In recent years, several successful shows have seen a comeback in the form of a sequel. In 2019, “Bandish” aired on ARY Digital, starring Marina Khan, Sajid Hassan, Hira Mani, Zubab Rana, Farah Shah and others in a supernatural horror show produced by Fahad Mustafa. The show was a great success and was immediately renewed for a sequel – but when the world shut down due to Covid, shooting was put on hold. Shooting for “Bandish 2” began in 2022 and began airing on April 28, 2023. Written by Syed Nabeel and Shahid Nizami and directed by Aabis Raza, Affan Waheed, Sania Saeed, Amna Illyas, Areej Mohyudin, Zainab Qayyum and others star in this horror drama.
As one who does not indulge in the supernatural, an exception is made for “Bandish 2” due to the excellent cast. As the first episode opens, we are introduced to Zainab Qayyum’s character, a woman remembering how her husband suffered in his death, cursing his brother for leaving his family penniless. This woman is seen staring at an old, abandoned home with rage before the scene switches to years later with a family moving into the home. With Sania Saeed’s character heading the family, she is joined by her son Sameer (Affan Waheed), daughters Minahil (Areej Mohyudin) and Rabail, daughter-in-law Wania and her granddaughter. It’s quickly revealed that Zainab Qayyum is their Chachi and these are the children of the man accused of destroying her family.
While the family settles in, family members begin to visit, including Zainab Qayyum’s character. Minahil is in-demand with a love interest while Chachi also sends a proposal for her son, Armaan. Sameer, in a rage, rejects the proposal. As revenge, Chachi turns to a “Baba” to perform black magic on the family. Quite honestly, the black magic angle has grown tiresome. Can we have supernatural shows that are just that – supernatural? Does a black-magic obsessed relative always have to be the cause of horror? Still, the first episode is interesting enough. The house offers plenty of spooky moments without anything truly happening, allowing the audience to “warm up.”
Episode one doesn’t offer anything amazing in terms of spooks, but it does a good job of setting the story up for upcoming episodes. The cast is excellent and if this show manages to tell a convincing story, this will be a drama worth watching – if one is able to sit through the horror.