THE WEEK THAT WAS
Tere Bin | Geo TV, Concluded
This blockbuster drama, produced by Abdullah Kadwani and Asad Qureshi of 7th Sky Entertainment, has skyrocketed its lead actors’ celebrity status to an entirely new level. But the Indian-style soap opera formula has punched a hole in quality content as well.
The finale delivered the much anticipated Meerub (Yumna Zaidi) and Murtasim (Wahaj Ali) reunion, with a focus on silent emoting and few dialogues. Murtasim was not allowed to speak while the camera panned back and forth to show the characters’ reactions again and again.
Meanwhile, the jealous Haya (Sabeena Faruq) was given an open space to vent her impotent rage at the heroine’s return, while the rest of the cast looked on. The leads were not allowed to discuss their own behaviour or the issues that led to their separation, while the blame was put on Haya who was dumped at the altar as punishment.
Although full of plot loopholes and unanswered questions, Tere Bin provided all the emotional highs and unthinking entertainment the masses love. Yumna Zaidi and Wahaj Ali deserve due credit for this show’s phenomenal ratings, in spite of underdeveloped characters and a sudden plot change.
Mujhe Pyar Huwa Tha | ARY, Mondays 8.00pm
In what is supposedly a shocking twist (but was obvious from the beginning), Areeb (Zaviyar Ijaz) takes a negative turn by becoming the vengeful lover after Maheer (Hania Aamir) finally takes a stand in her husband Saad’s (Wahaj Ali) favour. Thwarted in love, Areeb mutters about making Maheer suffer and enlists his wannabe fiancée in a false accusation plot against Saad.
Big Bang Productions loves adding this plot device, but it would also be nice if they would work on the script and characterisations to make it at least credible; instead of a clumsy attempt at dragging out a story with little substance. Zaviyar goes through the motions of a bitter lover bent on punishing Maheer and Saad. The only energy in the show is Hania Aamir while Wahaj Ali has been reduced to a decorative role and helpless virtue signalling as she tackles the villain. Will the accusation be proved false? Probably, but not before much wringing of hands and forlorn weeping has filled in an episode or two.
Neem | Hum TV, Mondays 8.00pm
This is a good story that deals with important issues such as land reforms, educational opportunities and immigration for better opportunities. In a chilling but brilliantly executed sequence, Karamat (Syed Jibran) murders his father, the local landlord, for giving away part of his inheritance to the landless workers. Syed Jibran is a treat to watch, adding nuance and even vulnerability to this evil, self-centred character without ever overplaying his hand.
Ameer Gilani also shines in another powerful but restrained performance as Ashhad, the secret admirer who can never gain the confidence to speak to Zymel (Mawra Hocane), who he loves from afar. Zymel’s wedding to Shahzil (Arsalan Naseer) is suddenly pushed forward because of her brother’s immigration to Canada, and Karamat’s sinister interest in making her his second wife. A broken-hearted Ashhad wants to run away to America but there is a long road ahead.
Writer Kashif Anwar has given us a strong story with some great male characters but has made a sermonising caricature out of the heroine.
What To Watch Out For (or not)
Mujhe Qabool Nahin | Geo TV, Coming soon
Ahsan Khan and Sami Khan star in this not-so-straightforward thriller about a girl caught between two men; while one is an abusive manipulator, surely the other one is a good man? Madiha Imam plays the innocent young woman trapped by her family’s decision. Can she change her fate or is she doomed?
Published in Dawn, ICON, July 16th, 2023
