Some shows find themselves struggling to bring in ratings, despite having a promising, talented cast. “Bebasi” is one such show, starring Ali Rehman Khan, Anoushey Abbasi, Khushhal Khan, Alizeh Shah, Farhan Ali Agha, shagufta Ejaz and others, written by Aliya Bukhari and directed by Barkat Sidiki. However, it doesn’t take more than 2-3 episodes to determine why “Bebasi” has not managed to pull in an audience – it’s boring.
In episode 11, Ifrah (Alizeh Shah) is now a part of her regressive, old-fashioned, verbally abusive biological father’s family, having left her mother and stepfather behind. What Ifrah’s reasoning is for this is beyond understanding. She feels as though her stepfather plotted against her marriage – which is fine, she overheard such a conversation and it was exactly along those lines. Still, her stepfather has given her love (even if clouded with resentment), fulfilled all her dreams and given her a happy, content upbringing. She stormed out of his house, leaving her loving, supportive mother behind to do what? To live with an abusive, hateful man who is sick and tired of his two daughters and only wants to get rid of Ifrah, as she’s another burden? This girl is now acting like a sacrificial lamb, willing to marry whoever her father tells her to, despite being already engaged to Sahir (Khushhal Khan). Does it get more ridiculous?
Yes, yes it does. Nadia (Anoushey Abbasi) is the worst kind of dense, hanging out with Ahmer (Ali Rehman Khan), a man who has made it crystal clear that he has zero desire to marry her – to both her mother and his own sister. And still, when Ahmer’s sister announces their marriage date, Nadia is overjoyed, laughing and smiling like a dimwit without any self respect. What is the point of stories like this? This is a rich, well-off young woman who could do whatever she likes with her life – and she chooses to waste it obsessing over a man who has said no to her on several occasions.
In the next episode, Ifrah’s wedding will take place and Ahmer will attend as a guest when Ifrah’s husband and his family leave. It doesn’t take much to see where this story is going. Anyone remember “Aasmanon Pe Likha” starring Sajal Aly and Sheheryar Munawar? This story seems to be following along the exact same lines with Ahmer stepping in to marry Ifrah. Will this make the story more exciting? It’s unlikely. Ahmer’s sister and Nadia will step in to make Ifrah’s life hell, furthering the misery quotient as Ifrah now tries to make a marriage with Ahmer work despite being in love with Sahir. What is the point of this story? Your guess is as good as mine. The story is boring and repetitive, the performances are substandard (despite a very talented lead cast) and, honestly, it’s just an uninspired show. There’s little to look forward to in coming episodes as well, as it’s simply too predictable.