A review on Pakistani Classic TV Rom-drama series, ‘Bandhan’ (1996) aka [Relation]. The Production House is PTV Productions whereas its Distributor is PTV Channel.

 

 

+ Crew

• Directed & Produced by Tariq Mairaj
• Written (Adapted) by Mansha Yaad
• Production Assisted by Ghulam Rasool Brohi
• Editing & Mixing by Naeem Anwer

 

 

+ Note
Bandhan was aired on PTV in 1996 and consists of total 13 episodes. It is based on two novels ‘Laggan’ and ‘But Shikan’, written by Bushra Rehman. It is the last drama of her for PTV. It was a block buster drama from PTV Islamabad center.

This TV drama was considered lucky for many associated persons from director, writer to cast members. Leading cast members Nauman Masood, Nadia Khan, Farah Sadia and Iqbal Hussain were all in the early stages of their acting careers. The success of Bandhan provided fame to its entire cast.

 

 

+ Main Cast

1. Nauman Masood as Afaq
2. Nadia Khan as Farzana Ferri
3. Iqbal Hussain as Bobby
4. Farah Sadia/Hussain as Bilaves
5. Naseem Qureshi as Ferri’s Dad
6. Ayesha Yaseen / Aaisha Khan as Ferri’s Mom

 

 

xxxxxxx

 

 

+ Supportive Cast

1. N/A as Perri / Kid
2. N/A as Anjum / Afaq’s secretary
3. N/A as Taufeeq / Bilaves’s friend
4. N/A as Khadim Hussain / Servant #1
5. N/A as Deen Muhammad / Mute lady’s father
6. N/A as Ranu / Mute Lady
7. N/A as Sultan / Servant #2

 

 

+ Plot

Farzana Ferri belongs to wealthy family and is the spoon-fed, sole daughter of her parents. Her father wants her to be independent and settle down to a nice chap. One day, Afaq, Ferri’s boss sends marriage proposal to her home. Surprising to her father, Ferri gladly accepts it.

 

 

 

+ High Points

i – Nauman Masood’s performance is quite good and interesting to watch.

ii – Nadia Khan as Ferri played well as spoiled brat who eventually learns from mistakes and patience she earned during the time of marriage alone with her husband. Other Honorable Mentions: Naseem Qureshi, Farah Sadia/Hussain and Iqbal Hussain.

iii – Its screenplay is the key point for this drama series.

iv – The misfit relationship between the married couple.

iv – Visually it was splendid to see its nice ending.

 

 

 

+ Low Points

i – Such a cute, romantic, lovely story of <B-O-R-I-N-G!> two bought up differently by their parents.

ii – After the feud between the two, the rest of episodes were such a struggle as if to fulfill the achievement of total 13 episodes.

iii – The subplots of Ranu and her marriage while Bilaves and her relationship with Perri were just average to watch.

iv – What’s the point of keeping the kid’s and Nadia Khan’s names almost identical (Perri & Ferri)? Short of names?

 

 

+ Overall
Bandhan is a TV series of lackluster affair with a very short story to tell.

 

 

Rate: 2.50 out of 5 stars

 

A review on Pakistani TV Drama Serial, ‘Shaam Dhaley’ (2016) aka [Late Evening]. Its Production House is A & B Productions while its Distributor is Geo Entertainment.

 

 

+ Crew

• Directed by Nadia Afgan
• Cinematography by Khizer Idress
• Written by Shumaila Zaidi and Abeer Mahar
• Music by Faraz Butt
• Created & Produced by Babar Javed

 

 

+ Note
Shaam Dhaley aired on Geo Entertainment from 24^th Apr 2016 – 03^rd Sep 2016. It consists of total 22 episodes. Nadia Afgan is the director as well as did a small supporting role of a lawyer of Alina.

 
+ Main Cast
1) Marjan Fatima as Alina

2) Wajiha Khan Durani as Mariam

3) Mehreen Bari as Shanzay

4) Fiza Ali as Saima

5) Haris Waheed as Faizan

 
xxxxxxx

+ Supportive Cast
6) Aqeel Nasir Khan as Majid

7) Shah Fahad as Adil

8) Parveen Malik as Sultana (Ammi)

9) Usman Peerzada as Daud (Abu)

10) Taimoor Khan as Khizer

 

 

+ Plot
Alina is the eldest daughter of the other two siblings with no brothers. After the sudden death of her father, she has to deal with harsh reality of the society and to manage her family in such crisis. One day, she meets a step brother whom her family never knew.

 
+ High Points

i – Haris Waheed as Faizan performed superbly. I was taken aback by his performance due to the fact that have not seen him in many TV serials or heard of him as such. He acted very maturely and sensibly in Shaam Dhaley. After watching his performance, I come to realize that the team behind TV drama serial Maan Maayal had wasted his talent completely by giving such a minor role. Haris Waheed is a very talented actor where he should be given really good opportunities in the market.

ii – Marjan Fatima as Alina performed very sound and was pleased to see her in lead role. Her character is very well written and she did the job up to the mark. Other Honorable Mentions: Shah Fahad and Fiza Ali.

iii – The main ingredient to make this TV drama serial into a memorable one is that its screenplay is magnificently written. I am really amazed by the writers’ craft and the quality of dialogues was given to the performers.

iv – The plot is interesting to watch where the protagonist belongs to high class social status and needs to face such difficult crisis where the fate has some special plans for her and her family. The story progresses with every new episode while the interest level of the viewers had increased parallel side by side. The character shift of almost every main & supporting star has been splendidly done.

v – An interesting and enigmatic character of ‘Majid’ was written. He was a neutral character, something rare for the viewers. Aqeel Nasir Khan played his part brilliantly and perhaps is always known as Majid (iconic character) to the viewers.

vi – The shocking element in last few episodes, of who actually expires instead was a good move.

 

 

+ Low Points
i – As the story slowly unfolds, it’s possible that the viewers might lose their interest and switch to some other TV drama.

ii – The harassment of Alina by Majid in office premises is only stopped by Alina’s immediate boss while the other office colleagues or visitors just completely ignore what is happening in front of them.

iii – The finale was good though but not great as one expected it to be. It falls short of the expectations.

 

+ Overall
Although Shaam Dhaley is executed very nicely and the performance by the cast is stunning, but what actually stands out the most is the fascinating screenplay written by Shumaila Zaidi and Abeer Mahar.

Rate: 3.25 out of 5 stars

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

 

 

xxxxxxx

 

 

+ 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

 

 

xxxxxxx

 

 

+ 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