THE WEEK THAT WAS

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

Dominating the ratings charts and the social media conversation, Farhat Ishtiaq’s magnum opus is winning hearts everywhere.

Mustafa (Fahad Mustafa) took being treated as second best with a smile because he was not an academic achiever and always loved his family. When that same family believes he could be a thief, his self-belief is shaken and he becomes obsessed with money and “success”. His drive to prove himself leads him to neglect his wife Sharjeena (Hania Aamir). Pregnant and isolated by her husband’s prickly sense of pride, which has distanced her from her family, and his obsession with becoming wealthy, Sharjeena ends up in hospital. Meanwhile, Adeel (Emaad Irfani), Mustafa’s conniving brother, is about to be exposed by his controlling, wealthy wife Rubab (Naeema Butt).

Director Badar Mehmood weaves a compelling, contemporary masterpiece out of Farhat Ishtiaq’s beautifully written script. The message of anti-materialism and bringing the focus of our lives back to our relationships and the family unit has hit home with every stratum of society. Emotionally powerful performances from Fahad Mustafa, Hania Aamir and Javed Shaikh are balanced by the negative but realistic portrayals from Emad Irfani, Bushra Ansari and Naeema Butt.

Jaan Se Pyara Juni | Hum TV, Wednesdays 8.00pm

After 25-plus episodes, this story is still stuck with Junaid’s (Zahid Ahmed) toxic sister Safina Baji (Faiza Hassan) taking over his life like a leech. Faiza Hassan effectively reprises the negative energy that made her previous drama Nand such a huge commercial hit. However, the actual villain of the story remains Junaid, a supposedly quiet, unassuming man who is superficially kind to everyone.

Junaid is set in his ways, and a demanding perfectionist. His belief in his own judgement is unshakeable and, surprisingly for a man of his age, lacking in the wisdom that would allow him to see beyond appearances. Junaid still has a very soft corner for the ex that never wanted him, Husan Ara (Hira Salman), and his self-righteous nature is easily manipulated. After having accused Mina (Mammiya Shajaffar), Junaid’s unfortunate wife, of murder, Safina’s next move is to send her to jail.

A sluggish plot and lack of nuance in the characterisations have diminished this show’s potential. As the writer runs out of ideas, the plot is now pushing Mina to somehow connect with Husan Ara’s ex in the form of Omer Shehzad, in a kind of marriage musical chairs.

Sunn Mere Dil | Geo TV, Wednesdays 8.00pm

Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar brings us a story steeped in his signature brand of romance, fantasy and flowery rhetoric. Director Haseeb Hassan has created a world of beauty and warm intimacy with lighting and skilful cinematography to complement this script.

Bilal Abdullah (Wahaj Ali) is a powerful, successful hotel magnate with the world at his feet, but spends many of his days half-drunk and full of regrets. His nights are filled with anxiety, and his restlessness is deep. Bilal’s interest in Sadaf (Maya Ali) is sudden — he hardly knows her but is bound to her. Sadaf has more practical concerns: her father (Syed Mohammad Ahmed) has died and she must not only support her family but her brother’s fight against leukaemia. Sadaf is a principled young woman and, despite his wealth, fears and dislikes Bilal Abdullah’s reputation as a playboy.

Maya Ali and Wahaj Ali try to recreate the amazing chemistry they shared in Jo Bichharr Gaye, but need more screen time together to make an impact.

What To Watch Out For (or not)

Ae Ishq-i-Junoon | ARY, Coming soon

Sheheryar Munawar and Ushna Shah star in a thrilling new serial, seemingly full of plot twists and suspense.

Published in Dawn, ICON, November 3rd, 2024