another suitor in the form of powerful businessman Ahmed Gardezi (Zahid Ahmed).

The fantastic screen chemistry between Ahmed and Hussyn makes their scenes the best part of this otherwise slow-moving show. After 20 episodes, there has been plenty of interesting character development but the story is still mired in the tiresome melodrama of Sikandar’s parents’ lives and his immature antics.

Kaisi Teri Khudgharzi | ARY, Wednesdays 8.00pm

In a predictable about-turn, violent, angry Shamsher (Danish Taimur) reforms in the space of an episode and becomes a humble, gentle soul who just wants to get along in a harsh world. When Shamsher finds out that his own father, Nawab Dilawar, was behind the attempted murder of his wife Mehak (Durrefishan Saleem), he wants to hold his father accountable. The young couple find themselves on the streets, cut off from the wealth and power the young nawab had always taken for granted.

Shamsher’s character development is shallow but audiences are so enamoured with the concept of forced marriages and hostage brides that the ratings remain unaffected. Despite a lack of funds, Shamsher has a limitless supply of hair gel, is always well-dressed and coiffed, but now humble in front of his reluctant bride.

Meanwhile, Mehak has finally found the courage to go to a police station and tries to file an FIR against her father-in-law. Sadly, her courage is limited and she simpers away from actual freedom from Shamsher, as declaring divorce is not an option in her traditional family. Funnily enough, marriage to a gun-wielding psychopath is acceptable! Will Mehak go the next step and declare her love for Shamsher like a good mashriqi larrki [Eastern girl]?

Kala Doriya | Hum TV, Fridays 8.00pm

Osman Khalid Butt (Asfi) and Sana Javed (Mahnoor) star in this fun, family comedy from the winning drama team of writer Saima Akram Chaudhry and director Danish Nawaz.

A family feud over an inheritance has divided the family, leaving the older generation to bear the brunt of the separation. Khalid Anam and Sameena Ahmed are wonderful as the estranged grandparents split between two households, but always trying to unite their resentful sons. Asfi and Mahnoor fight a proxy war of zingers and revenge pranks, keeping the enmity alive and providing the audience a welcome dose of smart-mouthed humour in every spat.

Like most of Chaudhry’s heroines, Mahnoor is loud, angry and irritating, which might have worked better if Javed had taken it down a notch. Asfi, on the other hand, is written as a sweetheart, who is kind, responsible and caring, a rare kind of hero for our screens. OKB takes this role and makes it work beautifully, smoothly carrying the over-the-top situations, making even the sometimes mushy, sentimental scenes seem authentic and sweet. Newcomer Tamkenat Mansoor also impresses as the cynical unmarried aunt and her dour deadpan delivery is a delight.

What To Watch Out For (Or Not)

Taqdeer | ARY, Coming soon

Stunning promotional visuals for this new drama reveal a tragic story of emotional and domestic abuse. Alizeh Shah, Sami Khan and Asim Mehmood take lead roles in this highly charged, emotional story.

Published in Dawn, ICON, October 16th, 2022