The Week In Dramas Is Back! And somehow, I’m wondering if I should just wrap this one up with Pinjra. But then, not many will read it, because, the sad, sad truth is that … not many are watching a story that is about many, many of us.
But, going back to my drama dilemma, I gathered my thoughts and pulled myself together, Shazia, what about Bakhtu in Bakhtawar, and Faraz and Anam in Wabaal, and the new shows on the block Agar and Farq and of course, the very defiant Cam in Meri Shehzadi? Sooo, since this is the week in dramas and we’re all watching Daraar (which I will not be touching upon btw), despite the 2 million views, let’s get to it!
Starting Off With Wabaal
Wabaal takes first place as my heart goes out to Faraz. I mean, yes, I’m mad at him for giving in to Anam so easily, but then, Faraz is just so sincere in his hopes to get the marriage going. Faraz is the husband we all want, but when we get him, we call him out for being silly, easily manipulated, and in love? That bank loan is going to be a tough one for sure and lead to a Shagufta face-off moment I dare say. But, let’s turn our attention to Anam for now.
Anam did what many women who love the material pleasures in life do. And, if truth be told, the new house did sparkle much more than the old! Perhaps she could be a tad patient, finish her degree, get a job and help build the palace of her dreams together? I mean, isn’t that what a young couple should do? I for one, would have loved the conflict to continue but, with a message that both people can make the dream come true. What say you?
A note on Faraz’s mom. Yes, we know your son is blinded by love, but go easy on him. He has a life with his wife, (and that rhymes, unintendingly), let him figure out the hard facts without shoving them in his face yeah? And Faraz my friend, why can’t your wife go to college and your mom live at home? I mean, that is what many people do around the world. And if you want to step into the next generation, be brave. Lastly, Maham needs to loosen up and realize her relationship with Anam is not going anywhere. Leave the lectures to the parents and say nothing, even though you’re bursting to let it out – long-term sibling relationship goals, we can’t all be the favourite child, so stick with it, but with a lighter hand!
And after that thesis on Wabaal, we can, for sure, move on to Bakhtawar.
What’s New In Bakhtawar?
But first it’s Mr. Dilawer I want a word with. My dear young man, are you or are you not, the hero of our story? You have failed to figure out the mystery behind so much, that Inspector Mohsin is about to take over your space and… don’t complain later that we didn’t warn you. You would let Bakhtu go so easily, marry a woman who obviously has some sneaky goings-on on the side and not be clever enough to see ke daal mein buhat kuch kala hai?
Anyway, wanted to appreciate Yumna Zaidi for a fab performance. Her anger, rage before her mom, her tears before the inspector and her blurring of Bakhtu-Bakhtawar were brilliant. If that’s not all, loved the swag in the manner you told off Sheeda with that Rs. 200 tip! Well done you, but your knight in shining armor has yet to arrive. You might as well have revealed Sheeda’s shady plans to the inspector? Are you thinking of taking on the world on your own again? Coz that’s not working too well. So plan B needs to be activated and fast!
On To Farq
Moving on to our two new entrants on the block. Farq is definitely a ‘Farq’ story. Sehar Khan is a breath of fresh air and Faysal Quraishi cruises into the role like he owns it. But, are we planning to show a marriage of convenience, or compromise here? Hoping this one doesn’t disappoint, but if you’re not watching, good idea to start and keep your fingers crossed!
Agar marks the return of Juggun Kazim and what another breath of fresh air that is. Great to see narratives that hit differently. Even though the plot suggests the single opportunistic mother seeking a well-settled life and refraining from letting her eldest daughter settle, I would love to see shades of grey where we portray what many have lived through but at the same time, also send out uplifting messages to those watching. All 3 sisters manifest different shades and that makes for an interesting watch.
Of course, the cherry on top is Junaid Khan who is just love. So do go and check this one out, if only because, it seems like it might warm up to something not your ideal saas bahu story does make.
Pinjra Takes The Cake
And finally, the jewel in the crown that sparkles bright – Pinjra. Can’t tell you how painful it is to watch and attempt to understand the challenges of the generation we’re bringing into this world. From Abaan and Azaan to Abeer, Khadija to Wajiha and Javed, each character feels he or she is right in their own way. My heart goes out to all the Abaans who venture into uncharted waters – a young boy interested in Art, Music, abandoned animals does not a successful man make – says Javed, because that’s what he’s been taught from day one. And to top it all, Wajiha meets with his skewed perspective too. But wait on, Javed is grey enough to garner our sympathy in future, probably, as, we cannot deny his intentions are good, he is the dictator who rules with an iron hand, but gently with his wife, stoically with his children and oh well, a tad arrogantly with his own conscience? That arrogance is going to break and hard, we just have to wait and watch.
Wajiha decoding Abaan’s Art is just so painful. She is the friend who can sense impending doom but can’t do much, not being the parent of the child at risk. Abeer is treading dangerous waters and we know it, thanks to the first episode. The drama throws out impactful story telling as it takes us back from the first episode, we, the audience know what’s about to happen, but not sure how we’ll be led there. Whereas the main characters of the saga have no clue what they’re up against!
Pinjra will continue to address pressure points amidst us, e.g. drugs, youth, social media and more. So keep watching for what might turn out to be a deeply intense watching experience!
Last But Not The Least – Meri Shehzadi
Lastly, Meri Shehzadi and I just want to applaud the multiple face-offs between Shahana and Cam that add spark, life and spirit to the drama. It’s great to see a witty, fiery exchange of dialogue and if I were to talk about casting, Atiqa Odho and Sonya Mishal are hitting it out of the park! Watch this one because it offsets a silent, tortured soul (Dania) against a sharp-witted, injured yet undefeated soul – Cam, so you don’t feel the zulm of the saas to the extent that you’re swamped in misery and injustice. Of course, our hero Shehroze aka Ali Rehman adds to the conspiratorial tone but with just the right touch of romance.
And that’s it from me folks. Tell me what you loved about the week that was and which drama keeps you waiting all week, which one will you skip for sure, and which one, ahem you watch at supersonic 1,5 speed (with captions on) on YouTube, or … plan to give up on altogether.
Adios and cheers till next week!
