THE WEEK THAT WAS

Jafaa | Hum TV, Fridays 8.00pm

The story takes an inevitable but shocking turn as Hassan (Mohib Mirza) gives Dr Zara (Mawra Hocane) a horrific beating when she confronts him over his lies.

Writer Samira Fazal has illustrated a well-observed pattern of domestic violence, in which the abuser plays mind games with the victim — love-bombing with gifts and the promise of a violence free existence in exchange for obedience to their shifting moods. Hassan plans to trap Zara into a forever relationship with a child, but his plan fails because she is sensible, educated and empowered by her parents to take ethical decisions in her own self-interest.

In contrast, the relationship between Dr Numair (Usman Mukhtar) and Andaleeb (Sehar Khan) highlights how healthy, emotionally mature men handle conflict. Andaleep is pregnant but Numair has long ago received a diagnosis of infertility; like any normal person, he is surprised and confused but does not react violently or throw accusations. Andaleeb is ecstatic and unsure of her husband’s attitude but her youth and excitement carry her through every moment. Despite his doubts, Numair accepts the event as within the realms of possibility. Mohib Mirza and Mawra Hocane’s excellent portrayals took the spotlight over the last few weeks but we see Sehar Khan and Usman Mukhtar coming back to centre-stage now.

Duniyapur | Green Entertainment, Wednesdays 8.00pm

The clash between the hereditary nawabs of Duniyapur and the upstart Nauroz Adam family continues, as the heirs to the Adam family defy the odds, and survive. Writer Radain Shah leaves the realms of possibility and wades into video gaming-style action to attract a younger audience with his plot twists, but director Shahid Shafaat has not been able to match the pace so far.

Shahmir (Khushhal Khan) survives an abdominal stabbing and a back-breaking fall, while Nayab Adam (Ali Raza) lives to become a hostage in exchange for the entire territory. The vicious old Nawab (Manzar Sehbai) attaches another gut-wrenching condition to Nayab’s release — his own marriage to Adam’s younger daughter. Nauroz Adam is easily persuaded to give her up by his plotting brother, who reveals the girl is having an illicit affair. After killing the young man she loved, Nauroz Adam trades his child like a piece of furniture, fully knowing the sadistic old Nawab will rape her.

Those who enjoy fantasy and action will enjoy the show, despite the lack of credibility in some of the plot points.

Ghair | ARY, Fri-Sat 8.00pm

The melodrama in this show is off the scales. No one trusts or believes anyone and nikaahs happen at the drop of a hat. History repeats itself; Shiffa (Yashmira Jan) lies to save herself from her rage-filled, honour-obsessed brother Farjad (Adeel Hussain) by using Wafa’s (Ushna Shah) name. Shiffa’s boyfriend Saalis (Usama Khan) confirms the lie to support her, but events spin out of control and he is forced to wed Wafa.

Stories about honour culture have a place and context in Pakistani society but these issues have become an overused plot point. Ushna Shah’s casting seems unjustified as she is simply not believable in many scenes and has chosen glamour over authenticity.

Apart from Wafa, every character is filled with resentment and dysfunction, making it difficult to root for anyone. Director Yasir Nawaz has built up the tension but he has glossed over many details that are part of a director’s job, in order to anchor the narrative and build up the characters’ believability.

What To Watch Out For (or not)

Faraar | Green Entertainment, Coming soon

Exciting teasers starring Hamza Ali Abbasi, Ahmed Ali Akbar and Daniyal Zafar have built up a wave of momentum for this upcoming action thriller.

Published in Dawn, ICON, October 27th, 2024