THE WEEK THAT WAS

Tann Munn Neel-o-Neel | Hum TV, Concluded

Veteran producer Sultana Siddiqui‘s outstanding trilogy of dramas, focusing on mob-lynching and the mentality behind them, ends with a gut-wrenching reminder of every victim’s humanity. Deftly highlighting the way politicians use local “rent-a-mobs” to whip up blind religious fervour, writer Mustafa Afridi illustrates the random spillover that empowers ignorant gangsters.

As we watch the heartbreaking scenes of beloved protagonists losing their lives, their individual hopes and dreams remind us of the enormous, often hidden, long-term economic costs to a society that is so unstable. Director Saife Hasan uses vibrant colours, the intimacy of romance and the sweetness of old friendships between a fresh cast to capture the attention of a younger generation.

Excellent performances from Sehar Khan, Shuja Asad and Ammar Ali have connected with an array of demographics, allowing some space for critical and thoughtful analysis of this issue. Stalwart performers Nadia Afghan, Noman Masood and Samiya Mumtaz have kept the show grounded in the painful realities of a past riddled with blood and violence. The team’s clever weaving of humour, pathos and shocking tragedy, combined with a final overlay of the many hapless casualties of this phenomenon, has ignited a debate across social media.

Ae Ishq-i-Junoon | ARY, Mon-Tues 8.00pm

After taking a diversion into the marriage trope, this thriller is back on track, with a new twist that puts Aiman (Ushan Shah) directly in the line of fire again.

A restless Shehroz (Shuja Asad) is tired of hiding and returns with a bang, joining his father Ali Nawaz’s (Mehmood Aslam) office to show himself just as capable as his father’s favourite, Rahim (Sheheryar Munawar). While Rahim is in critical care after saving Aiman’s life, Aiman has recognised Shehroz as the one who attacked her, but is intimidated into silence. While the suspense and danger are back, the depth missing in some of the supporting cast is a letdown.

Mahenur Haider’s character, Rahim’s ex-fiancée, is a prime example of a two-dimensional place-holder, so her epiphany and her father’s consequent regret lack impact. Shehroz’s sudden crisis of insecurity and attempt at suicide about being second place in his father’s affections is also looking highly contrived because of the lack of any earlier insights into his psyche. Despite these drawbacks, this show remains one of the most exciting and entertaining shows on air.

Sunn Mere Dil | Geo TV Wed-Thurs 8.00pm

What was touted as a magnum opus by Geo continues to underperform, despite a top-of-the-line star cast and an acclaimed director.

Adding to the show’s woes have been the controversies set off by writer Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar’s dialogues, which seem to justify domestic violence and encourage suicide by treating a character’s mental health issues as a game. No stranger to sensational coverage, the author has fired back that stretching his script by many episodes has decontextualised his words and muddied the plot.

Sadaf (Maya Ali) has left her cheating spouse Ammar (Usama Khan) and, instead of taking time to reflect or gather her thoughts, spends her time torturing her now penitent ex, and moving closer to Bilal Abdullah (Wahaj Ali). The story does not allow the characters any sense of clarity over their past actions or self-awareness. Hamsha (Hira Salman), in particular, is a strange protagonist who is permitted to manipulate and control everyone without consequence.

What To Watch Out For (or not)

Ishq Di Chashni | Green Entertainment, Coming soon

This Ramazan, meet Rakshi (Sehar Khan) and Shehryar (Khushhal Khan) who want to fulfil their dreams of opening a mithai (sweetmeat) shop and a restaurant. Two determined ind­ividuals hoping to start their own businesses provide love and laughter, and some inspiration.

Published in Dawn, ICON, February 23rd, 2025