THE WEEK THAT WAS

Chaal | Geo TV, Daily 7.00pm

Even with the caveat that this is a highly commercial soap-style drama, the lack of attention paid to detail or characterisations in this show is disappointing.

Wealthy businessmen Shaukat (Farhan Agha) and Sami (Shahood Alvi) were once best friends but have become implacable enemies. To their shock, their children Rahil (Arez Ahmed) and Alina (Bakhtawar Khan) fall in love and refuse to give up their relationship. Shaukat and Sami eventually bow to their children’s wishes, but Sami wants a guarantee, insisting his daughter Rubab (Zubab Rana) also marry Shaukat’s son, Sikander (Ali Ansari). Sikandar admires Rubab from afar and readily agrees, but Rubab loves someone else and feels trapped.

She is presented as a spoiled “bad” girl, even though she has a right to be angry at being forced into marriage, even if her own choice of husband is a red flag. Ali Ansari plays the humble, good guy trying to win her over from an advantage-taker. Forced marriage to love story tropes are popular with the masses but the long episodes and general charmless nature of the characters are a negative.

Habil Aur Qabil | Geo TV, Fridays 9.00pm

It has been another minute, so it must be time for another drama written by Zanjabeel Asim, who seems to have a secret factory where formulaic, commercialised dramas are written and produced.

Haris (Aagha Ali) is the typical narcissistic character that is the driving force in every Zanjabeel Asim story; a high achieving, perfectionist, whose arrogance and selfishness knows no bounds. Qadir (Asad Siddiqui) is his gentle brother, a successful young man always overshadowed by his brother. Haris has been spoiled by their indulgent mother and is always demanding things, especially anything Qadir likes. Sobia (Nawal Saeed) is a poor relative whose avarice is excited by the brothers’ wealth and achievements. She first traps the easygoing Qadir but soon makes a move for the more “alpha” Haris.

The characters are mostly black-and-white, unthinking stereotypes and reinforced by the author’s signature confrontations-to-nowhere scenes. Aagha Ali and Asad Siddiqui have worked on their roles, and if there is a reason to watch, it is their performances.

Zard Patton Ka Bunn | Hum TV, Sundays 8.00pm

Despite the many obstacles in her way, Meenu (Sajal Aly) inches closer to her dream of becoming a doctor. While Meenu’s regressive, good-for-nothing brothers are busy trying to throw obstacles in her way, author Mustafa Afridi balances this perspective with more positive male characters in the show.

Meenu’s father, the local imam, the local compounder and even a mechanic help and encourage Meenu without questioning or judging her. The importance of birth control for female health and quality of life, added to the lack of healthcare facilities in rural areas, is brought sharply into focus with the death of Meenu’s pregnant friend. In a parallel track, city doctor Dr. Naufal (Hamza Sohail) is broken by the corruption and commercialism that lead to the death of a young mother at the private hospital he works in.

Like Meenu, he finds quiet solace and strength from his supportive father, showing us that the Disney-style presentation of hope and humour captures our interest, while the makers add touches of stark realism to keep the messages about female health in focus. The makers have hit on a great formula that manages to entertain and inform without preaching.

What To Watch Out For (or not)

Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum | ARY, Coming soon

Fahad Mustafa returns to our screen with Hania Aamir in a wistful, sentimental teaser for the much-anticipated serial, Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum, written by the queen of romantic fiction, Farhat Ishtiaq.

Published in Dawn, ICON, June 23rd, 2024