THE WEEK THAT WAS

Very Filmy | Hum TV, Wednesday 9.00pm

Momina Duraid productions have perfected the art of the modern family-friendly romcom for Ramazan, so it is no big surprise that this show is so appealing. Living up to its title, the story not only relies but revels in the themes and beloved cliches of the once-accessible-to-all Bollywood, before it became a political tool.

Despite studying filmmaking, Dania (Dananeer Mobeen) might be the one person on the planet that hates SRK — the world’s biggest superstar. Syed Ruhaan Karim (Ameer Gilani) is another film student, which should make him an ideal match for Dania but the young couple vehemently oppose it. Ruhaan’s younger brother Freddy (Umar Khan) does his research, and hits on the idea of Ruhaan acting like SRK to trigger a rejection. Dania does not want to be blamed so she one-ups them and plays them back.

Syed Mohamad Ahmed has given us a fun, well-written script but the real magic is director Ali Hassan who knows how to captivate young audiences with interesting visuals, sharp editing and an understanding of the spirit of how the younger generation see themselves. Ameer Gilani and Dananeer Mobeen handle these light-as-air roles well without over-the-top theatrics and just enough believability.

Chand Nagar | Bol TV, Daily 9.00pm

Unlike the loud comedy and slapstick in some of the other Ramazan shows, this Bol TV show hits a happy medium with both humour and enough depth to address the true spirit of the holy month.

Atiqa Odho plays the lonely Mrs Khanum, a widow whose US-settled son cannot make his usual visit to Pakistan for Ramazan. Sad but determined to do better, she hits on the idea to invite others who are alone during this very family- and worship-oriented season. There is an array of misfits mixed in with a few genuine cases that turn up at her door. Arez Ahmed plays a cunning but gentle trickster looking for a meal ticket, there is a runaway couple that includes comedian Raza Samo, another runaway played by Maha Hasan and more.

Writer Zeeshan Junaid seems to be inspired by his director Yasra Rizvi’s previous serial, Working Women, but still gives us a captivating story. This is a welcome return for producer Baber Javed. A faster pace and a little more editing would have made it even better.

Rafta Rafta | Green Entertainment, Tuesdays 8.00pm

A romance between the down-on-his-luck paying guest and the house owner’s daughter is a theme as old as Pakistani television, and is always up for renewal.

Savera (Saheefa Jabbar) is the exasperated daughter of the house, who must take care of her forgetful mother (Hina Dilpazeer) and the rents to their properties which never seem to be paid. Hamza (Zaviyar Ijaz) is a down-on-his-luck insurance salesman who cannot pay rent, and is in love with the oblivious Savera. Hamza lives a precarious life, avoiding a forced marriage to his American cousin, dodging unemployment and Savera’s sharp threats.

Every romcom depends on that indefinable quality called charm, and plenty of work has been done to make Zaviyar look cute, including a hopeless second love interest who trails him around. Written by Hassan Imam and directed by Abdul Khaliq Khan, this is a gentle, predictable but pleasant story that would do just as well outside of Ramazan.

What To Watch Out For (or not)

Parindey | Hum TV, Coming soon

Author Bee Gul is known for her nuanced, insightful stories, which may not make huge ratings but are always critically acclaimed and thought-provoking. The cast for this show is initially announced as Zaviyar Ijaz, Azlan Khan and Kinza Hashmi.

Published in Dawn, ICON, March 24th, 2024