THE WEEK THAT WAS
Mitti De Baway | Green Entertainment, Wed-Thurs 8.00pm
Writer Faiza Iftikhar presents us with a tale of love and revenge from the heart of Punjab.
Baala, played by Wahaj Ali, is released from the maximum-security Kot Lakhpat Jail. It is a celebration, but not for long. A powerful pirni [spiritual leader] Bilqees Bano (Billo), played by Mahira Khan, is waiting to open her fast, but only when her appointed assassin confirms Baala’s death. The time frame jumps to the past, when Billo was Bilqees, the daughter of the Shahs of the big haveli, and Baala was just Iqbal Channan, the son of a lowly clan of hereditary singers, summoned at celebrations. So how did their foolish flirtation turn deadly, and why did every meeting produce more poison and hatred between them?
Director Wajahat Hussain gives this melodrama the cinematic treatment it deserves, and anchors the pace with telling moments that reel the audience into each character’s motivations. Superstar Mahira Khan takes the brave leap from Pakistan’s sweetheart to a hard-edged role that challenges her skill set. Wahaj Ali is equally impressive, transitioning from a naïve fool to a middle-aged businessman and a deadly gangster with ease. The director has also drawn compelling performances from Aena Khan, Fazal Hussain, Amar Khan and the inimitable Sohail Ahmed.
Hey Fam | ARY Digital, Wed-Thurs 8.00pm
After the collaboration that produced the outstanding show Stand Up Girl, anything from the pen of writer Awais Akhtar Joiya is worth a look.
Shockingly for her conservative mohallah [neighbourhood], Seerat (Duaa Zehra) wants to meet Ayyan (Zarrar Khan), the young man her parents think might be a suitable match. Ayyan is an average, good guy, but his limited outlook and confined views will probably stunt Seerat’s exuberant personality. When Seerat accidentally goes viral on social media, this becomes painfully clear. The crux of the story reminds us how the wrong partner can lead to a lifetime of unfulfilment and suppression.
However, this time, the script is disappointingly superficial and lacks balance, ignoring the absolute reality that sudden, social media fame can be dangerous too. Instead, an irritating, sugar-coated naivete is used to justify Seerat’s actions. All the characters are two-dimensional cut-outs and Duaa Zehra’s pouting, childish style of acting only further highlights the shallowness. The entry of Faizan Mustaqeem (Zaviyar Ijaz), an investigative journalist, might have had more impact if it were not treated as a show of macho intensity, with his black leather get-up on a motorbike. Still, acting-wise, Zaviyar is way above the rest of the cast.
Mohabbat Mukhtasir | Hum TV, Sundays 8.00pm
Maaz (Usama Khan) is a young man who doubts and mistrusts his father Zia (Alyy Khan), with good reason. He has seen his uber-wealthy father deceive and manipulate his way throughout life, but is forced to stay with the family because of his love for his mother Sabeen (Atiqa Odho).
Fate brings Maaz into Mirha’s (Madiha Imam) life and heart. Mirha’s family was once wealthy and happy, but lost everything because of a cheating manager. Life is a daily struggle for Mirha, her mother and her sister, but they work their way through every obstacle with a little bitterness and a lot of determination.
Writer Nooran Makhdoom provides us with an old-school romance with a touch of mystery and revenge — a story geared toward relaxation and entertainment rather than deep thinking. Usama Khan fits perfectly into the role of the “prince who rejects his throne”, polished by wealth but stubbornly honest and unafraid of plainspeaking. Madiha Imam would be more believable with less fillers, but still manages to capture her character’s essence and drive.
What To Watch Out For (Or Not)
Izzat | ARY Digital, Daily 7.00pm
Mehrub Ali and Atabik Mohsin star in a serial about sustaining relationships and how a twist of fate can change relationships.
Published in Dawn, ICON, October 4th, 2026
