“Aakhir Kab Tak” is a show that has been enjoying a successful run, particularly with positive word-of-mouth. Though it’s not bringing in extremely high TRPs, Pakistani drama viewers who are watching are unanimous in their praise for this drama, impressed with the quality and ability to entertain while telling an important story. Staring Srha Asghar, Ushna Shah, Javeria Abbasi, Haroon Shahid, Adeel Hussain, Shahood Alvi, Gul E Rana and others, “Aakhir Kab Tak” has been written by Radain Shah and directed by Syed Ali Raza Usama.
Unfortunately, in episode 19, while Saim (Haroon Shahid) has not stepped a toe out of line and has fast become the spitting image of a loving, supportive husband, his current behavior is less than ideal. Neelofar (Sabahat Bukhari), Saim’s mother, initially started off as a woman who regretted ruining her son’s life with bringing home his mentally unstable wife. However, that regret has now moved beyond a point where the audience can relate to her. Saim is happy with Fajr (Srha Asghar), her own daughter and husband like Fajr and Neelofar is here, scheming, plotting and making up imaginary scenarios to force Saim into divorcing Fajr. What sort of woman is this? At least show consistency – Neelofar was always kind and understanding, so why would she suddenly turn into this manipulator from hell? Her reasoning was understandable at first, but now she’s yet another vamp. Even more irritating is that Saim’s sister is aware of everything that’s going on and hasn’t come clean to Saim – which any loving sibling would have done by now. Honestly, it’s exhausting seeing so much time dedicated to Neelofar and her issues when the real issue is meant to be Fajr’s assault. Saim is now upset with Fajr, because Safia “insulted” his mother, as if Saim hasn’t seen his mother’s behavior before his own eyes. We would like to see more focus on Fajr’s recovery and revealing the truth to those around her, along with a fight for justice. Can we get that without this turning into yet another “saas vs. bahu” story? It was a valid story initially, but at this point, it has been dragged out for an excruciating amount of time and this week was just the point where it needs to end. Writers, please get back on track. We want to see Fajr and Saim happy now and working through their issues. That being said, Haroon Shahid and Srha Asghar are both doing a great job with their roles, their pairing winning over audiences.
Of course, one of the highlights of the show continues to be Noor (Ushna Shah) and her relationship with Nasir (Adeel Hussain). What’s great about this relationship is that it’s one between equals. Even better is that Noor isn’t your stereotypical, fired up, illogical woman. Her anger towards Nasir is absolutely justified and she’s furious for how he has ruined her image (and self-confidence) with his wayward tactics. But what makes this relationship so great is that she has a logical, sound conversation with him, genuinely asking the reason for his actions. Even better is how he replies, explaining how success requires these wayward tactics, even in order to do a good deed. Ushna Shah and Adeel Hussain are both brilliant in this sequence and put their points forth in such a convincing way, the viewer feels as though they are watching two friends arguing. This is a relationship that has been naturally presented and deserves even more screen time than what it’s receiving. Of course, Ushna Shah is the true hero of the show. It’s heartbreaking to see how Noor is falling apart inside, scared of Fajr’s divorce, stressed with her work situation, heartbroken over Nasir’s behavior and worried about her father’s health – and yet, she is the backbone of the family and cannot allow herself to falter. When Safia, finally able to acknowledge the feelings of her children, hugs Noor, it’s a genuinely beautiful moment. Safia hasn’t always been strong and has relied on Noor to be her strength, so it’s upsetting for her to see Noor break down.
“Aakhir Kab Tak” shines because of its supporting cast as well. There’s a hilarious scene between the fantastic Gul E Rana and Ushna Shah as Noor and her grandmother bicker. Daadi is stuck in her ways, having made insulting these women into an unbreakable habit, but it’s wonderful to see Noor lay out the harsh truth. Both these actresses perform this sequence in a way that, somehow, makes it the most memorable one in the episode. Shahood Alvi and Javeria Abbasi have also been knocking it out of the park each week for the past few weeks. While Ehtisham’s health is taking a turn for the worst, one cannot help hoping that he makes a full recovery and his family is given a reformed relationship, that of a protector who has never been there for them in the past. The track with Neelofar aside, this episode of “Aakhir Kab Tak” is wonderful as always. As the episode ends, we see Noor’s ex-employees set to extract their revenge on her. Will Nasir make it in time to protect her from harm?