“Khaie” has been winning audiences over with its story about family vendettas, revenge and betrayal. When Zamda’s family is murdered and she’s forced to marry their killer, Zamda hatches a plot of her own to assassinate her new family from the inside. Written by Saqlain Abbas and directed by Syed Wajahat Hussain, “Khaie” stars Faysal Qureshi, Durr E Fishan Saleem, Khalid Butt, Uzma Hassan, Laila Wasti, Osama Tahir, Shamyl Khan, Shuja Asad, Mah E Nur Haider and others in prominent roles.
In episode 24, Zamda (Durr E Fishan Saleem) now finds herself under suspicion from all corners. Gul Wareen (Uzma Hassan) suspects Zamda and ensures that Chanaar Khan’s (Faysal Qureshi) suspicions are not alleviated either. Bareera (Laila Wasti) suspects Zamda on a level. Duraab Khan (Khalid Butt) suspects Zamda and instructs Bareera to spy on her. Even Barlas (Shuja Asad) and Apana (Mah E Nur Haider) begin to question her loyalties. And yet Zamda continues to make these ridiculous mistakes, which are not a good look for her character. How often can Zamda be caught on the phone? Why doesn’t she lock the door and say she’s changing? The carelessness with which Zamda makes phone calls is enough for the entire house to suspect her.
“Khaie” is now at an excellent point, full of intrigue and mystery. The preview for the coming episode has set the stage for the audience, leaving us wondering what Zamda is capable of at this point. Would Zamda be willing to sacrifice Badal for her own personal safety? And if so, how would she carry out her master plan without Badal? Or is Badal being caught a part of Zamda and Badal’s plan to allow for Badal’s proximity to Chanaar Khan and Barlas? Zamda’s next move has the audience waiting with baited breath for the next batch of episodes.
If there is a downside to this week’s episodes, it’s the heavy use of flashbacks. Geo always tends to enter this dreaded flashback season, something which usually begins to occur as the show gains popularity in an effort to drag it out. What Geo does not seem to grasp is that while they may be earning a quick buck through this technique, they are destroying the essence of the show, which is its fast-paced and action-packed storytelling. At the end of the day, a successful show is one which is remembered for its quality – not its longevity.
That being said, the flashbacks of Zamda’s family and Pamir are necessary ones and do not fall in this category. The audience has grown close to Chanaar Khan’s family (menally) over the last several weeks and it’s important for the show to replay these flashbacks to remind us how Chanaar Khan murdered Zamda’s entire family. It’s important for us to remember that Barlaas killed his own cousin in cold blood. It’s important that we remember how ruthlessly Duraab Khan cut off a man’s thumb for property. These are not upright, lovable men – they are terrible men who deserve what Zamda is throwing their way. It’s unfortunate, but we do need that reminder and so, every time Zamda finds herself softening or feeling empathy, she remembers her past – and reminds us as well. These flashbacks do, in fact, serve an important purpose. The others? Not so much.
Khalid Butt and Faysal Qureshi steal the show this week with their performances as Duraab Khan and Chanaar Khan cope with Badshah Khan’s death and how to move forward. Yet, their personalities come shining through without any remorse. Not even for a moment do Chanaar Khan or Duraab Khan reflect on their actions and how those actions led to so many deaths. These are difficult characters to play, but these men have nailed it. Shuja Asad and Mah E Nur Haider are beautiful together as Barlaas and Apana. This couple makes it very difficult to root for Zamda’s victory – as Barlaas will have to die. And yet, again, we must remind ourselves that Barlaas is equally as bad, if not worse, than Chanaar Khan. Barlaas was willing to murder his own cousin for his own desires. Shuja Haider has done an excellent job in this role. Durr E Fishan Saleem is great, of course, and has won our loyalty as Zamda. There’s more to praise than to criticize about “Khaie.” Can we wind up the story within the next four episodes? Can we focus more on storyline development than dragging flashbacks? If Geo winds “Khaie” up in a strong way, they’ll have a surefire hit on their hands which will be remembered for years to come.