“Bandhay Aik Dour Se” is a show that brings a lot of expectations along with it. It marks Ahsan Khan’s return to dramas after a long absence (barring a small role in “Alif”) and stars Ushna Shah and Hina Altaf in leading roles. Bandhay Aik Dour Se” is written by Faiza Iftikhar, which is a highlight. Having written dramas like Ranjha Ranjha Kardi, Dil Lagi, Aangan (ARY) and Baba Jani more recently, she is a celebrated writer and usually delivers engrossing stories.
Read Sophia’s review of Jalan’s first episode here.
Directed by Ali Faizan and produced by 7th Sky Entertainment, the first episode aired on Thursday night. Ahsan Khan stated, in an interview, that this is a show that will be refreshingly different and focus on family relationships rather than heavy topics. We have heard false promises like this before (Ex: Daasi), so has the team followed through? Let’s discuss!
Watch the first episode here.
In the first episode, we are introduced to Umar (Ahsan Khan) and Maheen (Ushna Shah), two cousins and childhood friends that share a friendship despite the tensions between their families. Maheen’s mother, played by Saba Hameed, does not seem to get along with Umar’s family, particularly his mother, played by Saba Faisal.
Kamran Jilani, Madiha Rizvi, Samina Ahmed and Noor Ul Hassan make up the rest of this fairly dysfunctional household. Umar is in love with Maheen’s childhood friend and neighbor, Roshni (Hina Altaf) and Maheen sets up meetings between the two. While Umar is committee and hopes to marry Roshni, Roshni seems to have different plans. Umar is left shocked when he discovers Roshni and Maheen’s brother are getting engaged.
Hina Altaf looks pretty and acts well, but the role isn’t much different than her character in “Rabba Mainu Maaf Kareen,” so it comes across as repetitive. Ushna Shah is playing a “soft” character after quite some time and it’s a nice change. Of course, she looks beautiful as always and her pairing with Ahsan Khan looks sweet despite their characters being only friends (so far).
Ahsan Khan is the highlight of this episode and that may be due to his having the most screen time. Umar is seen jumping from household to household, fibbing and twisting the truth to manipulate the two families into getting along. His chemistry with Saba Hameed and Saba Faisal is outstanding and their laugh-out-loud dialogues are the highlight of the episode. The supporting cast is so strong, great performances are simply expected – but it’s always a pleasant surprise when a show delivers on its promises. So far, the feel of the show is light-hearted and if it remains on this track, this looks like a show that will be worth watching.