Aakhir Kab Tak Episode 1: Intense And Uncomfortable, But Off To a Great Start

Post-Ramadan and Eid, a new slate of shows are being released, spoiling the audience for choice with the number of new arrivals. Of the many new shows, “Aakhir Kab Tak” is one of the more promising ones which caught audience attention with its intense promos. Focusing on sexual harassment and the mental trauma victims of such harassment face, particularly when not supported by family, appears to be the theme of this story. “Aakhir Kab Tak” has been written by Radain Shah, who wrote “Khudparast” and the currently running “Shehnai,” and directed by Syed Ali Raza Usama, who previously directed shows like “Bashar Momin,” “Ab Dekh Khuda Kya Karta Hai” and “Dil E Bereham.” This is a drama with a stellar star cast, including talents like Ushna Shah, Adeel Hussain, Srha Asghar, Azfar Rehman, Haroon Shahid, Javeria Abbasi, Shahood Alvi, Gul E Rana and many others.

In the first episode, we are introduced to Fajar (Srha Asghar) and her sister Noor (Ushna Shah). The two sisters live in a joint family system with their parents, their uncle and his family and their grandmother. Unfortunately, the girls are subjected to misery around them as their mother (Javeria Abbasi) is routinely disrespected in the household, not only physically and verbally abused by her husband (Shahood Alvi), but also mocked and insulted by the other members of the family. It’s not clear why their mother is disinterested in the girls or why she doesn’t stand up for herself, but that’s sure to be revealed as time goes on.

Noor is engaged to her cousin Basam, but Basam is seen harassing Fajar routinely, something which terrifies Fajar. It’s evident that Fajar isn’t simply jumpy – she’s terrified of something due to a past incident. Now is Basam the perpetrator behind that incident or is he simply taking advantage of Fajar’s silent nature? Fajar is even seen confiding in her mother, telling her that she’s scared of Basam….and her mother reacts in a stereotypical way, asking Fajar to keep silent. This may be infuriating, but it’s also realistic. While Fajar is scared and timid, Noor is outspoken, vocal and ready to fight her circumstances, including her focus on her education to get herself out of her home environment. While Noor may be engaged to Basam, she’s made it clear to him that she holds no interest in maintaining that relationship – and Basam’s parents are not interested either due to Noor’s outspoken nature.

This episode serves as the building blocks for the show, depicting what Noor and Fajar’s home environment is like. Much about the show has “Darr Si Jaati Hai Sila” vibes due to the similar subject, but like that show, there’s a lot of mystery to unpack here. What happened to Fajar in the past and why is she so timid? Why is the girls’ mother unable to stand up for herself or her daughters? Ushna Shah is perfect in roles like this, a natural, talented and displaying every bit the confidence required. In contrast, Srha Asghar (who has always been a good actress) shines in a role that requires her to speak less and emote more. So far, this show appears to be off to a good start, showing the intense nature of the girls’ home environment. How the story plays out from here will be interesting to see.