The Week in Pakistani Dramas is back, only because there’s lots to say. Please note: When there’s nothing to say, I say nothing…zippppp or maybe, when there’s too much to say, I say nothing? Aaah, that’s anybody’s guess. You’d think there’s a fine line between sensationalism, and scripting, I’d say, there’s a direct line between sensational and viral views, but that’s another article for another day… maybe. For now it’s all about the stories that have taken over the week, and we begin with… read on!
1. Bismil: Raise your hand if you love to see Tauqeer squirming
Oh dear TT, you have met your Fate and it’s not going to be a walk in the park. We’re surprised you looked so bewildered when Reham discovered the truth, what were you thinking? No one ever really gets away with a secret like that!
A shout out to Reham and Savera Nadeem essaying the character with so much dignity and calm, just the right mix of deep sadness, nerves and yet, keeping herself together. We loved that she didn’t unburden her troubles on Moosa, at least immediately, while she collected her thoughts. This Reham is so much better than the catty wife we see when she deals with Masooma. More power to her! Bismil might be a trigger for a lot of women, the interactions between Tauqeer and Reham are very impactful.
Bismil is certainly a trigger for women who’ve been there
2. Nadaan: A Broken Slipper & The Deep, Dark, World of Drugs
SHO Haider and Dr. Tabeer’s broken slipper story teased a smile where all else seems dark and sinister in the neighbourhood. Mahtab’s mother claiming the girl never took any substance, fleeing the scene when she realized that Pir Sahab was handing out drugs, and SHO Haider, getting a chance to catch Tayyab, only to release him later, reveals the power games of the rich and influential in the deep, dark world of drugs.
MPA Sahab is a sharp political player and seems to have got to Tayyab. But how will Usama react to the spread of drugs in Jam Nagar, with his father pulling the strings? Nadaan is a sharp watch and all performances need applause, the sense of fear in the frames is impactful. Kashif Hussain as Tayyab and Emaan Khan as Mahtab deserve special mention.
3. Ghair: It’s 2024 Wafa, the age of silent movies (and heroines) is over!
Oh dear Wafa, you need to speak up! Gone are the days of silent movies and heroines. Farjaad has truly fallen for Wafa but what’s with all the attitude and poker face. Lighten up please, you’re in love, remember? Anyway, Ghair needs to creep out of the stone ages and tell us a story that is more today. Shifa is downright toxic and Saalis, a sharp strategist. These two seem to have it sorted, till they get caught ofc!
It is the dada-dadi’s interactions that bring a smile to our face. And don’t we need it after Tehreem’s super toxicity? But we fear Ghair might go the saazishi way, which will be a disappointment as the cast has so much more to offer.
4. Sunn Mere Dil: Consent of a woman & Bilal’s unknown gham
Bilal Sahab is on a roll, literally. We mean, rolling from one end of the screen to the other, intoxicated, dizzy, yet fully capable of noting the headlines e.g. Sadaf’s career potential and Zaviyar’s birthday. Wahaj Ali is throwing vintage feels with Bilal, but we hope he will go easy on the alcohol soon, coz it seems to be ruining Bilal’s style, matlab, kya gham hai dunya mein, is gham kay siwa? Humein bhi bata den plssss!
Sadaf and her mother telling off Ammar was a prize moment and a great lesson to all young girls not to give in to emotional blackmailing by a guy who is ready to chug poison or… whatever. It’s his life and her’s too. Consent is a thing Mr. Ammar, and all other heroes, please note, in bold, black headers!
4. Jafaa: Did Zara have to suffer to convince all the Zaras that they must exit to stay safe?
Hassan’s reaction convinced everyone, we hope, that girls like Zara need to walk out of abusive relationships and, unfortunately, many of us would not have been convinced had Hassan not beaten her up, despite the fact that all past episodes revealed major red flags in his interactions. Girls, don’t wait for the final cut. Talk to an expert and keep yourselves safe! A shout out to director Danish Nawaz and creators of Jafaa for a sensitive and relatable portrayal of Domestic Violence – a painful reality for many women.
The episode checked all the boxes and we don’t have words to express how the domestic violence debate was totally nailed. From the moment Zara discovered Hassan’s lie, till she landed in hospital, we held our breath, praying for her safety. The argument between Zara and Hassan was superbly performed by both Mawra Hocane and Mohib Mirza, revealing Zara’s frustration, anger and then Hassan’s mental state.
Usman Mukhtar delivered a moving performance as he realized the extent of Zara’s troubles. Well played there.
5. Zard Patton Ka Bunn: The episode belonged to Bhoora
Bhoora owned the episode. Take a bow Syed Tanveer Hussain, you just showed us what Fatherhood is all about. Bhoora facing off with Malik Nadir, not getting embarrassed by his tactics, and standing up for Meenu topped our drama moments this week! Raise your hand if you want a dad like Bhoora! He took ownership for Meenu’s hesitancy in talking to him, removed the label of shame connected to falling in love and, did not judge her, like many of us did… btw!
Has Malik Nadir finally hit the bullseye with Nasreen? Will she retract her FIR and save Dr. Nofil? Or does she have a plan up her sleeve? Sajal Aly and Tanveer Hussain’s conversation won hearts as did the entire episode. Dr. Nofil, not judging Meenu for risking her reputation just to see him was the cherry on top! Do men like Nofil exist? Start praying girls, it’s never too late!
6. Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum: Revenge Mode On, But We Miss The Love Story Already
Sharjeena and Mustafa’s love story hits major roadblocks and one has to say, no matter how much one feels for Sharjeena, that blaming Mustafa means blaming all of society first; his parents, Adeel, Rubab, Sharjeena’s dad and perhaps, us, who seek perfection and stereotypes for success, denying talent and goodness to flourish on its own.
But enough of Mustafa sympathy. Don’t you feel he needs to see the love before him? Don’t you feel Sharjeena needs to find some respite and peace at her parents’ home? Don’t you feel Mustafa can be both ambitious and caring at the same time, eventually, and Sharjeena, both caring and self-caring at the same time? Aaah, but the major problem in the equation is the baby, which Mustafa is not able to accept. He’s not ready to be a father yet and perhaps, that sense of inadequacy is making him even more desperate for fast success?
Drop your predictions on this heart-breaking love story, and… don’t you think we need to see a little bit of the old Mustafa, or has he left us completely, body and soul?
Adeel Mian is smarting from the blows delivered by Rubab and rightly so. There is sweet revenge in that too. His mother finally learns the truth, it’s tough in old age, but lady, you should have been wiser, and nicer to Sharjeena and things might have been different?
Adeel’s father has to pay for his weakness too, he needed to stand up for himself and his son. But where is Sidra???
And that’s it folks. Adios from me and The Week In Dramas. Look forward to another dramatic week, and more on the episodes, coming soon! Drop us a comment if we missed something, we’d love to hear your POV!
