The greatest discussion point of “Yunhi” is the show’s interesting (to put it mildly) female lead character. Yet, “Yunhi” is a show with much potential – and lives up to it for the most part. Starring Maya Ali, Bilal Ashraf, Behroze Sabzwari, Deepak Perwani, Uzma Beg and others, “Yunhi” has been written by Samira Fazal and directed by Ehtashamuddin.
In episode 13, Kim (Maya Ali) struggles with Naveed’s betrayal, realizing he’s the one who took her phone, laptop and passport to ensure she does not escape Pakistan. While Naveed’s heart is in the right place, trying to force Kim to take her marriage seriously and put some effort into her “experiment,” the unethical nature of his actions is not lost on the audience…..and certainly not on Kim. With all of Kim’s talk of leaving, she now realizes she is stuck. Unfortunately, her bad behavior continues with her rudeness towards Razia, who is now her mother-in-law. There’s an irritating explanation for Kim’s behavior and it’s the claim that Kim is “dil ki saaf,” honest and truthful. In reality, Americans are not this “truthful.” Kim’s behavior is disrespectful.
And still, while Kim has returned to her irritating behaviors, what’s great to see in this episode is how she is made to recognize how wrong she is. Dawood (Bilal Ashraf), who has been like a sitting duck up until now, is exasperated that Kim’s choices are now ruining relationships. When Kim blurts out the truth to the neighbor boys about suspecting them of stealing, this is a big mistake in the eyes of the family – and generally.
The highlight of this episode are the conversations Iqbal (Tazeen Hussain) has with Kim. While Iqbal was earlier as judgmental as the rest of the family, she has visibly developed an affection for Kim and has recognized that Kim has to be spoken to with kindness. The conversations between Iqbal and Kim are rather sweet and Kim is open to listening to her and taking advice from her. After this conversation, Kim not only apologizes to Dawood, but also visits the neighbors to apologize for her behavior.
Now that Dawood and Kim are married – and Kim has nowhere to go -, it’s sweet watching the two attempt to bridge the gap. Dawood does not have much of a soft spot for Kim, but seeing her in this vulnerable state, hurt by her father, Dawood asks Kim to go out with him for dinner. Maya Ali and Bilal Ashraf look sweet together and share great chemistry, which makes this pair so root-worthy despite Kim’s behavior.
Daniyal (Khaqan Shahnawaz) has also returned to Husna (Laiba Khurram), but this time around, she is not interested. Quite honestly, from the audience perspective, Husna is too good for the greedy Daniyal who did not waste a moment before abandoning Husna for greener pastures. Honestly, “Yunhi” is an enjoyable watch as a show and holds this old school charm with the way it has been shot. Its female lead may be over the top, but this is a show we wait for with anticipation each week. Dawood and Kim aside, can we put some focus on Zulfi and Iqbal’s relationship now?