When the promos for “Khaie” first went on air, it was clear that Pakistani drama viewers were in for yet another Pukhtun story complete with fake accents and overdone stereotypes involving violence and multiple wives. And while this sort of representation is not ideal, the other thing to stand out were the incredible production values. In the end, the production values managed to pull the audience in, along with the excellent cast. Seemingly “Sang E Mar Mar” for Har Pal Geo, “Khaie” immediately managed to make an impression with a first episode which hooks the audience. 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, Saba Faisal and others in prominent roles.
In episode 5, Channar Khan (Faysal Qureshi) is mourning the loss of his son and best friend all at once. Meanwhile, Zamdaa (Durr E Fishan Saleem) continues to plot her course, her desire for revenge (“khaie”) replacing any empathy and kindness she earlier had. She knows her best bet at succeeding is by winning over Duraab Khan (Khalid Butt) – and manages to do so. Meanwhile, Durrab Khan warns Chanaar Khan of his huge mistake in killing off Rahim Khan, as loyalty cannot be bought and Chanaar Khan is immediately seen in regret. Badal Khan (Osama Tahir), ready to fight, joins hands with Mohammad Khan’s son who is also out to avenge his father’s death. During an exchange with Channar Khan, Zamdaa catchs sight of Badal and realizes he has come to rescue her.
What’s refreshing about “Khaie” is not only its fast pace and engaging story, but specifically its female lead. Zamdaa is not a sitting duck. She was once a lively, educated, free thinker, but after everything she has endured, she has put that personality behind her. She had her moment of mourning and is now set to avenge her family. She is manipulative, she is calculating and she is now bloodthirsty. She does not spare child from adult, her “khaie” now in her blood. Durr E Fishan Saleem is not only visually beautiful in this role, but Zamdaa is giving her the chance to truly perform and show many different facets to her character. She is the star of this show. Faysal Qureshi is also excellent, Chanaar Khan’s losses now affecting his usually ruthless demeanor. While it has been a complaint watching Faysal Qureshi in these repetitive kidnapping roles, “Khaie” is finally seeing him back in full form as an actor. Of course, Khalid Butt as Duraab Khan is sinister, terrifying and heartless. Duraab Khan is a character who is loving towards his family and terrible for everyone else – and Khalid Butt is excellent in this role. It’s sad to think that this was his final performance.
From the first episode itself, “Khaie” warns its audience for what’s to come. The opening scene warns viewers of the dangerous situation this beautiful, happy family is entering into and, within two episodes, the story takes a tragic turn. There aren’t any false promises here, the team ensuring the audience understands what they are getting into – and we do. What’s on display is a violent, intense, terrifying story of revenge where generations of animosity are passed down. Despite the stereotypes, “Khaie” is, so far, an excellent story with unique characters and a narrative which keeps viewers on their toes, unable to guess what will and could come next. Har Pal Geo has a winner on their hands with this one if it maintains this pace and level of storytelling throughout its run.