Drama Update -- August 2016

Good lord - how did we manage to neglect the blog so bad? My heartfelt apologies to everyone who has been so patient with us! Thank you for STILL stopping by - I promise there will be (by hook or by crook) a new post up this week! But for now, let me go ahead and post an incomplete-but-now-complete post that I started in June. (I know, I know - beghairti ki inteha. Tauba!) Of course since I did it in June, I had to do over any reviews I had changed since then...so the opinions are totally up to date.

Honestly, I didn't watch any dramas for a month (month and a half? Two months?) and then spent a week, right before Ramadan and well into Ramadan, binge watching them. And then I got caught up with summer vacations and travelling and spent the last week catching up, so I haven't completely caught up with some dramas that were on my to watch list. (Which is good because I just promised yall another post within the week so...)

A lot of the dramas I was watching came to an end -- Naraaz, Sehra Mein Safar, Abro, Tere Mere Beech, Bay Qasoor. The last four of those were all the good vs. evil type but for some reason while the dramas managed to deliver on the evil, they didn't manage to satisfy on evil getting a taste of their own medicine. So that was kind of a bummer. 

At any rate, here's the rest of what I missed and caught up on...

Aap Ke Liye

I kinda like this, so far. It's another one of those poor girl marries rich guy stories (which I'm a sucker for) and if you don't watch the OST, you can convince yourself that the drama will play out like an epic Barbara Sharif Bollywood movie - you know, where she gets married to the guy and then evil saas aur nandoon ki akal thikanay karti hei in the most hilarious way possible.
Highlight - The fact that the hero and heroine are years apart is a part of the story, so it doesn't gross you out as much as it should. Arij Fatima plays the smart mouthed/borderline annoying Washma effortlessly. It's a breath of fresh air to see Waseem Abbass playing a slimey old lech instead of the evil/worthless ghareeb lardkion ka baap.
Lowlight - The actress playing the younger sister, whose storyline no one (i.e. me) gives two cents about.

Dil Lagi

I know I said I wasn't too thrilled with this drama in the beginning, but it finally won me over (matlab, with only two episodes, one would hope so!). Anmol is blinded by misunderstandings and anger and she's gonna regret her hurtful actions. Mohid couldn't be more of a picture perfect Prince Charming if he tried, but Anmol manages to (kind of) bring him to a breaking point. Shit hits the fan, ladies and gentlemen, but luckily gets resolved instantaneously (speaking when you compare it in in drama time). I love how Anmol's mom, sister, mother-in-law and nand are all actually trying to help her and not appearing and disappearing from the screen as a bunch of the writer's after-thoughts. 

Highlight - Imran Ashraf is hilarious as Mohid's sidekick and the comic relief and his love story with Anmol's sister is sweet and cute. He's an absolute treat to watch.

Lowlight - Can. Not. Stand. Mehwish. Hayat. Ufffff... And quite frankly, I don't care how good of a reason Mohid had to slap Anmol, it's still abuse and it's still unacceptable. "I slapped her for her own good." Wow. *taalian*

Main Sitara 

This 60s based drama effortlessly took us to a time and place when Bollywood produced classics we still love today. It's easy to imagine the characters as a part of that era. Saba Qamar makes you fall in love with Surraya, and root for her when she grapples with becoming Sitara and staying loyal to the woman who helped her get there.
Highlights - Everyone in their role shines. The casting in this drama -- wah. Dil khush hogaya!

Lowlights - ....and then there's Meera Ji, which is the only weak link. Her stilted - and unconvincing - dialogue delivery are an epicfail.

Note: Season Two is currently airing, but I haven't watched any episodes yet :(

Man Mayal

Well guys, Ayesha Khan finally made her appearance and it gives me immense joy to say, "I told you so." The drama has officially derailed and left us wanting to ask a million questions - why has the evil naukar become the most loyal naukar? Why is Salauddin so blind to Jeena and her maneuvers? Why is she living in his house?! Why is Manu such a door mat? The only character that makes sense is Mikael who has, at least, stayed true to his character. 

Highlight - Nothing. (Personal highlight: I managed to abandon ship like 10 episodes ago...really, I feel for everyone still watching this crap.)

Lowlight - Jeena calling Salauddin her "cutie patootie." My ears, they burn. Ayesha Khan is horribly miscast as Jeena. And Hamza Ali Abbassi's affected deep voice - I guess he's trying to portray how solemn/deep/sangeedah Salauddin is - is distracting and dumb. 

Mein Kaisay Kahoon

Honestly, I didn't bother to keep up with this. It started out cute enough, but it dragged on and on and on and I didn't feel like wasting my life to catch up. But I heard it ended well...so...if you watched it, picture me giving you a high five ;)

Mera Yaar Mila De

This drama - regardless of its many many plot holes, is my favorite mistake. It's filmy, it's fun, it's easy to watch. It also reminds me more and more of Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai's Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, except the heroine and Ajay Devgan actually had the decency to get married before he dragged her to Europe to find her one true love. I was all in for Mushq giving Fahad the "tum nei mujhe pyar kar na sikhaya, laykin Dabboo nei mujhe pyar nibhana sikhaya" speech, which didn't happen #Sad. But still, this drama was fun and filmy and I loved it....Hmm...I feel like I repeated myself there....

Highlight - Towards the end Striker gets limited screen time, but Sundus Tariq makes up for it as the talkative and bubbly Iqra. 

Downside - The younger sister's evil sister-in-law and her husband who can't stand up for her. I don't know why they needed this side story at all. Why didn't Zeba just get her happy ending?

Tum Koun Piya

I love Ayeza Khan, I like Imran Abbas, and I'm into cliched dramas about evil mother-in-laws, so this drama ranks pretty high on my watch list. The story flows effortlessly and even though it's predictable, I find myself won over and looking forward to each episode.
Highlight - Hina Bayat is off-the-charts convincing as the evil mil with double standards. Yasir Shoro is also killing it as the baighairat and gold-digging brother-in-law.

Lowlight - Sumbul and Ramish's relationship is a bit of a weak link, if you ask me. Sumbul seems too much of a strong and smart girl to let Ramish get away with the stuff that he does. (I'm glad she left.) Ramish's mom's wardrobe continues to distract.

Udaari 

Let's just cut to the chase - if you can only watch ONE drama airing right now, make it this one. The story, the lessons, the casting (for the most part), the acting, there is not a single thing that detracts from the awesomeness this drama brings to our screens every week. Ahsan Khan is easily the man of the hour - he should win every award possible for his amazing portrayal of the snake Imtiaz.

Highlight: To take such a sensitive topic and present it so flawlessly...I'm impressed beyond words. Bravo Team Udaari!

Lowlight: Farhan Saeed, as the arrogant band vocalist turned lawyer, is probably the weakest link amongst the players of the drama. 

Zindagi Tujh Ko Jiya (aka 100 Din Ki Kahani)

I haven't caught up with this either. I probably will though...eventually. I do know that it ran for a total of 60 episodes...#OneDay

So there you have it folks, dramas I watched, dramas I enjoyed, dramas I am rooting for, and dramas that I dropped. On my list now are Besharam, Saya E Dewar Bhi Nahi, BeAib, and maybe Intezaar and Dhaani (which airs on Geo and I haven't watched a single drama from Geo that wasn't totally blog worthy). I keep going back and forth on Zara Yaad Kar, but I think maybe it's just too far in to catch up with now, so it might just continue to be a miss as far as I'm concerned.

Thanks again for all your support and the kind words you've left while we were on our short hiatus! Hopefully, we'll continue to post more regularly now.

Happy watching!

Drama Update -- March 2016

Wow a month goes by fast! I feel like we just did an update...ah well, four weeks is plenty for a drama to pick up or pack up. It's fun to go back and see how the dramas are still fairing one month later. So, without further ado, let's see how we're still feeling about the dramas that we are following...

Abro

I still don't know why I love this drama. I wish I could just watch it in one go. The drama makers have managed to make us go from hating Abro to sympathizing with her - and that's quite an accomplishment. I just can't wait to see where this drama is headed. In a perfect world, Abro and Ali should do something to totally redeem themselves to the parents (so his mom, Zubaida can die of shame for her horrendous treatment of Abro) and Fauzia should turn out to be a total churail and make Zubaida rue the day she married Abid to her. *fingers crossed*

Highlight - Ali has been an amazing rock of a husband to Abro, standing by her even when his mom has crossed all boundaries of rationality (and humanity). 

Lowlight - Zubaida's treatment of Abro is a bit OTT nasty. Also her hairstyle is a huge eyesore and distraction. 

Bay Qasoor

Why are we (I) still watching this crap? This drama is completely insane. Escape if you can!

Highlight - Aiman Khan's pretty to look at. Yep. That's the best I could think of. #pathetic

Lowlight - Who can forgive their husband and step-father after the complete nastiness they've pulled like Sadaf and Hira are doing in this drama? Also, why does this business tycoon keep marrying these bimbos? 

Dil Lagi

I thought about doing a dedicated review for Dil Lagi, but with only two episodes aired, I found there is not much to say. Mehwish Hayat's character is unnecessarily confrontational and of course our hero - the ghunda with morals - falls head over heels for her, because duh. Ghunda ghundi se pyar nahi karayga tu kiss se karay ga?

Highlight - Humayun Saeed ki onscreen kashish is undeniable and it gives us the fuzzy-feelies to see him onscreen again. 

Lowlight - Honestly, I find the unrealistic-ness of this drama a little off putting. The drama doesn't have a filmy feel to it, so the OTT character antics are not as forgiveable as they are with Mera Yaar Mila De (see below).

Gul E Rana

Ahhh. The drama we love to hate. I can't believe how many friends I have that are loving this drama (and hating our reviews lol). However, I stand by our reviews: this drama has too many holes and too little wins. In fact, it has no wins if you ask me. Please see the detailed post on the episode 15 update for further dissing of this masterpeice.  

Highlight - Only three episodes left...by next months update, this drama will be over. #Yay

Lowlight - Three episodes still left and Adeel shows no signs of reforming. This basically means he's going to reform at the very last second, making his already much-hated character even more hateable and if the drama makers really get crazy, then Rana will forgive him too - making us hate ourselves for watching this rubbish till the very end. 

Man Mayal

In spite of all the stars and pretty filmatography of this drama, I don't really see what the hype is all about. The story is progressing and the characters are all convincing enough, so I'll stick around to see where the drama is going. 

Highlight - Watching Talat Hussain in the drama was a real treat - in a limited appearance he is powerful and will leave you heart broken.  Also, I'm glad Mikael didn't turn out to be some psychopath - he's just a spoiled brat, partying it up on his parents tab.

Lowlight - This sinking feeling that Ayesha Khan is going to make an appearance any episode now... 

Mana Ka Gharana

I want to like this drama, promise. But it just seems to be going on and on and on with no destination in sight. Kissi tarhaan Mana ki shadi nahi ho pa rahi. Mana's mom is a total witch and I'll never forgive her for the horrible way she's treated and used Khizzer. 

Highlight - Maalik and Zarri's nonexistent but existent love story is endearing. 

Lowlight - Gul Bahar and Saleha are single handedly winning the churail competition. Also disappointing is how Ghalib and Maalik dont think twice about Khizzer's sudden personality change. 

Mein Kaisay Kahoon

This easy-going drama has turned into a never ending custody battle for a Montessori child and his non-existent jaidad. What a shame, the characters were so cute and the drama began with so much promise. 

Highlight - Right now the only reason why I'm watching it is because the story is tad bit different and because I only drop dramas midway under extreme circumstances (ex: Tumhare Siwa and Chup Raho).

Lowlight - The soteli Nani that appears and disappears as she wills. Rohail's mom that has got to be the worst fake-just-returned-to-Pakistan-from-overseas character ever. 

Mera Yaar Mila De

This drama is so filmy, so colorful, so entertaining, that I've decided to forgive its many flaws and just go with it. Faisal Quraishi is just too clean looking to pass as the mohallay ka gunda with a conscience. But, again, he's just so fun - especially with his loveable side kick, Striker - that it's entertaining to watch. 

Highlight - Sajjal Ali is absolutely stunning (Enrique must've sung, "Love to see you cry" with her in mind), Striker and Dadi are totally winning best supporting roles in this drama. 

Downside - Mehru Jee, for inexplicable reasons. Who the hell parades around Lines Area in Karachi dolled up like that?  

Naraaz

If you haven't seen our detailed post, feel free to visit it for the details on why this drama is derailing. This different storyline was a winner in our books, until the drama makers decided to push it into territory where it is unrecoverable from. 

Highlight - The child actor playing Aazar wows completely. 

Lowlight - Fareeha is dead, and Azlan's brilliant idea is to let his best friend adopt Aazar because he has better medical coverage. Or some stupid reason like that. Worst parent ever. 

Sehra Mein Safar

Iqra has rejected Ayaz and married the shady - and slimy - Shehreyaar. I must say, Emmad Irfani has come a long way from his monotone acting in Aasmano Pe Likha. If you have some time to spare, this drama is entertaining enough - even if it is slightly predictable. 

Highlight - Iqra's parents are in a two way tie (with Fareeha's parents from Naraaz) for the best parents ever award. Also, I'm totally in love with the OST.

Lowlight - Iqra's stupidity over monetary issues with her husband are just ridiculous. If she hands over her jewelry and committee money to him, she quite frankly deserves all the tears of regret she's going to cry when she finds out what a fraud her husband is.

Tere Mere Beech

Sanam Chaudhry is honestly carrying this entire drama on her fragile shoulders - and quite frankly, I don't know how much further she'll be able to carry it. It feels like we're just watching the blame Hareem game on repeat for the past few episodes and I really hope the drama will pick up the pace soon. Noor Hassan - as Nadia's rich but wishy washy husband Ali - is totally wasted in this drama. 

Highlight - Hina Bayat's sudden appearance, as unconvincing as it may be, is a breath of fresh air. Hopefully, Phuppo can now go back to her gaon and stay there. For the rest of the drama. 

Lowlight - Nadia and Sadia's constant berating and blaming of Hareem for everything is annoying and unjustified - especially since her jhat-phat marrying Fahad was all Nadia's fault to begin with. 

Zindagi Tujh Ko Jiya (aka 100 Din Ki Kahani)

As pointed out by many of our readers (thank you!), this drama has returned to our screens under a new but not-as-catchy name. Since I've seen the first 20 something episodes, I haven't been watching it, but will probably pick it up again once the unaired episodes begin.

Highlights: An easy watch with enough twists and turns to keep you coming back. 

Lowlights: You really want to wring Safia's neck. 

That concludes the drama update for the dramas we're watching. Some people have asked me about Pakeeza and honestly, it looks like an abusive husband story and down right depressing. I'm going to let some more episodes air and get some feedback before I consider watching it. There's a period drama Saba Qamar is doing that is supposed to air on TV One that I'm looking forward to. Along with the over-promoted Tum Koun Piya with Ayeza Khan. 

Please do comment below with any other dramas you're watching...we're always looking for good recommendations!

Drama Update - February 2016

Even though our blog posts have dwindled to few and far between, we continue to watch dramas off-the-blog like a student studies for O' Level exams. (Thank you YouTube, thank you wifi, and thank you smartphone.) So, we decided to do this post just to give you a snap shot of what to watch or what not to watch as far as the dramas that we are watching go. For simplicity's sake, the dramas are in alphabetical order. But you'll know the duds - cos pointing those out is kind of our speciality. *smirk*

100 Din Ki Kahani

This drama is an easy watch with an interesting enough story to keep you coming back. Sanam Chaudhry and Furqan Quraishi look good together and the side stories are also entertaining and not just fillers. Due to some unknown reason (to me), this drama has stopped airing. I feel pretty cheated because I looked forward to this every weekend. #SoSad

Highlight: The churail nand's husband is planning to dethrone her the same way she is ousting her own sister-in-law and I can't WAIT for karma to come bite her in the butt. 

Abro

OMG. This drama - I am head over heels in love with it, and for the life of me, I AM NOT SURE WHY. LOL. Eight episodes in and this appears to be the classic Akbari-Asghari type drama of acha beta vs burra beta and achi bahu vs burri bahu. The drama is moving at a steady pace and, quite frankly, I managed to happily (understatement here) binge watch the episodes because it keeps you engaged. 

Highlight: Some ah-may-zing performances that will leave your heart bleeding like the characters'...

Low light: The actress playing Abro is a bit (read: humongous) of an eye and ear sore - she's loud and has an annoyingly monotone dialogue delivery.

Aitraz

Holy crap. Where do we start? You have this plethora of big names - Sania Saeed, Imran Abbas, Sana Javed, Gohar Rasheed - and this completely brainless story that continues on repeat and makes you want to question your sanity for bothering to tune in week after week. Seriously, thank your lucky stars if you managed to not watch this disaster.

Highlight: Nothing. Nada. 

Lowlight: EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS DRAMA. 

Bay Qasoor

If there was an award for most Depressing Drama, this would be the perfect contender. I started to watch this for Samina Peerzada, but now I'm just left wondering why she agreed to do this drama in the first place. Luckily (or unluckily?) the pace of this drama keeps me coming back just to see how things could possibly go even more wrong for the poor ma and beti. 

Highlight: Sajid Hassan's character's round about turn has been perticularly engrossing. He just randomly goes from absent-father to father-of-the-year and, in my humble opinion, only an actor that is so well seasoned can pull off that kind of a change and leave us convinced. Bravo. 

Lowlight: Hira makes me want to slap someone. And the phuppi ka spoiled brat beta is bad enough being a spoiled brat, but he can't act either. Annoying times infinite. 

Gul E Rana

Since we already have a detailed post on this drama and why it should be dumped, I won't write more here. (I typed this before I typed the Lowlights. Grrr. This drama...Grrrrr) 

Highlight: Zafri was the only highlight for me because atleast he was amusing.

Lowlight: Adeel. Feroze Khan playing Adeel. Adeel's wardrobe. Rana. Rana and her being a prude. Rana being a doormat. Asher and his questionable motives. Taya. Rana's mom that only appears once every two episodes. The lack of story. The lack of intelligent conversation between Rana and Adeel. The lack of intelligence period. 

Mana Ka Gharana

Hmmm. I have mixed feelings about this drama. It has a story, it has well sketched characters, it's moving along nicely...overall it has no issues. Yet, when I watch it, I keep wanting a key storyline - the big POINT of the whole drama. Is it about good guys finish last? Is it about how money is the root of all evil? Is it about true love always wins in the end? What is that big wow that makes this drama special? I'm not sure yet. However, it's an easy watch and I really need to watch something that will help me renew my loyalty to Sana Javed after Aitraz and Paiwand.

Highlight: Shehroz Sabzwari wows as Khizer aka the most perfect guy on this planet. You can't wait for Mana to come crawling back to Khizer after all the zulm her fiancé is heaping on him.

Lowlight: Barring the big wow, nothing to report.  

Man Mayal

Hamza Ali Abbasi returns to our screens to play the poor, hardworking, in love with a girl way out of his income bracket, chotay sheher ka lardka, dreaming along the lines of papa kehtay hein bara naam karayga...*picture me raising an eyebrow* I want to be enthusiastic, really, I do, but didn't he just play this character in Pyaray Afzal?
Highlight: Great visuals. The OST sounds like something from Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Devdas soundtrack (and I loved the music and Madhuri in that movie, so in my book, that's a win). Aiman Khan - even though she's just playing the little sister - deserves honorable mention.
Lowlight: Ayesha Khan is in it. I repeat, AYESHA KHAN IS IN IT. Lord help us all...

Mein Kaise Kahoon

An evil Bhabi, a sister-like best friend, a dur ka rishtaydaar eligible bachelor...all these components make this a cute drama to watch as a relief from the other hardcore stories on air these days. 

Highlight: Maria's love for Samar and sitaron ka haal are endearing. 

Lowlight: Episode 6 promises to be heartbreaking. Bummer. 

Naraaz

Faisal Quraishi redeems himself (after flops like Mein Bushra and Mol) and gives us Naraaz. Naraaz has a solid story and I love watching how seamlessly the director has managed to capture subtleties of relationships. Honorable mention for Asad being an amazing friend, and the voice of reason, to our boy Azlan through his trials.

Highlights: Faisal Qureshi and Sarah Khan share an electric chemistry onscreen. Aazar is cute as a button, and his one-on-ones with Nana Abu are absolutely adorable. 

Lowlights: Azlan's ex-colleague, Aisha - it's just unappealing how desperately obvious it is that she has the hots for Azlan. 

Preet Na Kariyo

Thank god Hum TV decided to apologize for airing crap like Gul E Rana and Sangat by airing gems like these. Wonderful characters, wonderful dialogues, wonderful acting. Applause for all the actors. Ahsan Khan reminds us why we love him.

Highlight: I am officially a Hira Salman fan. She has managed to paint a flawless picture of Shagufta, and create a character who you will hate but love, disapprove of but admire.

Lowlight: The casting of Shagufta's younger brother grown up. Kaheen se Bhai nahi lagta woh uska. #CastingFail

Sangat

Saba Qamar takes on the topic of rape, but the plot got lost within the first few episodes and never recovered. It was less about her and her story and more about Shahvez and his quest for forgiveness for an unforgivable act. I'm sorry, were we supposed to sympathize with that animal? 

Highlight: It's over. 

Lowlight: Let's just do everyone a favor and not discuss this hideous drama, its hideous story, and its hideous message.

Sehra Mein Safar

Another time pass that I'm tuning into weekly just to see where the drama will go. I like how they have shown a very natural progression of how Iqra's life has changed and how these changes are effecting her as a person.

Highlight: Ali Kazmi returns to our screens and if he was irresistible in his tanks, he's even cuter as the nerdy glasses wearing Ayaz.

Lowlight: Iqra and her prudish ways. Seriously, you can maintain a distance from men and not be confrontational or rude. Gees. 

Tere Mere Beech

This drama doesn't bring anything new to the table or any mind blowing performances, except Sanam Chaudhry who has done a phenomenal job portraying the conflicted and proud Hareem, which is why I keep watching. 

Highlight: looking forward to how Agha Ali's character is going to react when he finds out his heiress isn't an heiress. #Woops

Lowlight: Saba Faisal as Nighat. Her treatment of Hareem is abominable and her character is borderline crazy because she can't decide whether to be nice to Hareem or yell at her (sometimes for no reason).

And there you have it friends - a nice, long, round up for this month of some hits and some misses that we are watching. Of course, even while we complete this there are some new dramas starting that we're looking forward to (Mera Yaar Miladay and Pakeeza to begin with), so go ahead and leave us a line in the comments if you enjoyed the post and would like to see something similar next month!

Until then, happy watching!

Khuda Dekh Raha Hei & Ishq Parast - When Dramas Become Your Worst Nightmares

Apparently, if you stop watching a drama for a week (or two...possibly three...#NoJudgingHere), all hell breaks loose and the whole drama starts going down the drain. Point in case: Khuda Dekh Raha Hei and Ishq Parast. These two dramas started out strong and different and enjoyable. Now they are just different, and not in a complimentary way.  So I'm having to do yet another review on them (1) To blow off some steam, and (2) To clarify the change of ratings.

Let's start with Khuda Dekh Raha Hei. 

The educated and righteous Zoya gets married off to the alcoholic, womanizing Adnan. He hates her conservatism so much that he says the t-word (you know talaaq) to her daily. Once it even happened in front of his entire family. However, his dad has declared Zoya as the CEO of a fake charity organization and with a multi-million rupee paycheck coming in with her name on it, the family can't afford to let Zoya leave. So they pay off a Molvi, lie to Zoya's family, and Khalda begum (who does istikharas for a living) ignores all the bad dreams she's been having and declares her daughter a lier and sends her back to the susraal. Poor Zoya is living in purgatory. Her husband divorces her daily, and then carries on with his husbandly rights. 

Yep. Now you know what I mean when I said 'all hell breaks loose.' Who comes up with these ridiculous story lines? These disgusting story lines? Fine. Show her being abused by the family, maybe some zulm from the husband - I mean it's ridiculous but a husband slapping his wife is tame compared to this bakwas we are being shown. 

And Sajal Ali - she started out so great in this drama. After Chup Raho, I was like 'Yay! She's back!' But nope. She went from a strong girl who knows her mind to this hallow-eyed door mat. I think the Zoya from the first three episodes would've fought tooth and nail to get justice, fought against this pathetic excuse of a husband and the cheating inlaws. Even the best friend, who knows what is going on, comes to Zoya's house, chit chats for a few minutes, and leaves. WHAT? Worst BFF EVER. 

If you need further proof, here's what happens in the opening of this weeks episode: Zoya goes with the family to a function in honor of the charity she is 'CEO' of. There, the love of her life Junaid, makes his debut come back to music. After the concert Zoya refuses to take a picture with Adnan and Junaid. Adnan slaps and divorces her in front of everyone. The press captures it and starts airing the clip. Zoya's dad calls Adnan's dad in a panic and this happens...

(Luckily, daddy dearest changes his mind and turns up at Zoya's susraal, catching Adnan in the act of beating her and ends up saving Zoya.)

Oh and if you need yet another reason to drop this drama like a dud, it's the entry of this madam from Mein Bushra...

And she's doomed to be the jilted bride once more. But then again, this drama is written by an idiot, so maybe Zoya's life will never be righted and Junaid will marry Sana and no one will live happily ever after. 

Moving on to Ishq Parast...

Dua was conned by her parents into marrying Zohaib. She fights with them, then falls in love with her husband and makes up with them. Meanwhile, Hamza comes back and doesn't take Dua's rejection well. He swears to wreak all kind of havoc in her life as revenge. As step one, he stalks and proposes to Ursala and has managed to, somehow, convince his in-laws to be that he should live with them after they are married. But that's not the 'all hell breaks loose' part. 

A rational person, who has her husband's love and knows how much he loves his sister, would tell her husband the truth about his sister's suitor: he is a stalker and conning them all to get back at Dua. Is Dua a rational person? Only until episode 10. Maybe 11. So she is saying *drumroll* NOTHING. Even when her BFF and then Hamza's best bud find out - do they tell Dua to confess all to Zohaib to save Ursala's life? Nope. 

So Hamza gets married to Ursala and doesn't waste a single opportunity to stalk Dua or make pointed remarks at her. Zohaib can tell Dua doesn't like Hamza, but he doesn't do anything to find out why. Zohaib even gives Hamza a job at his office. Hamza tells Dua's dad he is the same boy they rejected and how he plans to make Dua's life miserable. 

But that's not the 'all hell breaks loose' part! Yup. You heard me. 

All hell breaks loose when Hamza runs Zohaib over - not enough to kill him, but enough to get him admitted to the hospital. And while Khala and Ursala are at the hospital tending to Zohaib, Hamza goes home and - get ready to be appalled and disgusted - rapes Dua. 

I mean...where do I even start? I feel disgusting just reviewing this. What is wrong with the writers, directors, actors, production houses and channels? Is it really necessary to show such incredible extremes? It's not shocking for audiences. It's not entertaining. It's disgusting and, in my humble opinion, airing these bizarre twists works to desensitize society towards such extreme behavior. 

And that, friends, is how two dramas that started out with such great potential lost all rhyme and reason and my viewership. What a disappointment. I feel like I need to go watch an episode of Full House or Sesame Street just to reset my eyes and mind. 

At this point, I feel like I've lost faith in happy endings for any of the dramas I'm watching. 

What an absolutely depressing sign off for a post...

Mera Naam Yousuf Hai - Episode 13: A Review and Update

To say I like this drama, is a serious understatement. I watch it two or three episodes at a time because if I watch just ONE episode, it leaves me wanting more, and patience was never my strong suit. If you haven't seen my introductory review of the drama (please do, don't want you to be lost), the OST for it played in my car on repeat. For like three weeks. At the top most volume. Yep, played like a tacky Bollywood song in a car of raging hormones and knock-off brand wearing boys cruising down Tariq Road. 

The other things I love about this drama are the colors - the visuals are...well for lack of a good word...just so pretty. I find myself wanting to wear a lot of outfits (and you KNOW what a big fashion police I can be). I love the women in this drama. Their smart mouths, intellect and strength. And lastly, I love the humor. It's there, it's smart, and it will make you laugh. No bathroom jokes, gay jokes, or filthy language (I'm looking at you Bollywood). 

So - without further ado, let me walk you through the latest episode...

You already know our hero, Yousuf. He is in jail again. This time he kidnapped Imran Mugheez (Zuleikha's cousin and the guy her dad wants her to marry) on the day of the nikah, which provides some great laughs, cos he and his best bud did it with a fake gun and had no clue what to do with the guy once they trapped him. The only issue I have with Yousuf, is for some reason (I think to imply youth though the guy doesn't look a day over 25) he wears shirts that are a size too small. Maybe it's cos he's so - you know - BUFF. The shirt is wanting to rip right off. Salman Khan style...ohhhh yeahhhh...

Errrrr...MOVING ON....

Zulekha wasn't in love with Yousuf until she really saw his devotion to her. I enjoyed seeing how she went from "I don't love you back. I don't even know you" to "This guy would do anything for me and meray dil mein bhi kuch kuch ho ra hei." Seeing her fathers brutality, she has agreed to marry Imran Mugheez IF her father drops all charges he made against Yousuf (more on that later).

Yousuf's not-evil stepmom. #TwoThumbsUp

Here's an important twist: Aparently Yousuf's dad and Zulekha's mom are also star-crossed lovers. We don't get details of how what happened, but it's made obvious that Zulekha's dad somehow weaseled her away from Yousuf's dad and married her himself. 

Let's get to the crux of this drama: Zulekha's dad. He wants to marry his sister's nand (pictured above) and they have apparently had the hots for each other forever. So dad makes a deal with his sister: his daughter marries her son and dad marries her nand. When Dad finds out Yousuf kidnapped Imran Mugheez, he files a fake FIR stating his nephew was beaten within his life and Yousuf and his friend extorted one crore for Imran to be returned. Hence the police have a field day beating him up. 

Now with Zulekha and Imran's nikah all done, dad looks like he is ready to bring home his bride...but our heroine doesn't look like she's gonna let that happen so easily...

Just in case you wanted to know if Imran Mugheez is a thug or wimp: the answer is wimp. Him pretending to have amnesia after he returns home from his 'kidnapping' is a laugh a second. #GoodActing

Zulekha demands her father be sent home within an hour or she won't let the rukhsati take place. As luck would have it, Molvi Sahab is supposed to marry the nand in an hour....yeah, I don't think that's gonna happen now lol.

This awesome scene where Zulekha lets her phuppo know who is wearing the pants in her relationship - like a boss.

Zulekha's gamble has paid off: she threatens to file for divorce if her dad marries Bushra (the nand) and Phuppo declares dad can't have Bushra until Zulekha is wedded and bedded. 

On this note the episode ends, with a promo for this week promising more fireworks. I know some people are double thinking watching this drama after the two gems Pyaray Afzal and Sadqay Tumharay produced by the writer, but I think what makes a difference between this and those works is the director, who has done a phenomenal job of painting these vibrant characters. Also, this drama has a lighter tone which is undeniable and obvious from the first episode, which also gives me hope that Yousuf isn't planning to die. #Win

I hope I've made believers out of you and I'm hoping you will tune in to watch this fun but thoughtful drama! Happy watching!

Khuda Dekh Raha Hei - Update at Episode 6

So - N asked me a very relevant question today: Why don't you write anything about the other dramas you are watching? And it got me thinking...Most of the ones I'm watching are pretty smooth sailing and not much to report. That is why I have them listed in the rating box but am not actually doing regular reviews on them. However, as my public service duty, I felt maybe I should do periodic updates, just in case any of you are trying to make up your mind on whether to watch a drama or not. So here we go on Khuda Dekh Raha Hei...

If you remember from my first review of this drama, it promised to be completely out of control with the manipulation on religion. However, the drama has not fulfilled on that promise so far, which makes me both happy (seriously, who doesn't want to bang their head on the wall when drama writers portray religious responsibilities and people in a bad light) and cheated (because the drama name seems to suggest religion is going to be exploited helter skelter). Me thinks, the religious principle this drama will encash on will be 'actions are judged by intentions.' And that is not a bad thing - there's nothing I love more than watching evil people get what they deserve. 

As for the story - Moiz has convinced his ultra-conservative mom to get him engaged to Sanam (you know, the 'designer'). Mommy ain't too pleased with how 'liberal' Sanam is, but she agrees for the khushi of her beta. Sanam's parents aren't too enthused about her choice of spouse either, but his mom has agreed because she's comfortable with a man her daughter can manipulate, and her dad just wants Sanam off his hands. And pay cheque. Speaking of Sanam's dad, he is definitely Mr. Shady-Dealings himself, because he has himself enrolled in all kinds of schemes to illegally qualify for legal tax benefits and what not. And then there is Sanam's brother who we haven't seen much of, but one thing is for sure: he definitely has some addiction issues. And probably is mentally unstable. Sanam's father has promised to half the 'allowance' he will get for Zoya, IF she can get her married off to the brother. Sanam, in true I-wear-the-pants-in-this-relationship, is now demanding Moiz get his parents to agree to marrying Zoya to her brother. 

As for Zoya, she has told Junaid that the only way her parents might agree to the  marriage, is if he leaves his singing career. Junaid, as we learn through the previous few episodes, is a huge rising star and his manager/advisor does his level best to convince him not to destroy his career for Zoya. But Junaid is in (true) love, and he gives up his music for an executive job at a music company (which really we are supposed to beleive is better how?) for Zoya. And Zoya's bestie brings him to Zoya's house as a potential suitor for Zoya  which is where we are at the opening of this episode...

Junaid comes for Zoya's rishta and big bro Moiz grills him ruthlessly and then dramatically declares he is a musician. Predictably, exceptionally religious mommy dearest throws him out of her house. 

Zoya's dad - may he be the voice of reason for many episodes to come - is the only one sticking up for Zoya. He understands she may like someone but he believes in his daughter enough to trust her to know her limits. 

Moiz on the other hand is a hypocrite of the first water. He rants and raves about how dare she sneak out to concerts and exaggerates shamelessly to his mom about the extent of Zoya's relationship. He is also vocally disapproving of Junaid's former vocation. Pot calling the kettle black Moiz? At least Zoya didn't 'lend' her boyfriend lakhs of rupees...why don't we talk about that.

Here is Junaid's friend/manager - and overall negative Nellie. He thinks Zoya is just using Junaid and Junaid is making the biggest mistake of his life. And he uses every opportunity possible to tell Junaid that. And it's extremely exhausting  for the viewers...

Zoya's friend, on the other hand, ranks higher on my list of smart people in this drama. She provides Zoya with the support she needs but is not afraid to give her a reality check.

Zoya's dad would definitely have been able to smooth the path for Junaid - had Zoya taken him in confidence earlier. He understands his daughter well, and has faith in her decision.

Unlike Moiz - who can't seem to put two and two together.  When Sanam's brother saunters in and acts all weird  it doesn't make Moez have second thoughts at all.

In fact, Sanam's brother (played by Imran Aslam), reminds me of Shahrukh Khan from his Darr and Anjaam days. And we all remember what a hot mess he was back then...

Dad tries to convince mom about the validity of considering Zoya's request to marry a guy she likes...

More dissuasion from negative Nellie. I really want to dislike his constant put down of Junaid's dream to be with Zoya - but we all know it's coming.

Seriously - Tum bhai ke naam pe DHABBA ho Moez. Wanting to get your sister married off to shady Adnan just so you can marry the equally-shady Sanam. I can't WAIT to see how miserable Sanam will make him. Can. Not. Wait.

So - looks like Khalida Begum is not as rigid as she would have us believe. She has agreed to do an isthikhara for Zoya and Junaid. And, as you can see from her expression here, in spite of all her scolding, she does want what is best for her daughter.
Oh...did I mention Khalida begum has a past? Yup - a secret that is yet to be revealed...

Junaid holds a huge press conference to tell the world he will no longer sing. Another indirect declaration of devotion to Zoya...

...Oddly enough, Zoya is NOT happy with this declaration. She has promised to abide by the decision that her mom's istikhara will reveal. Her spidey sense must be tingling, cos she doesn't want Junaid to burn all his bridges. In an odd way, I think this doesn't show us that she isn't genuine with Junaid - I think it shows that she IS, but she can not go against her family to marry him. That's why she doesn't want him to close all doors of return.

And that, dear friends, is the update on this drama until now. As you can tell by this novel of a recap, the drama is moving at a good pace and there is quite a lot going on with more to come. I am interested to see how Moez will manipulate his mom into getting Zoya married to Adnan - and not so interested in seeing how Zoya will suffer at the hands of Adnan. But, it's Sajal Ali, and she will do what she does best: play the pretty mazloom lardki. 

Lucky for me, I don't have to worry about that yet...because today is Mera Naam Yousuf Hai day! Woot woot!

Happy watching!