“Kuch Ankahi” has been a refreshing watch with down-to-earth writing focused on human emotion and family ties. What has set “Kuch Ankahi” apart has been its relatability, particularly within the family setting and relationships. Starring Sajal Aly, Bilal Abbas Khan, Sheheryar Munawar, Irsa Ghazal, Mohammed Ahmed, Mira Sethi, Ali Safina, Qudsia Ali, Adnan Samad Khan and others, the story has been written by Mohammed Ahmed and directed by Nadeem Baig.
Much of episode 23 focuses on the love triangle between Aaliyah (Sajal Aly), Salman (Bilal Abbas Khan) and Azfar (Sheheryar Munawar). While the intentions of both boys have been fairly clear, Aaliyah’s reluctance to commit to Salman has always struck viewers as odd. However, what happens in this episode leaves us with a lot to think about. Both Azfar and Sehrish bombard Aaliyah in this episode of insinuations of what’s to come, more or less welcoming her into their family, leaving Aaliyah bewildered at being pulled into a relationship she never consented to. While we’ve been given a window into both Salman and Azfar’s thoughts, Aaliyah’s have always been a bit of a mystery….and that feels like an injustice. “Kuch Ankahi” has never been the sort of show where the audience has to play a guessing game. We should be privy to Aaliyah’s thoughts and where she stands – and taking her past comments into account, can we assume that Aaliyah may just go along with marriage to Azfar? Considering everything on the line for Aaliyah and her family, wouldn’t marrying Azfar be a great way to bail them out of their household dilemma? And yet, is that really what Aaliyah wants? While Salman and Almas are now planning for Salman & Aaliyah’s potential engagement, it also feels as though Aaliyah is leading Azfar on unfairly. As far as performances go, this trio is performing wonderfully. Sajal Aly is a beautiful natural, Bilal Abbas Khan is sweetly endearing and Sheheryar Munawar is perfect as this arrogant man with a changing demeanor. Whoever Aaliyah chooses, our hearts will break for the other party.
Samiya (Mira Sethi) has decided she is not going to give up easily on her marriage and makes a visit to Shagufta (Uroosa Siddiqui) after a heartfelt conversation with Agha Jaan. It has to be mentioned that the relationship between Samiya and Agha Jaan is beautiful as he always gives her genuine, sincere advice, not only as a father, but as a friend. It’s his words which give Samiya the confidence to make that trip to Shagufta and warn her that she will not win as easily as she believes she will. Mira Sethi has given a silent strength to Samiya as a character and leaves us rooting for her happiness – whatever that is.
Episode 23 is a satisfying one overall, however, the story arc following Tanya (Qudsia Ali) continues to feel forced. While Tanya continues to fight, Mona, Ali and all those she relied on have abandoned her – except Shakeel (Adnan Samad Khan). Everything from the situation, the threats and even the relationship between Tanya and Shakeel has felt forced from the start of this particular storyline. A romantic angle here was never necessary and a story of harassment involving Mona (rather than Tanya herself, which would’ve given the story more meaning) feels uninspired. We could have done without this story and put more focus on Tanvi (Babar Ali) and Sofia (Vaneeza Ahmed). This is not a slight on the actors, rather just on this particular storyline. In the next episode, the love triangle between our main trio promises to heat up after Azfar proposes marriage. It’s not clear how this will turn out, but “Kuch Ankahi” continues to be must-watch television either way.