Month: July 2020

A review on Pakistani Classic Drama TV serial, Waris aka Heir (1979 – 80). It’s Production House and its Distributor is PTV Network (Lahore Studio).

 

 

 

 

+ Crew

• Directed by Nusrat Thakur and Ghazanfer Ali
• Written by Amjad Islam Amjad

 

 

 

 

 

+ Note

Waris aired on PTV Network was released on 29^th Dec 1979 – 22^nd Mar 1980. In total, it consists of 13 episodes. The story revolves around a feudal family, their struggles to maintain their land and wealth, and the inter-family differences and tussles that lead to their downfall. It portrays two ideal synthesizers, who were vital for the time it was produced. Since finding a suitable & blood-related heir is the main priority for the feudal lord, Waris completely rejects the feudal lord tradition A number of cameo roles are played by many actors including four main artists from another Pakistani classic drama TV series, Sona Chandi (1982-3).

These issues revolve around mainly, the corrupt feudal system and influential persons, who are eating the public’s basic needs and rights like a parasite.  In rural Punjabi culture, it is a huge insult for a man, if his fiance marries someone else. To avenge this grave insult, the revenge is set to be taken.

Waris is considered being one of the most realistic depictions of Pakistan. This TV series was aired on PTV at a time when people from rural areas were moving into the cities. More importantly, it was a time when the world view of Pakistan is was going through a paradigmatic change; from a traditional to a modern. When produced, it instantly became an acclaimed mega hit.

Stars such as Mehmood Alam and Shujaat Hashmi, is the first work that I have watched.

 

 

 

 

+ Main Cast

1. Abid Ali as Dilawar
2. Shujaat Hashmi as Mauladad
3. Mehboob Alam as Chaudhry Hashmat Khan
4. Aurangzeb Laghari as Chaudhry Niaz Ali
5. Firdous Jamal as Chaudhry Anwar Ali
6. Munawwar Saeed as Chaudhry Yaqub
7. Uzma Gillani as Zakiya Ghulam Ali

 

 

 

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+ Supporting Cast

1. Samina Ahmad as Zohra
2. Agha Sikander as Farrukh
3. Tahira Naqvi as Seemi / Yasmin
4. Sajjad Kishwar as Sher Mohd
5. Ghayyoor Akhtar as Hayat Mohammad Qazi
6. Ghazanfer Baig as Saulat Mirza
7. Mohammad Ayub as Masterji
8. Malik Anokha as Mehnga

 

 

 

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+ Minor Cast (Cameo)

1. Nazir Hussain as Chaukidaar
2. A. Khan as Saeed Gul
3. Mumtaz Ali as Bakhshoo
4. Jamal Shah as Chaudhry Ghulam Ali*
5. Jameel Fakhiri as Inspection Officer*
6. Ayub Khan as Kisaan*
7. Jeevan Sultan as Maalik*
8. Hamid Rana as Police Inspector

 

 

 

*The roles are not confirmed. Though, these actors did appear.

 

 

 

 

 

+ Plot

A feudal lord, Chaudhry Hashmat rules his fiefdom with an iron grip. His elder son,  wishes to escape to the city, while the younger son is engaged in numerous illegal activities.

In such times, Dilawar is out for vengeance against Fateh Sher, who is responsible for his brother’s murder.

 

 

 

 

 

 

+ High Points

i – A big round of applause to this well written story. Some serious issues of the urban and rural areas were highlighted. Following are:

 

1. Dam Building
2. Land Disputes
3. Feudal System
4. Farmers’ Rights
5. Family Enmity
6. Bribery & Corruption
7. Migrating To City
8. Unfulfilled Dreams
9. Family Business
10. Finding Successor
11. Animal Abuse
12. Extortion
13. Kidnapping & Abduction
14. Forced Imprisonment
15. Betrayal

 

A number of different themes are shown of different individuals, which are discussed in the shape of their behavior and manner. It is shown, how they affect the people who they know or work with. These men true value is displayed to the society. Then we have these people, who were committed to the age old tradition, are ruined by their own machinations. The feudal system is shown in the true light as oppressive.

However, there are occasions where the traditional men are also glorified. Still, there are doubts over migrating to the lavish city life is comes into notice.

In this TV series, good men are also bought forward, whose characteristics belong to the category of being either creative who share their views on the traditional values or those who are courage, ready to take the necessary action, where it is required.

Other attributes, such as honesty, being independent and thinking out of the box is indirectly hinted to a good upbringing and better educational system.

ii – ‘A’ graded star cast was hired to execute this well-written drama TV series. At least, 6 – 7 stars were well known at the time, when Waris was produced.

iii – It is a tie between the two stars, Firdous Jamal as Chaudhry Anwar Ali and Shujaat Hashmi as Mauladad. These two actors gave their hearts out to play these two dynamic roles. This is my first TV series where I have watched Firdous Jamal to play a negative role. His character’s lust for power and be engaged in illegal activities, has bought the actor to the edge of his acting craft. As for Shujaat Hashmi, he has certainly impressed the viewers with his good performance, major thanks to his well-written character.

iv – Mehboob Alam plays as Chaudhry Hashmat Khan, plays the corrupt, egoistic and hot tempered feudal lord. His desire to have the most prized animal as ‘Crystal’ for high breed by any means necessary, his love for Dog Fighting / sport, shows another side to his dark character. His son and two grandsons are tangled up in greed and lust for power. Well, except for Chaudhry Niaz. In the last few episodes, even in Chaudhry Hashmat’s humiliation, he still refuses to accept his defeat.

v – The supporting characters, such as Chaudhry Niaz Ali, Chaudhry Yaqub and Mauladad are the strongly written. Chaudhry Niaz Ali has dreams to leave his home town for the city, but is tangled up with his family business. Chaudhry Yaqub is greedy, wants to sell every land that his father owns. Finally, we have Mauladad, who is brother-in-arms, equal in power and quick-thinking true friend to Dilawar. These three characters have made sure that the viewers’ attention is properly paid to the story.

vi – Concealing the identity of Fateh Sher, which was revealed in the last two episodes, is a good move by the writer.

vii – I can’t say that the finale is perfect. But still, it is a good ending. Waris bring this classic TV series to a satisfying last episode.

viii – (The late) Abid Ali as Dilawar, has performed in one of the lead roles of Waris. Just like expectations, he has performed quite nicely on-screen. Late Abid sb is a favorite to many people. His understanding to the character that he is performing can be seen in his body movement and voice. Other Honorable Mentions: Rest of the cast.

ix – The performances by every cast member has done a superb job. Nowhere would you feel that someone’s performance is lacking behind or has under-performed.

x – Having total 13 episodes, winds up the story properly, without making it a drag.

 

 

 

 

 

+ Low Points

i – Nothing new or innovative in the camera handling or editing. It does the basic requirement, to produce this TV series.

 

 

 

 

 

+ Overall
Waris has intelligently touched on numerous issues where this nations is facing for many generations.

 

 

 

 

 

Rate: 4.0 out of 5 stars

 

A review on Pakistani Rom-Drama TV series, Shert aka Bet (2015). Its Production House is Momal Productions while its Distribution is done by Urdu One.

 

 

 

+ Crew

• Directed by Shaqielle Khan
• Written by Irfan Mughal
• Opening Theme & Music by Sabir Zafar and Waqar Ali
• Edited by Jameel Aiwan, Waqar Ali Zaidi and Saad Bin Jawaid
• Produced by Momina Duraid, Humayun Saeed and Shehzad Naseeb

 

 

 

 

+ Note

Shert aired on Urdu One from 04^th Apr 2015 to 24^th Jul 2015. In total, it consists of 17 episodes. Shaqielle has directed a number of TV series including, Choti Si Zindagi (2016), Perchaiyan (2019). An Islamic practice ‘Halala’ is highlighted in this TV series, where a woman has to marry another man and then divorce to marry her ex-husband.

The former Pakistani supermodel, Nadia Hussain plays the role as Sofia. In this TV series, her younger brother, Adnan and his wife, Hira, also are the part of supporting cast. The music is a label of Momina Duraid Productions. The opening song is sung by Aleyha Waqar. The shooting locations are mostly done in Karachi and Murree; Pakistan.

 Shert also aired in India on Zindagi TV as ‘Na Gumaan Kar Kisi Aur Ka’.

 

 

 

Warning: There may be SPOILERS ahead!

 

 

 

 

+ Main Cast

1. Danish Taimoor as Imaad
2. Ayesha Khan as Momal
3. Syed Jibran as Sameer
4. Nida Khan as Afroz
5. Nadia Hussain as Sofia

 

 

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+ Supportive Cast

1. Mustafa Qazmi as Sami
2. Adnan Hussain Ahmed as Sherry
3. Hira Hussain as Sherry’s Wife
4. N/A as Imaad’s Doctor
5. N/A as Imaad’s Lawyer
6. N/A as Sameer’s Friend
7. N/A as Sameer’s Lawyer

 

 

 

 

+ Plot

Momal, Imaad, Afroz and Sameer are four university friends who share a very friendly bond. After the failed marriage, however, Momal leaves Sameer for his infidelity and stays with Imaad and Afroz. There, a secret bet is placed between Momal and Afroz that all men are alike. Momal will win her bet if she is able to win Imaad for herself.

 

 

 

 

+ High Points

i – Overall performance by everyone is mild. Though, Danish Taimoor as Imaad has performed slightly better than the rest of the cast. Imaad is one of the lead characters, who is a protagonist and is lucky enough to propose his love to his long time friend, while still being married. Danish’s performance is highlighted mainly in the episode where the main twist comes into place. His natural reaction over the bitter news shows how well Danish is in his acting craft.

This is first TV series I have watched of this actor. After watching his performance, I would like to watch more of his work. Other Honorable Mentions: Aisha Khan.

ii – A quick thinking character as Sami played by Mustafa Qazmi, showed as in the main supporting role. This character helps in resolving the matter regarding the two couples’ relationship and on vital decisions need to be taken for other matters.

The credit goes to the writer, for coming up with such an important character for the TV series.

iii – The makeup & hair styling has done a satisfactory job. The lead stars, especially Danish and Aisha look glamorous on-screen.

 

 

 

 

 

+ Low Points

i – I can’t really say that the worst point of this TV series is its finale. The reason is that Shert’s writing is no good. Throughout the TV series, it hardly made its mark or impressed the viewers. Almost the entire TV series is weakly produced. As for the last episode, who comes up with such idiotically writing? The ending is clearly indigestible and unconvincing.

 

ii – Oh God! Why do we have to watch such illogical scenes?

• In which hospital, would you find no single soul in the two-story building? And Sameer literally threats Imaad by pointing his gun to shoot him at point blank range inside the hospital. Where is the security, the eye witnesses?
• How did Sameer know to where exactly his former wife might be during her Murree trip? His explanation of getting information from the office is not sufficient. I mean, come on! They were walking within the vast forest of Murree and somehow, Sameer ends up at the exact spot where they are. Gimme a break!
• Who remains still in love with a person, after such a betrayal? Even after everything has happened, Imaad still refuses to end the marriage. And because of that, we were gifted of 4 more episodes… [Sniff].
• In the end, everything is forgiven and forgotten? What about all those betrayals, attempt to kill unborn child?
• This is the first time, where an actual medical lab franchise is openly shown to be involved in bribery, corruption. Boy! Was I shocked and left dumbstruck. I mean, really? How this franchise has allowed them to be degraded like this? You can see that the guy who is persuaded to take the bribe is wearing their official lab coat with their brand name written on it.
• Sherry’s wife is shown to be supporting both the rival couples POV. This usually is shown intentionally as the TV series sometimes show their some characters to be double sided. However, this would be false in this TV series, as this character is shown in negative light in any other scene or episode.
• After spending one night together, Imaad suddenly hears of good news. Yes, it’s possible to happen. But very unlikely, for such a scenario. And, after 2 – 3 weeks later, they get the news.

 

iii – I have not watched any of the previous works by this director. He may or may not be successful in those. However, for Shert, his direction takes the lion’s share of being poorly handled. Still, I do not blame him directly for this TV series’ failure. It’s the writer mainly, who should be held responsible.

iv – Pathetic level of production design. To make the audience believe, that for Sameer and Momal live in Scotland (part of UK), they have England’s flag nailed on the wall, with ‘England’ written on Sameer’s slippers and T-shirt. WTF? Naturally, the BTS team didn’t go there for shoot. To pretend it, they used a very cheap method to do it.

v – Although, it’s a welcome for the viewers that Shert has only total of 17 episodes. But the way, this TV series has dragged the story to its unnatural length, is unbelievable.

vi – The opening theme song is not only bad but the singer seems to be having a sore throat.

vii – I am not really sure if this title name does justification to the TV series. Okay, fine… all hell loose, after the ‘Bet’ goes wrong in the end. But still, I feel that this TV series title should be based on either the character’s name or given to his/her main attribute.

As far as the writing is concerned, [shaking my head] really, I don’t know what to say? I am absolute speechless. To confirm, one should be daring enough to watch this TV series.

 

 

 

+ Overall
Shert is a kind of bet which you would surely like to miss watching.

 

 

 

Rate: 0.75 out of 5 stars