It’s easy to pinpoint which dramas are worth watching and praise them week after week. However, it’s must more difficult to pinpoint which dramas have been disappointing, especially when those dramas include strong actors and actresses who we expect a lot from. While many of these shows are popular ones, dramas which are seeing an immense amount of success, these are also dramas which have disappointed viewers as a whole with weak writing, poor performances, bad direction or other reasons. Here are five dramas in December 2023 which have not been meeting expectations.
“Mein”
First and foremost is “Mein” on ARY Digital. When Wahaj Ali and Ayeza Khan, two of Pakistan’s best talents, are signed together, we know something special is in store. This time around, nothing special happens. Ayeza Khan plays Mubashira, a woman struggling with her mental health who winds up married to Zaid, played by Wahaj Ali. A story about forced marriage and mental health, “Mein” could have been something great and, at times, it actually does impress seeing the emphasis placed on Mubashira’s sessions with her therapist. Unfortunately, “Mein” is simply not interesting, involves too much manipulation and, at the end of the day, it’s Azekah Daniel’s Ayra who winds up being the highlight. This feels like a missed opportunity.
“Nijaat”
Next is “Nijaat” on Hum TV. Quite honestly, Junaid Khan, Hina Altaf and Hajra Yamin are three stars associated with quality work. On the onset, “Nijaat” appeared to be a better-executed version of “Ishq E Laa,” which was another disappointing show. However, as “Nijaat” has moved forward, it has become a painful watch with Junaid Khan’s Shahzain an absolutely detestable character and the two women in his life making brash, illogical choices that are unfathomable. “Nijaat” has devolved into sheer lunacy.
“Rah E Junoon”
Third is “Rah E Junoon” on Hum TV. Danish Taimoor and Komal Meer are two beautiful, talented artists. But this story of toxic, obsessive love between Shahbraiz, who is a recovering suicidal drug-addict and screams trouble from scene one, and Mehak, who is an empath, is too predictable and typical at this point, complete with opposing parents. There’s a bit of hope if Mehek turns against Shahbraiz and “love” does not wind up “winning” in the end, but overall, this is not good.
“Fareb”
Fourth is “Fareb” on Hum TV, starring Mirza Zain Baig, Zainab Shabbir and Maria Wasti. “Fareb” is a mildly revolting storyline about a sister-in-law who raises her brother-in-law as a son…..and then lusts after him with the intention of marrying him after her husband’s death. There’s something truly disturbing about this storyline to begin with, but to make matters worse, “Fareb” is currently at 34 episodes, hopefully winding up next week, and the story has been moving in circles since episode 10. This is a drama which could’ve easily wound up within 16 episodes, but has been going on for twice the amount of time – and uninterestingly so.
“Mujhay Qabool Nahin”
Last is “Mujhay Qabool Nahin” on Har Pal Geo, which also appears to be nearing completion. This show has an excellent cast and revolves around Maira and Mishaal, two sisters who marry two brothers. Maira is thrown headfirst into an abusive marriage and tolerates abuse of all kinds. This could have been a great show, but it has been so poorly written with the most flip-flopping characters (Azra Mansoor and Saba Faisal’s characters being the most infuriating) and one can’t even fathom why Ahsan Khan signed a show in which he has absolutely nothing to do.
Another show which deserve a mention is the over-the-top “Khumar” on Har Pal Geo, which does not offer anything new. “Sukoon” on ARY Digital is also incredibly slow and infuriating, but Ahsan Khan and Sana Javed’s chemistry keeps viewers glued to their screens. What other dramas deserve a mention on this list?