Author: Mr. Khan's Reviews

A review on Pakistani TV Drama Series, ‘Durr-e-Shehwar’ (2012). Its Production is Six Sigma Entertainment and Distribution is done by Hum TV.

+ Crew

1. Directed by Haissam Hussain
2. Written by Umera Ahmed
3. Produced by Momina Duraid

+ Note

Durr-e-Shehwar aired on Hum TV from 10^th Mar 2012 – 16^th Jun 2012. In total it consists of 15 episodes. The location for the shoot was Karachi; Pakistan.

This drama has also been broadcast in India by Zindagi under the title Dhoop Chhaon, premiering on 21^st October 2014.

+ Main Cast

1. Sanam Baloch as Durr-e-Shehwar (young)
2. Samina Peerzada as Durr-e-Shehwar (old)
3. Mikaal Zulfiqar as Mansoor (young)
4. Qavi Khan as Mansoor (old)
5. Nadia Jamil as Shandana
6. Noman Ejaz as Haider
7. Sophia Syed as Sophia

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+ Supportive Cast

1. Umer Naru as Saud (Mansoor’s brother)
2. Muhammad Ahmed as Sami (Durr-e-Shehwar’s father)
3. Saba Faisal as Safia (Mansoor’s mother)
4. Kiran Haq as Fazeelat (Mansoor’s sister)
5. Maya Ali as Mahnoor Sami (Durr-e-Shehwar’s sister)
6. Shazde Sheikh as Hafsa (Mansoor’s sister)
7. Sonia Khan as N/A

+ Plot

Durr-e-Shehwar’s daughter, Shandana and her husband, Mansoor’s nephew, Haider have been married to each other for the last eight years. But recently there has been a breach in their relationship due to which Shandana decides to spend some time at her maternal home in Murree along with her young daughter, Sophia.

+ High Points

i – Mikaal Zulfiqar as Mansoor (young) gave a very convincing performance on-screen. A strong headed, quick tempered yet loves his wife dearly was the perfect combination that Mikaal had able to portray as.

ii – Sanam Baloch as Durr-e-Shehwar (young) has impress the viewers with her loveable character belonging to upper social class. Other Honorable Mentions: Qavi Khan, Nauman Ejaz and Nadia Jamil.

iii – Solid performances by almost everyone from the cast.

iv – I am very pleased to see the total number of episodes were only 15.

v – The main plot is interesting to watch, where the past story of how Durr-e-Shehwar had able to tackle in facing and adjusting herself into a middle-class, in-laws with a very a shrewd mother-in-law to deal with.

+ Low Points

i – We as viewers have already watched many TV dramas where the daughter-in-law has to face and has to deal with a cunning, mother-in-law and be acceptable within the same family.

ii – The story is shown from the wife’s POV; thus, it was hard to watch this TV series with that much of interest.

iii – There are hardly any subplots other than the one of Durr-e-Shehwar’s daughter’s marriage is on the brinks and a neighbor whose husband is abusive. But that too is shown very briefly.

iv – The drama is quite slow and would take a lot of time to gain interest. By the time I did, this TV series was already over.

v – I am not a fan of Samina Peerzada’s type of roles and her performances. The real issue here is that she usually takes a typical, type cast roles on and on, where she has to cry all the time. Why can’t she just play a comic or fun filled roles for?

+ Overall
Durr-e-Shehwar may have captured the complexity of real-life social issues, but its unconditional typical story of ‘Saas-Bahu’ conflicts, slow paced drama with very limited episodes has failed to impress the viewers.

Rate: 2.50 out of 5 stars

A review on Pakistani Classic TV Drama Series, ‘Dasht’ aka Desert (1993). Its Production and Distribution is done by NTM.

+ Crew

1. Directed & Produced by Abid Ali and F.H. Qureshi
2. Written by Munnu Bhai
3. Music by Wajid Ali Nashad
4. Opening Theme ‘Dasht’ by Ameer Ali Nashad

+ Note

Dasht aired on NTM from 5^th Feb 1993 – 2^nd Jul 1993. In total it consists of 22 episodes. The location for the shoot was entirely in Balochistan; Pakistan. It is Abid Ali’s first self-produced and self-directed drama serial which became a hit project of its time and this happened to be the first ever private production in Pakistan. It is a tale of unrequited love and parental opposition while the culture, thinking and issues of tribes in Balochistan served as sidelines of Shahtaaj and Balaaj story of two youngsters from rival tribes who fall in love. The plot was a modern-day take on classic tragic romance stories such as Layla and Majnun, Heer Ranjha and Romeo and Juliet.

It is unique as it was the first time in Pakistani television history a series of songs were used which is well received by audiences. It proudly displays Baloch traditions, was memorable in terms of its dialogues, performances, cinematography and songs. The Balochi attire, jewelry and the dressing style Balochi Chaddar & Bughti Shalwar became a trend.

Dasht is critically acclaim and a major commercial success, Atiqa Odho and Nauman Ejaz on-screen pair to stardom. The audiences loved the chemistry between Atiqa Odho and Nauman Ejaz, who later worked together in several successful dramas including Nijaat (1993), Talaash (Telefilm 1994), Arzoo Jeenay Ki Tu Nahin (2014), Khan (2017). This drama also launched the successful debut carrier of Asad Malik.

+ Main Cast

1. Atiqa Odho as Shahtaaj
2. Nauman Ejaz as Balaaj
3. Ayub Khoso as Guwaraam
4. Abid Ali as Shams Shah
5. Nena as Hani
6. Fazila Qazi as Sajjal
7. Asad Malik as Bebarg

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+ Supportive Cast

1. Noor Mohammad Lashari as Sardar Nadir Jumbail
2. Rasheed Naz as Sardar Zakaullah Mehdi
3. Sabiha Khanum as Dai Mah
4. Zahid Saleem as Nuro
5. Robina Arshi as Sakeena
6. Nayyer Ejaz as Third Clan Chief’s Son

+ Plot

There has been a long quarrel between the three warring tribes in rural Balochistan; Pakistan. Shahtaaj & Balaaj happens to fall in love with each other although belong to different clans. Despite being surrounded by violence all their lives, both are gentle souls with a love of music and poetry. Fearing that these two tribes be more powerful once united because of this love marriage, the third tribe would make sure that this remains an on-going dispute.

+ High Points

i – Even today, it is still very rare to see good budget TV series with strong and well-known actors to portray Balochistan, their tribes, way of living, customs and cultural dresses.

ii – Although, the entire cast gave a very satisfying performance. But I believe, Nauman Ejaz’s performance was the best one.

iii – A long list of casts, consisting of strong star power, such as Nauman Ejaz, Atiqa Odho, Ayub Khoso, Abid Ali, Fazila Qazi, Asad Malik, Rasheed Naz and Nayyer Ejaz.

iv – The chemistry between Nauman Ejaz and Atiqa Odho is a memorable on-screen couple to watch.

v – The combined efforts behind the cinematography and inclusion of songs, gave a strong go-ahead for the viewers to watch.

+ Low Points

i – The level of interest had a great downfall, when we lose a main character in the midway of the series. After that, it almost un-replaceable to find a better or similar character in its place. Even after re-watching this TV drama with more attention this time, I still had this issue where I had to force myself to watch the rest of the remaining series.

ii – The viewers wanted to see the details on the love triangle of Balaaj, Shahtaaj and Guwaraam but was missing. The love between Balaaj and Shahtaaj happens almost immediately as to love at first sight. The problem is of the character development and understanding between the two was greatly lacked.

iii – Though, the number of subplots were around 4 – 5 in total but the compiling ones were only 1 – 2.

iv – In peaceful times, Balaaj is most often been found playing his cultural musical instrument under a tree. As a son of one of the tribal chief’s, I am sure that he must have many other interesting things to do than that.

+ Overall

Dasht has able to pull off with great chemistry, effective technical aspects, solid performances but most importantly, an insight into cultural customs & their on-going long personal disputes.

Rate: 3.25 out of 5 stars

A review on Pakistani classic Drama TV Series, ‘Sitara Aur Mehrunissa’ (1992). Its Production and Distribution is done by NTM. Its Co-Producers are Rana Ghani and Anwer Khan whereas the Set Design is done by Zehra Jabeen.

+ Crew

• Directed by Zark
• Written by Anwar Maqsood
• Lighting by Affan Akther
• Costumes Designer by Tee Jays
• Produced by Zaheer Khan

+ Note

Sitara Aur Mehrunissa aired on NTM in 1992. In total it consists of 11 episodes. The location for the shoot was Gulshan e Maymar, Karachi. The team behind its OST, song and lyrics are Javed Allahditta, Wahab Khan, Zohra Nigah and Nayyara Noor.

One of the lead characters has to go through a mental turmoil whereas other one has to suffer at the hands of her spouse. Sitara Aur Mehrunissa is Atiqa Odho’s debut TV drama series.

This drama serial was very popular at its original run and was screened during prime time television.

+ Main Cast

1. Atiqa Odho as Sitara
2. Sania Saeed as Mehrunissa
3. Sajid Hassan as Ramis Hussain
4. Anwar Maqsood as Sitara’s Father

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+ Supportive Cast

5. Azra Sherwani as Roshan Ara Begum
6. Akbar Subhani as Irfan
7. Latif Kapadia as Shakiluddin
8. Nasreen Shagufta as Bahen (Maid)

+ Plot

Sitara & Mehrunnisa (cousins) go along friendly but orphan Mehrunnisa has often faced hardships and taunting remarks by her aunt, Sitara’s mother. Ramis, a young apprentice of their father is interested in Mehrunissa whereas Sitara is left heartbroken. After these two girls’ marriages, both of them have to face some severe problems which change their lives forever.

+ High Points

i – The entire cast gave a very satisfying performance on their behalf.

ii – We have a number of strong ‘Star Power’ such as Atiqa Odho, Sania Saeed, Sajid Hassan including Anwar Maqsood as well.

iii – There was mild humor to lighten up the mood of the viewers.

iv – I am pleased to see the total number of episodes is only 11 to watch.

+ Low Points

i – The story & the plot are … such a bore! It’s possible that perhaps at the time of its release, the story might be new and an inspiration to young adult females on how to handle such issues but now we have already watched many TV dramas similar to it.

ii – The characters are written just to fulfill the temperament of their respected roles but not to remember them by.

iii – There were times where this drama was so dull that I seriously considered of stop watching it (but had to for review purpose).

iv – After loss of the father, the mother is nowhere to be found or assumed dead as she never appears in further episodes. No explanation is given.

v – It was expected by its slow tone that the ending would be at best, average. But by the time finale came, I was least bothered.

+ Overall
Although Sitara Aur Mehrunissa has a strong cast and considered a classic drama but it is in best interest for the viewers to be left forgotten.

Rate: 1.50 out of 5 stars

A review on Pakistani Drama TV Soap Series, ‘Amrit Aur Maya’ (2017). The Production House is Gold Bridge Media whereas its OST is sung by Sahir Ali Bagha.

+ Crew

• Directed by Shafqat Shah Moinuddin
• Cinematography by Hasnain Husain
• Written by Sidra Sehar Imran, Robina Bilal & Hasan Umer
• Edited by Sajjad Iqbal & Ebad Khan

+ Note
‘Amrit Aur Maya’ aired on Express Entertainment from 27^th Mar 2017 – ? Up till now have watched total 51 episodes. It is a series of dramatic events full of love and sacrifice with a twinge of rebound, hatred and revenge.

+ Main Cast

1. Shameen Khan as Amrit
2. Sabahat Sarhandi as Maya
3. Yasir Ali Khan as Wahab
4. Rana Majid as Showbi
5. Benazir Khan Chohan as Mansha (Wahab’s Cousin)
6. Hasan Khan as Zawal (Amrit’s Co-worker)

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+ Supportive Cast

1. Ajab Gul as Amrit’s & Showbi’s Father
2. Rashid Farooqui as Shoaib (Maya’s Father)
3. Tanveer Jamal as Wahab’s Father
4. Hina Sheikh Rizvi as Swaleha Khatoon (Amrit’s Mother)
5. Parveen Somro as Amrit & Maya’s Khala

+ Plot

It focuses on the lives of two step sisters, Amrit & Maya who are very different to each other. Wahab, a handsome guy mutually loves Amrit. However, Mansha also loves Wahab and is the only choice of Wahab’s mother for Mansha to be her daughter-in-law. Whereas Maya (Mansha’s best friend & Amrit’s step sister) has fallen in love with Wahab as well and would do anything, go at any length to have him as her own.

+ High Points
i – A warm welcome to Shameen Khan as Amrit, to TV industry. She definitely made her mark with this lead role and performed good as innocent sweet sister. Other Honorable Mentions: Tanveer Jamal, Ajab Gul and Sabahat Sarhandi.

ii – Entry of Ajab Gul was a good choice as to play one of the main supporting roles. He is one of the well-known and great actors of our film & TV industry.

+ Low Points

i – The main plot starts very similar to Pakistani TV soap series Sangdil (2016) but then the story changes into being very simple, slow and drags unnecessarily. After 6^th episode, the interest level started to regain from 35^th episode which is a shame to see how many waste of episodes came in between.

ii – The subplots are as lame as the main plot.

iii – The characters are mostly written as annoying and boring.

iv – Below average quality tech guys (BTS team) hired to do the job

v – This soap series score is not good at all.

vi – Makeup & Hairstyling is so-so.

vi – Rare to see some good fresh faces.

+ Overall
If being dull, slow and a number of pointless episodes starts to pile up which isn’t obnoxiously loud enough, Amrit Aur Maya makes sure to get in a category of forgettable soap series as well.

Rate: 0.50 out of 5 stars