Catch Up On The Week In Dramas Over Eid Ul Azha – Because A Girl’s Gotta Watch or … Because FOMO Is Hard To Deal With!
Pakistani dramas are upping their game, there’s no doubt about that. Whether it’s competition from OTT platforms or the launch of the limited episode narratives or … we just got out of covid? The stories are coming fast (except for MPHT, which is on a different timeline) and lots happening on the Pakistani dramas’ horizon, with new kids on the block about to take over on Green Entertainment as well!
So let’s get to it as we start at the beginning with Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha.
Mondays are for Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha, but … there’s more now!
With Neem and Ehraam e Junoon in the Monday dramas league, Mujhe Pyaar Hua Tha needs to wrap up, shape up or ship out – that’s my mantra. Excuse me for being so harsh MPTH fans but it’s about time we see Maheer & Saad behave like the hero-heroine we need them to. The word Pyaar in the drama title seems to have delivered an ironic blow for pyaar aka romance fans as pyaar is the last word on the list here.
Ishq – obsessive and toxic love from Areeb can’t be termed as Pyaar. And whatever Maheer felt for Areeb at one time was, to be fair, more of a crush than pyaar! My 2 bits. However, our heroine has confessed to feeling for Saad and termed that ehsaas as love. Will Saad and MPTH fans have to be content with that one? Any cries for some romantic moments have fallen on deaf ears as the drama follows a very strict PEMRA policy and aside from holding hands and looking down when Saad attempts to show some feeling for Maheer, is met with … another flutter of the eyelids, a downward glance and that’s it – romance done and dusted.
The high point of the episode was Neelo turning a new leaf – no more histrionics we hope, because now that role will be played by Areeb, & Faha will jump in for the ride! So y’all MPTH fans, if you’re hoping for a Fatal Attraction kind of revenge mode, you’ll see it, but don’t expect romance from the Humsafar(s) era coz that isn’t happening … just yet or ever!
Anyway, what’s a girl to do but hope. So, hope it is. Maybe the Eid weekend will add some spark into Maheer x Saad moments and we might yet be surprised!
Neem Up Next …
Karamat’s character has me in its grip. I wait to see what he’ll do next. Like when he knelt down over his father’s grave, I assumed he’d be regretful but no! The unrepentant soul gloated over his actions, and I assume, the final episodes will see the wrath of God (and the writer) upon him. But the audacity of the guy makes it so very interesting when he had the guts to ask for Zimal’s hand in marriage – oh well, at least we can say he followed the right path at first rather than going straight for Shazil’s throat, which he might soon, a little bird tells me.
But seriously, I want to know what Karamat’s dad did to him in childhood that made him so very angry at the world, so very spoilt, evil and bitter. Every villain has a story and I want to know his. Zimal is in her own world yet again, the education rhetoric is a bit monotonous and like I’ve said earlier, needs a real jolt of action – while her intentions are honorable, her dialogues are too many on the topic, show me something interesting and I’ll root for the cause even more than before!
On the other hand, the land transfer was a great move and Karamat’s dad knew his son well. Not just that, but the video was a great add, almost as if he knew what was about to come! Well done there on the narrative and a hint at land reforms in the country perhaps.
Ashhad has just been dealt a huge blow and much as we love him and his simplicity, now is not the time to woo his love. He too, will have a journey and we can’t wait for it! But loving how Ameer Gilani has caught on to audiences, and fans can’t wait to see more of him!
Neem is all set to launch, but there is more tragedy afoot before things get better for our heroine. Such is the drama in Pakistani dramas, one must have conflict before the resolution, so watch on as things heat up in the Neem camp!
Ehraam e Junoon is all set for the big reveal
Does Shani even deserve our sympathy for the way he behaves with Shanzay? And will we even feel bad for him when Sajeela returns his ring and breaks off? I mean, love is blind, but he had all the red flags from Sajeela – that she preferred his new car and home to him. (Just like Shanzay has red flags she ignores Shani’s ability to evade her direct questions). I get the feeling Shani’s family will encourage him towards Shanzay and, once the deed is done and Sajeela reveals her true colors, what’s the problem? Just marry the girl1 (Shanzay I mean). But I hear the story’s not that simple and quite a few episodes before our hero-heroine meet.
Anyway, two things that strike me, or actually three – Ehraam e Junoon shows us that both the bridegroom (Khawar) and the bride-to-be, (Sajeela) can be greedy in their own way. It’s not just the larka or larkay waale in this case. Now if Sajeela just wanted a better future that would be fine, but she seems to have zero interest in our hero. Not just that but the story also takes a swing at a rich girl setting a poor boy and why we need to understand it’s okay. Is it okay? Tell me what you think.
Why can’t a girl take the lead and why does a guy have to feel he is a lesser being if his other half helps out to expedite his career moves? I mean, if guys can make chai and omelet and babysit then girls can facilitate a step up the career ladder. Say what?
Anyway, both Shani and his sister are too desperate to keep the toxic people in their lives happy. Shani’s mom’s dialogues to keep the house till his sister marries are even more inane. I mean, can you imagine the treatment your daughter will receive at the hands of her susraal once you lose the car, house, and job?
Story of our arranged marriage lives, I guess. Someone give her common sense which is not very common I assume!
Jhok Sarkar Is Just Warming Up & I’m Loving It!
As DSP Arsalan descends upon the people of Jhok Sial I just have to say, this drama is a whole new level of intrigue. The grand frames, the vast desert, and the way the landscape has been utilized to tell the story is just awesome! From Shaukat’s chase to Peeral’s political maneuvering and Meeral’s perverted streak, the drama is telling an original story so thank you for that Mr. Hashim Nadeem. And the way you are telling it, Mr. Saife Hassan is quite engaging – so, need I say the obvious? well done!
Also, a well-done note to Arsalan and Lubna for breaking off in a civil, mature manner, the way a relationship should be called off. Great to see this refreshing change in the Pakistani drama scene. Of course, I shouldn’t be too happy as Lubna might make a return (I suspect) but all that later!
For now, I’m just waiting for the face-off between Arsalan and the two men of influence, Peeral, and Meeral, and also, when do we see our heroine Sassi finally come into her own? Needless to say, Farhan Saeed’s magic is at work, but Asif Raza Mir is very much in his element here as is the rest of the cast especially Maham Shahid, Asad Khan, and Usman Javed as we wait for Hiba Bukhari aka Sassi to take the lead now.
This drama will add to the action quotient in your weekly drama dose so, highly recommended by yours truly!
Guru Has My Heart!
I write on Guru every week. Well, because Guru is such a fab story at showing us how the Khwaja Sira community has been wronged by none other than us – all of us. But the story is even more compelling because of Ali Rehman Khan aka Guru and his cronies’ performance – so on point! Plus, the storyline is taking us exactly where we need to go.
Stories like Guru are not beating about the bush. They come straight to the point and address the pressure points we need to face head-on. The community has been charged often as child kidnappers, ridiculed and maltreated, and forced to live on the peripheries of our society because well, no one cares. They are more a source of amusement than pity and neither is their existence normalized in our lives – what’s a Khwaja Sira to do then?
The fact that we feel, despite however much we sympathize with them, that they are incapable of raising a child, the fact that we’d rather have a baby brought up by parents who treat her like a second-class citizen (Fakhra) or unappreciated (Naz), are the skewed priorities we need to come face to face with. The fact that our public systems make it hard for this community to lead a normal life is what has forced them into an isolated existence. They are not welcomed in schools, offices or “respectable” neighborhoods hence, their lifestyle and future can never really take a turn for the better.
Here’s hoping Guru helps change a few mindsets. When talented actors like Ali Rehman choose to take on these characters and with great skill, one feels there is hope yet, even if it’s a tiny bit.
Do watch Guru on Express TV because it is an eye-opener for all of us, so far, it’s going the right way!
Gunah You Have My Attention!
Gunah has just upped the game in the short series, not because it has star power but because it has star performances! You’d argue that it’s one and the same, but not really. Rabia Butt in uniform with expressions that speak miles is a whole new experience, Saba Qamar switching from guilt-ridden repentance to arrogant, selfless love is another kind of mood altogether and then, Malik Hayat Khan with his quiet, threatening presence and Gul Noor with her innocent looks are giving up a story that keeps one riveted to the screen.
But here’s my question: Is it the direction that’s handing out angles, perspectives, and a watching experience that’s so apart from the usual/ I mean, that first episode with SHO Sabiha standing in the garden, looking back and up at Gul Meher in the balcony, the pair of Gul Noor and Ahmed, her hand on his shoulder, shown from at least three different angles, with and without sound, the flashbacks add to the intrigue quotient yet give nothing away. Adnan Sarwar is surely keeping us guessing and the story is doing him justice too.
My fav has to be Rabia Butt though. This lady shines every time she appears onscreen, and I’m glued to it mind you. If police officers were made from the same world as SHO Sabiha, oh what a world we’d live in. But seriously, I loved the way she developed a relationship with Nabi Bukhsh, questioning, asking, and running ideas by him. Nabi Bukhsh too, seems to have a newfound respect for his lady boss which is interesting to note.
The frames are absolutely splendid, and the color grading is impressive for sure. For once, a limited series is keeping us on the edge of our seat as crime thrillers should, and we can’t decide whether to be plain happy with the leap in the narrative or the performances, the story or the execution – so wonderful is the feeling of watching quality storytelling unfold onscreen!
Two thumbs up for Gunah then, go watch!
Jhoom was going well till Mehwish came along?
Jhoom is such a refreshing change in TV drama mode – the frames are well curated through a creative lens, the performances have our heart, the story started off on a cool angle – young guy – older girl and it was going so well with Sherry throwing in the conflict but then – along comes Mehwish with a conspiracy plot that’s just off the radar. I mean, why? Why would she go to such lengths to destroy the life of a person she doesn’t even know. I get that she hates her stepmom, but … the dots just don’t connect. The toxicity in her revenge is beyond normal and especially since Mehwish did not come across as THAT kind of person.
So, much as I’d like to enjoy the reunion of the lost love bird’s aka Aryaan and Maryam, I’m just plain sad that a good script was compromised on flawed story telling or characterization.
However, let’s talk about the performances which have been superlative – from Zainab Qayyum playing it subtle to Ahmed Agloria aka Sam and Noreen Gulwani, to Zara Noor Abbas and Haroon Kadwani playing it believable. Also, the drama can be praised for showing what I loved best, an amicable relationship between a divorced couple – one we have yet to see in Pakistani dramas I believe. So, refreshing it was!
Oh well, let’s hope Jhoom manages to bring back the magic in the final few episodes though I did like the attention to detail, from auto factory to the color coordinated wardrobe of Maryam and Aryaan at the beach. Maryam’s home too, is such a breath of fresh air! Not to forget the friends’ bond – great to see Aryaan & Maryam sharing normal (and not cringe) friend relationships on screen that we can relate to.
Hoping this one wraps up well.
Onwards to Kuch Ankahi & Aliya Has My Heart … and Soul!
Oh, Aliya – and Oh Sajal Aly – a talented artist who reminds us time and again why she’s the nation’s sweetheart and this performance just nailed it! From the sad laughter to the brimming tears that refused to roll down her cheeks, Sajal Aly gave us reasons to believe she is the Drama Queen we all know her to be! Of course, Salman aka Bilal Abbas Khan facilitated the scene, but this was Aliya’s moment and she played it like a champ!
If you’re not watching Kuch Ankahi can you even call yourself a Pakistani drama fan?
Should she still need to explain things to Salman, should he not behave the way he did before Asfar, what decision will Samiya ultimately take, will Shammo ever be able to forgive herself, can we ever have the courage to be a Tanya and will Asfar & Aliya be together, or will it be a Salman x Aliya final formula?
Since the full-fledged debate rages on Drama Gup I’ll mention a point that’s bothering me oh so much!
The script is unfair with Salman! There, I’ve said it! You see, Salman is not that person who would not give Aliya the space she needs or not be considerate enough to know she has so much on her mind. The Salman that we know will slip once, which he did, and then was reassured by Aliya, would not slip again. The Salman that we know would not behave like the typical male who would show attitude or take an impulsive decision without speaking to her, the Salman that I know would trust that it’s not Aliya’s fault that Asfar walked into her home unannounced.
However …
Salman is definitely afraid. He has witnessed Aliya’s family’s reaction to Asfar and that scares him. But Salman, I credit you with more than leaving the playing field and fleeing the scene. That’s not the man Aliya would want to marry and that’s not the man you are. So please, confirm my belief in you and stand up for what was always yours. And while you do that, could you please drop that aggressive stance towards Asfar, it doesn’t do anyone any good. Be confident, be Salman and win the day … and the girl!
And that’s my pep talk for Salman, though I also wonder why fans are rooting for Asfar. I’m loving Shehryar Munawar’s take on the character but really, do you all have a Shammo inside you or secretly dream of your alpha male hero who will sweep you off your feet? Down with women’s lib then and all things pertaining to that mindset!
Just my two bits on a story that’s taking us away on multiple conversations. Each one, doing justice to the cause. thank you for this one Kashf Foundation and the rest!
Yunhi Is My Next Level Love Affair
Yunhi started off with a whisper but has increased into a loud crescendo now. The dialogues come from the bottom of my heart and if I could reach out and give Sarwat Nazir a hug I would. Kim’s journey is so uplifting, her fight for the rights of every girl, so subtle and sane, her intentions so sincere, yet devoid of drama, and her ability to earn Dawood’s respect, so smile-worthy!
Where should I begin?
From upholding Suraiya’s right to choose her husband to knowing Owais might not be the right choice for her, to explain to Dawood that when we don’t give our girls the right to choose, they fall for the first option, (from sheer desperation), to reminding Dawood of his brotherly duties, to standing up for prayers with a humility that was so touching, to speaking up for herself before a dominating susraal, Kim you have served major goals!
And Maya Ali is doing a splendid job at giving a sane, plausible voice to those goals.
Kim has grown on us over time. From criticizing her for not being expat enough, to judging Dawood and all things religious, to sticking to her wardrobe, Kim has earned our respect as well. Now comes the time when we wait for her to fall in love. And Dawood too.
I wonder what that breakpoint will be for Kim. What will be the deciding factor that will make her fall in love, will Dawood lose his practical side to give in to her? Maya Ali and Bilal Ashraf have a chemistry going there and the casting is so on-point that I can’t imagine any other Kim and Dawood. More so, the story has shone the light on many young girls like Suraiya who are on the precipice of life-changing decisions. Yunhi is the first narrative I have seen so far that has gone beyond the obvious. It’s not only okay to give young girls the freedom to choose but to allow them to learn through their errors in judgment, to not force marriage upon them, and all that, done without needless drama. Director Ehteshamuddin deserves due credit for not falling prey to sensationalism.
Yunhi is an untainted story and audiences are enjoying the vintage feels of Iqbal, Razia, and the entire household growing onto them like successive chapters of a good read – we’re just getting into the good bits, there’s no way we’re going to leave it halfway!
And that’s all from the Week In Dramas! Tell me if you’re going to miss some of these over Eid. Enjoy the festivities amidst the heat and a warm, blessed Eid Mubarak to all those celebrating!
And, because I didn’t give you Mohabbat Gumshuda Meri, and really wanted to, please click here for our week in review!
Mohabbat Gumshuda Meri – Saim & Zubia Giving Us Panic Attacks Every Time They Meet!
Mpht Neem Ehraam-e-Junoon Kuch Ankahi Yunhi Jhok Sarkar
