“Kuch Ankahi” is a beautiful family tale of relationships and how a family comes together to support one another. However, in recent weeks, the focus has taken a different turn – Team Azfar or Team Salman? This is the question playing on the minds of viewers of “Kuch Ankahi” and the storytelling does a great job of keeping audiences confused. Starring Mohammed Ahmed, Irsa Ghazal, Sajal Aly, Bilal Abbas Khan, Sheheryar Munawar, Mira Sethi, Ali Safina, Adnan Samad Khan, Qudsia Ali, Vaneeza Ahmed, Babar Ali and others, the story has been written by Mohammed Ahmed and directed by Nadeem Baig.
In episode 25, Samia (Mira Sethi) rejects Saif’s (Ali Safina) apology, making it clear that she will no longer tolerate Shagufta’s (Uroosa Siddiqui) presence in his life. Saif is a child raised in a dominant household, run by his mother in an aggressive manner. He has carried that aggression and control in his other relationships, constantly playing the passive role and allowing the women in his life to bully him – and playing victim in the process. Samia wants her marriage to work, but also wants Saif to break the cycle and accept change into his life. He has to want a better life for himself – and for Samia. Mira Sethi is the highlight of “Kuch Ankahi” as this young woman who is trying to do right by her family, her husband and herself, building a business and not allowing her bad marriage to bog her down. Samia is a realistic character, a woman rooted in family tradition and values, but also work-oriented. Ali Safina is endearing as well as Saif, a character we both feel anger towards and feel sorry for, hoping he gets a happy, healthy ending.
Of course, Aaliyah (Sajal Aly) continues to be caught between Azfar (Sheheryar Munawar) and Salman (Bilal Abbas Khan). Aaliyah plays go-between as Azfar’s father winds up in the hospital in Sehrish’s absence – and Azfar’s refusal to see him. Meanwhile, Salman wonders why Aaliyah is playing caregiver to a man she does not know….and honestly, aren’t we as well? We could write an essay analyzing these characters, in all honesty. There are so many angles and tracks here. First of all, Aaliyah has paid off all of her father’s debt and given her family members their “hissa.” How did she get this money? Did she take a loan? And if so, what are the conditions? Azfar clearly loves Aaliyah now and wants to spend his life with her. Does Aaliyah want the same? Azfar is, in theory, a great option, but is he the man Aaliyah loves? Salman is often accused of being mistrusting, but we must remember that trust is not a right, it’s earned. Aaliyah has not been an open book nor has she even had the most basic of discussions with Salman. Why would he trust a woman who will not discuss her intentions with him? Salman is ready to leave for Canada, but also wants Aaliyah to stop him. But will she? Sajal Aly is a forever natural while Sheheryar Munawar and Bilal Abbas Khan do a brilliant job with their roles.
In this episode, Tania (Qudsia Ali) gains back her friends when Mona finally decides to fight for herself. This story arc has been pretty weak storytelling unfortunately. Deepak’s storyline with his father suddenly turning a new leaf also felt rushed and haphazard, though it does have a positive outcome. There is a lot of story left to tell and we have to wonder how many episodes are left. Will the focus now shift to Tanvi (Babar Ali) and Sofia (Vaneeza Ahmed)? “Kuch Ankahi” has consistently been an enjoyable and meaningful watch with well-written tracks. Hopefully it stays that way through the end.
