As Pakistani drama viewers, we learn which actors are dependable and which ones will always gravitate towards quality projects. Unfortunately, with the current TRP race climate, it seems even talented actors have started signing shows simply for success rather than having a quality project on their resume. While Junaid Khan and Iqra Aziz are both very talented, dependable actors, “Kasak” appears to be a show they both signed simply for financial gain – it’s either that or it’s a show that was shot so long back that neither had the sense to avoid it. Either way, there’s a lot wrong with “Kasak.” Directed by Kashif Saleem and written by Muhammad Maqsood, “Kasak” tells the tale of a newly married couple plagued by their own individual pasts.
In episode 19, Fariyal (Iqra Aziz) confides in her sister-in-law about Daniyal’s (Junaid Khan) affair with his ex-wife Sania (Aisha Toor) after walking in on the two together speaking. While Sania’s intrusion in Daniyal and Faryal’s life is uncalled for, Faryal does have a pair of ears on her head and should have been able to hear (or even see) Daniyal pushing Sania away both verbally and physically. Instead, she storms out of her own house, allowing her husband’s ex to remain there to “take her place” and cries about Daniyal’s betrayal.
Meanwhile Junaid, Faryal’s ex-fiance, continues to pursue the idea of marrying Faryal. This is another bizarre angle and the viewer is left wondering why Junaid would believe Daniyal’s ex-wife instead of speaking to Daniyal directly, especially considering Faryal never expressed unhappiness in her marriage. The most irritating part of this entire situation is that Daniyal and Faryal had a good relationship before Sania began meddling. So why would Faryal suddenly begin doubting Daniyal without any logical reason? On the other end, Faryal also begins speaking to Junaid as though they weren’t previously involved. Why would Fariyal’s Bhabi and brother encourage Faryal to speak to Junaid, knowing Daniyal may not like it? Why couldn’t they speak to him themselves? If anything, in this entire situation, Faryal should come down from her ego trip and realize that her actions look much worse than Daniyal’s actions do.
Shahvaiz (Salman Saeed) and Sania’s marriage is as dysfunctional as it gets and one wonders how the two even “fell in love” to begin with. They barely speak one word of kindness to each other in the entire show and while Shahvaiz is trying to embezzle Sania’s money, Sania is plotting her reunion with Daniyal. When Sania asks Shahvaiz for a divorce, instead of changing his behavior to convince her against the decision, he begins barating her. How can writers create characters like this that not only behave senselessly, but also just don’t make sense.
“Kasak is one of those shows that one simply forwards through while watching. It’s not only unoriginal, it’s a direct, less logical copy of Hum Tv’s 2013 show “Tanhai.” While “Tanhai” was a decent, fairly well-written show for its time, the show did not need to be recreated for any reason. Airing on a Thursday and competing with the likes of “Saraab,” “Ghisi Piti Mohabbat” and “Bandhay Ek Dour Se,” “Kasak” is a show that’s left behind due to a repetitive storyline, illogical characters and grating presentation. Even Iqra Aziz and Junaid Khan can’t save this one.
