In 2022, Hum TV released “Badshah Begum,” a tale of a feudal family set in a land without rules and regulations, the village folk at the mercy of one family. While the show was criminally underrated and underappreciated, “Jhok Sarkar” is Hum TV’s latest launch in a setting of lawlessness. The cast and the promos of the show have caught the eye of viewers, but will the show live up to expectations? Starring Farhan Saeed, Hiba Bukhari, Asif Raza Mir and others, the story has been written by Hashim Nadeem and directed by Saife Hassan.
In episode 1, we are introduced to the small village of Jhok Siyal, an area governed by a feudal family headed by the intimidating Peeral (Asif Raza Mir) and his crooked son Meeral. This father-son duo has wreaked havoc on the town, brainwashing the village folk into believing that they have their best interest at heart. We witness Noori and Shaukat, a young couple in love, attempt to run away from the village. Unfortunately, they are intercepted. While Shaukat is sentenced to death, Noori is taken on as the household help in Peeral’s home as Peeral has set his eyes on her – something which his two wives may take issue with soon enough. But do they even have a voice to protest?
Meanwhile, Arsalan (Farhan Saeed) graduates as an officer and is appointed at a better position before being reappointed to Jhok Siyal. While Arsalan is more or less engaged, his father-in-law (played by Saife Hassan) wants more for his daughter and with Arsalan’s clear-cut ways, this relationship seems destined to fail. “Jhok Sarkar” highlights many things here, but also touches upon the bureaucracy and how recommendations from higher-ups influence most professions and, in this case, even police postings.
Asif Raza Mir is the star performer in the first two episodes, giving a skin-crawling performance as Peeral. This is a man who has manipulated the entire town into following his orders, regardless of whether they are legitimate or not. It’s great to see a talented actor like Asif Raza Mir back on-screen after a long gap and what a great role to bring him back with! Farhan Saeed is sincere as Arsalan while Hiba Bukhari is sweet and believable as Sassi, a young, educated woman who dreams of something bigger than what Jhok Siyal can offer her – freedom. If this drama continues at this pace and on this path, “Jhok Sarkar” will be a show worth watching.