THE WEEK THAT WAS

Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum | ARY, Mon-Tues 8.00pm

Despite a lack of literary flourishes, toxic masculinity and the kind of “tragedy porn” producers love, Farhat Ishtiaq has arguably become of Pakistan’s most successful and popular writers. The marriage of convenience turning into a powerful love match is an old trope in Pakistani television, but Ishtiaq has hit the refresh button on all the stereotypes with this show. Apart from the annoying brown filter, director Badar Mehmood has defied all expectations of crass commercialism and given us the kind of quality storytelling that makes this show a classic. Sharjeena (Hania Aamir) is a patient soul, but this week’s reconciliations and explosive confrontations show that she is no doormat, and is willing to stand up for her rights and self-respect. Shored up by Sharjeena’s trust and love, a newly self-confident Mustafa (Fahad Mustafa) stands up to the bullying he has faced all his life as an underachiever and shields his wife like never before. Excellent, nuanced performances from Mustafa and Aamir have audiences hooked, but a special word of praise is required for the negative characters who have kept the “punch” in the plot. Emad Irfani as the narcissistic “golden son”, Naeema Butt as the insecure rich girl and Bushra Ansari as the bitter, materialistic matriarch are bitters that bring flavour to this sweet mix.

Noor Jehan | ARY, Fri-Sat 8.00pm

Television is known as a writer’s medium, and despite her initial projects which were strong, Zanjabeel Asim had become known for over-stretched, highly commercial projects that bring in ratings but little critical acclaim. This show has taken the typical saas-bahu (mother-in-law-daughter-in-law) kitchen politics and added both nuance and insight. Noor Jehan (Saba Hamid) has trained her sons to be dependent and obedient, she supposes herself powerful by controlling and manipulating other people’s lives. Noor Hassan bring nuance and even a sliver of vulnerability as the most slavishly brainwashed of her sons, hurting his wife but some how loving her too. Ali Reza and Kubra Khan share some good chemistry and are the couple that break ranks. Kubra Khan gives a strong, captivating performances as the determind and courageous Noor Bano, who becomes Noor Jehan’s ultimate nemesis. Saba Hamid is powerhouse of acting talent and the lynchpin of the show.

Will Noor Bano continue the cycle of generational trauma by discarding her husband Murad as revenge, or break the cycle with forgiveness and love?

Gentleman | Green Entertainment, Sundays 8.00pm

Author Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar has a penchant for killing off pivotal characters, and there is nothing like the death of a beloved one to energise a story. Humayun Saeed gives formidable performance as the ice-cold, grieving Munna planning his revenge. Rehmati (Adnan Siddiqui) knows that Munna’s sense of fair play will not allow him to attack the wounded gangster who ordered the hit on Dilbar (Ahmed Ali Butt), so he hides behind his wounds. Faris (Zahid Ahmed), who instigated the hit, is still drunk on power but a slow awareness that he now has a target painted on his back is slowly piercing the arrogance that blinds him. As the show winds up to a climax, the writer’s basic message finally becomes clear. The much-reviled gangsters who supposedly control big cities such as Karachi are nothing but small pawns that the higher-up, well-dressed “Gentlemen” politicians play with. This show would have done a better job of showcasing this with fewer episodes and some ruthless editing.

What To Watch Out For (or not)

Ghair | ARY, Coming soon

A powerful cast including Adeel Hussain, Ushna Shah, Osama Khan and Babar Ali star in Ghair, a story of mistrust, betrayal and generational trauma.

Published in Dawn, ICON, September 15th, 2024