“Aakhir Kab Tak” is a show that is synonymous with quality. Many shows can boast of great star casts, great writers, directors and still manage to fall short somewhere. However, with “Aakhir Kab Tak,” it has relied on not only strong storytelling, but taking a serious, grim topic and showing how victims can overcome their past trauma. Starring Ushna Shah, Srha Asghar, Adeel Hussain, Haroon Shahid, Javeria Abbasi, Shahood Alvi, Gul E Rana and Azfar Rehman in important roles, the story has been written by Radain Shah and directed by Syed Ali Raza Usama.
Episode 23 gives us a sense of relief, bringing happiness into the lives of these central characters who have been longing for peace for so long. Noor (Ushna Shah) is at a very happy phase in her life as her marriage to Nasir (Adeel Hussain) is being arranged. Of course, Fajar (Srha Asghar) is basking in her sister’s happiness, having found her happy ending with Saim (Haroon Shahid) and truly believing things have turned around for the better for the entire family – and we believe this as well. It’s beautiful seeing the bond between both couples and how supportive they are of each other, along with their families. Adding to this is the lovely relationship between Ehtasham (Shahood Alvi) and Safiya (Javeria Abbasi), a once torturous, abusive relationship that has now flourished into one of kindness and love. This has been long overdue and it’s refreshing to have a light-hearted episode that does not focus on any negativity….until the end.
With the final scenes, we see Basam being robbed, which means his parents will be left without any money. While this is supposed to be an applause-worthy moment, one can’t help feeling sorry for these parents who have invested their everything into their child…who will let them down. And of course, the final scene reveals a big shocker – though one can’t pretend as though it wasn’t expected. Saim’s friend Zulfi is none other than Professor Zafar (Azfar Rehman), the man responsible for Fajar’s emotional breakdown, trauma and, well, sexual assault. This angle is realistic, as this is how many predators function. They are outwardly friendly, kind, likable individuals, respected members of society, and their evil side is only known by their victims. This is why so many cases of assault, particularly in South Asian households, go unnoticed or are brushed under the rug – because the perpetrators are protected, respected members of society. Still, one has to wonder when Fajar will confide in Saim – and what his reaction will be? Or will this be Noor’s moment to step in and break things down for Saim? Either way, it will be interesting to see how this plays out, particularly if Saim’s sister has been at the receiving end as well.
Overall, this episode of “Aakhir Kab Tak” is as enjoyable as the past ones, if not more so as it provides the audience with some happiness before making its way down a grim path. Shahood Alvi, Ushna Shah, Javeria Abbasi and Srha Asghar all excel in this episode, each giving their best. It’s wonderful to see this family unit and the bond they have formed with one another despite their troubled past. Of course, Gul E Rana is also highly entertaining as Daadi, constantly throwing in her taunts, which make the audience laugh – particularly because they can no longer harm Noor, Fajar or Safiya. It will be exciting to see how the rest of the story unfolds from this point onwards.