Author: Kainat Wajid

Jigra might not have been a big hit at the box office, but it is creating a buzz on Netflix.
I chose to watch it because  Alia Bhatt’s movies are usually interesting, so I decided to give it a try. It was fine, even good, as it showcased the bond between siblings.

However, there are also some negatives because many mysteries were left unsolved, and several things felt missing.

Jigra features Alia Bhatt as Satya, a strong and determined woman on a mission to rescue her brother Ankur, played by Vedang Raina, from a high-security prison. Ankur is accused of drug trafficking in a fictional country called Hanshi Dao, where laws are extremely strict, and the punishment for drug-related crimes is death by electrocution.

 The country is undergoing a revolution, but strict laws are still in place. How will Satya manage to achieve the impossible?

Jigra is a must-watch for several reasons. If you’re having trouble deciding what to watch this weekend, give this one a go. The first half of the movie might be a bit slow, which is why it might not have impressed cinematic reviewers, but the second half picks up remarkably well.

The story is set in the fictional land of Hanshi Dao, and filmed in Singapore, a country known for its strict drug laws. The characters speak with a Singaporean accent, making the setting feel authentic. Satya finds allies among the people of Hanshi Dao, but the real challenge is rescuing her brother.

Jigra’s storytelling is both predictable and riveting. We knew Ankur would get into deep trouble, but his ordeal was anything but predictable. Satya’s determination to rescue her brother, without relying on any typical Indian movie tropes, makes the film stand out.

The film includes powerful moments like the classic Bollywood song ‘Phoolon Ka Taaron Ka’ played during an action scene, adding an emotional touch. Alia Bhatt’s physical fitness is impressive, especially in intense fight scenes. The action is well-executed, making Jigra a thrilling ride.

The character of OIC Hansraj Landa, played by Vivek Gomber, adds to the conflict and tension in the story. The film also explores interesting storytelling techniques, often revealing backstory after a scene unfolds.

However, the movie has its share of flaws. The story begins with the suicide of Satya and Ankur’s father, but the film never explains why this happened. This crucial detail is left out, leaving viewers with unanswered questions.

Ankur, who is shown to be naive enough to get trapped in a false drug case, seems inconsistent considering his strong and savvy sister, Satya. It is hard to believe that Satya, portrayed as very capable, would not have taught her brother how to deal with such situations.

Moreover, the film does not reveal who framed Ankur, which leaves a significant plot point unresolved. The absence of this detail detracts from the film’s overall impact.

Another missing element is the response of the local police after Satya kills ex-police inspector Muthu. Given the strict law enforcement depicted in the fictional land of Hanshi Dao, it is surprising that there is no police reaction shown in the film. This oversight weakens the believability of the story. 

Despite these shortcomings, Jigra hooks  you till the end. The film’s strength lies in its female lead, delivering a full-on action thriller without a traditional male lead. Alia Bhatt’s performance is a game-changer for Bollywood, proving that female actors can lead action-packed dramas with panache.

The film is your one-stop Netflix action thriller, perfect for thrill-seekers who crave action, drama, and great performances. It’s not entirely bad, though. I would rate it 3 out of 5 stars. It’s worth watching once, especially over the weekend if you haven’t seen it yet.

Jigra first released in cinemas in October 2024. It is directed by Vasan Bala. It has been available for streaming on Netflix since December 6, 2024.

Produced by Sultana Siddiqui, Tan Man Neel O Neel is the third installment in Hum TV’s mini-drama series. 

In her own words, she has produced these three series because she wanted to address and highlight social issues with mob-mentality being the most important. 

Tan Man Neel O Neel is turning out to be a refreshing addition to prime-time Pakistani dramas that are on air these days. 

Episode 2 hit the right cord with its messaging and entertainment, balancing light-hearted and intense plot lines beautifully, making it highly watchable.

The latest episode delivers powerful messages and a compelling storytelling relatable to all generations, especially Gen-Z.

Moon- played by young actor Ali Ammar- put up a harrowing performance in a scene depicting him enduring sexual assault. The portrayal of a male victim of sexual assault, a topic rarely addressed, is handled with care by the director and actors. Moon’s struggle with anger, shame, and helplessness is heart-wrenching, particularly in the scene where he smashes a brick over his foot, aligning the reaction which most studies point out that the male victims of assault tend to be aggressive, post the incident. The moment was powerful, showing the physical manifestation of his inner turmoil. His relationship with Sonu, who stands by him despite not fully understanding his pain, highlights the importance of friendship and support which could help a survivor heal.

However, the most apt part was the whole execution of the scene where it clearly shows that assault is many times an outcome of the abuser making use of power to crush a victim, not always because of sexual attraction. Writer Mustafa Afridi, like all times, aced it fully in the writing which was just amplified by the people on set.

Rabi, played by Sehar Khan, sets an example for young girls with her smart decision to send a pin location and a picture of her driver to her mother in the guise of sending it to an uncle who is in the police. This act of caution not only depicts the situation of many young girls working and travelling on their own, adding a layer of realism to the character, but also sends a valuable message about staying safe yet independent for young girls.

Our heroine also continues to impress. She balances light-heartedness with thoughtful moments, advising Sonu to support his friend and not let him down. Her belief that confidence is more important than status sends a positive message of inner strength and courage. Rabi’s interactions are filled with wisdom and care, making her a standout character.

The episode also shines a light on other relationships. Rabi’s bond with her mother, played by Nadia Afgan, is honest, supportive, and joyful. This non-toxic, close-knit mother-daughter relationship is a delight to watch. Similarly, Sonu’s relationship with his mother is heartwarming, showing a progressive shift in storytelling where a dancer by profession raised a sensitive and good-natured son like him.

Another highlight is the evolving bond between Rabi and Sonu. Their relationship is developing into something substantial, going beyond the usual “girl meets boy” trope. They recognise and appreciate each other’s inner qualities, which makes their connection more relatable and engaging.

Performances across the board are top-notch. Saleem Mairaj is menacing right from the get-go, Ali Ammar’s portrayal of Moon makes your gut wrench, Sehar Khan brings depth to Rabi while making you smile and Shuja Asad’s Sonu is endearing and sweet as well. 
The supporting cast, including Nadia Afgan, Samiya Mumtaz, and others, contribute to the show’s richness.

Director Saife Hasan and writer Mustafa Afridi deserve applause for bringing this unique story to life. They tackle untold stories with a fresh perspective, making Tan Man Neel O Neel a must-watch.

Remember the good old days when you knew that a Yumna Zaidi drama would entertain you and yet have strong social themes? 

 Although her previous dramas like Tere Bin were very popular despite the masala content,  Gentleman didn’t click as much with audiences. 

Qarz e Jaan is different. With strong performances, a gripping storyline, and important issues at its core, this drama is perfect for those looking for more than a love story and saas-bahu conflicts.

Nashwa, played by Yumna Zaidi, and Bisma, played by Tehseen (Nashwa’s mother in the drama), have great onscreen chemistry. Their conversations remind you of the debates any girl would have with her mother. The way Nashwa understands what Bisma went through after being harassed by her brother-in-law, without Bisma saying a word, is emotional and moving. Kudos to the talented actors and director for this great scene.

Another beautiful moment was when Nashwa asked her mother about sharing at least one emotional moment with her father. The bond between mother and daughter was heart-warming. A big shoutout to both Yumna Zaidi and Tazeen Hussain for their great performances.

The dialogue “Bewah aurat ka koi ghr nhi hota” (A widow has no home) hits hard, highlighting the societal challenges faced by women in such situations.

Does Bakhtiyar’s wife not know what her husband is up to? Or is she choosing to stay silent, as having Bisma at home is convenient for her?

Bakhtiyar cleverly permitted Nashwa to practice law, saving money on other lawyers and avoiding the headache of dealing with his mother’s affairs. But little does he know that he just created his biggest enemy by letting Nashwa practice law.

Without knowing it, Nashwa has become a key witness in the murder and rape case of Mahi. She saw Ammar returning early in the morning and knew he didn’t go to the mosque as he claimed, from the warmth of the car’s bonnet. Ammar talking with his friends hinted at something bad happening, but the story of gang rape and murder was shocking.

 I have seen many “justice for rape” stories; how will this one be different? I am curious to know. Will Yumna Zaidi highlight, once again, that choosing a script with a message is a game-changer?

Burhan, played by Usama Khan, is a lawyer. Why is Burhan purchasing a property that already belongs to his father? What is the mystery there? Is Burhan someone who will stand for justice?

It looks like all the female lawyers are smitten by Burhan’s good looks and personality. Will this play a big part as the drama unfolds?

Next episode 

Nashwa has stepped into the legal profession, a shift from the typical career choice of teaching for young women. This episode revolves around conversations about working women. Are they just wasting time, as veteran lawyer Baari Sahab suggests, or are they there to work with charming lawyers, as Nashwa’s friends imply? Mohid thinks they should be homemakers, while Nashwa believes they can juggle both work and home if valued by their husbands.

Nashwa argues that women are made to adjust, but this mindset reinforces the stereotype of superwomen. Why should women have to adjust in all situations? Why not expect men to share the responsibilities equally? Nashwa’s calm and rational argument wins, but the idea of ‘adjustment’ might undermine her point. A more progressive view would be for both partners to adjust for a fair and satisfying relationship.

The episode also highlights the struggles of a rape survivor. Maheen faces pressure to stay silent about her ordeal. Reporting rape can reopen wounds, lead to threats, and bring social stigma. The show aims to support those who speak out and encourage others who may choose not to.

Questions arise about Ammar’s friends’ involvement in the crime and his actions afterwards. Maheen’s statement against him and his friends sets the stage for a tense storyline. Will justice prevail, or will family conspiracies complicate matters?
Nashwa’s training as a lawyer who stays objective is just beginning. The show also highlights the pressures lawyers face, including bribes and threats from influential people. Burhan might be in trouble as he stands firm against Chaudhry Shafique, but his calm approach raises questions.

Qarz e Jaan features Nameer Khan, Aniqa Zulfiqar, Faisal Rehman, Deepak Parwani, Tazeen Hussain, Daniyal Aamir, Sakina Samo, Salma Asim, Ismat Zaidi, Fajr Sheikh, Tabassum Arif, and Mubassir Khan. It was written by Rabia Razzak, directed by Saqib Khan, and produced by Momina Duraid. It airs on HUM TV every Saturday.

Tan Man Neel O Neel is one of the new dramas to premiere this season, and it promises a compelling story that has already caught our attention. Directed by Saife Hasan and written by Mustafa Afridi, this drama highlights critical issues with a gripping storyline.

I absolutely loved the first episode. The story is interesting, the direction is great, and the performances are standout. There wasn’t a single moment of boredom, and the story kept us glued to the screen.

Shuja Asad and Sehar Khan, playing Sonu and Rabia, performed well and had great onscreen chemistry. Their roles are different from their previous characters, making them more engaging to watch. Their interaction made me smile.

Sehar Khan, known for her happy-go-lucky roles, stands out in this performance. I get to see her true talent, which has not been fully showcased before. The chemistry between Sehar Khan and Nadia Afgan as a mother-daughter duo is endearing and very real. 

The drama also features Sonu as a dancer, a rare sight on our screens. His mother, who seems to have been a dancer too, fully supports his profession. The drama deserves credit for keeping characters and themes relevant and interesting.

Rabia is shown as a content creator, a relatable role for many young people today. The details, like her selfie stand and mobile phone, make her character believable.

Kami, the cousin, has two faces: one for Rabia and one as a thug involved in criminal activities. His crush on Rabia is evident, but she handles it diplomatically.

Saleem Mairaj delivers an impressive performance as Qaiser, a character who unfolds slowly. Initially, he seems like an ordinary villain, but surprising twists show he cannot be underestimated. 

The drama bravely addresses the issue of men being sexually assaulted by other men, a topic rarely discussed.

The cast includes Sammiya Mumtaz, Saleem Mairaj, Nadia Afgan, Nauman Masood, Muhammad Usman Javed, Haseeb Khan, Leyla Zuberi, Tanveer Hussain, Ali Ammar, Rubina Naz, and Arsal.

The first episode of Meem Se Mohabbat mixes familiar yet enjoyable elements: a lovely girl, a grieving young man, and a blend of family moments.

Written by Farhat Ishtiaq and directed by Ali Hassan, this HUM TV drama is produced by Momina Duraid. The cast includes Ahad Raza Mir, Dananeer Mubeen, Asif Raza Mir, Zarrar Khan, Khadija Saleem, Faiza Gilani, Tehseen Wajahat, Rabia Rizwan, Zainab Mazhar, Muhammad Hunbal, Naveen Naqvi, Arshad Mahmood, Irfanullah, Neha, Abu Hurairah, Raana Zafar, and Touseeq Haider.

Roshi and Mahi are sisters with contrasting views on life. Mahi is disciplined and hardworking, while Roshi, played by Dananeer Mubeen, is the opposite. After failing to get into an engineering program, Roshi disappoints her ambitious mother (Naveen Naqvi) but entertains her easygoing grandfather (Arshad Mehmood). Their household also includes a loving grandmother (Beo Rana Zafar), who often banters with the grandfather over Urdu poetry.

On the other side is Talha, a single dad raising his son Mohid with the help of his father. Out silent hero Talha, played by Ahad Raza Mir, faces the challenge of his son’s speech issues, revealing his inner sadness. He is set to marry Sabeeka, who has yet to appear on screen.

Meem Se Mohabbat balances light-hearted moments with serious ones. Roshi’s carefree attitude contrasts with Talha’s quiet sorrow. The characters remind us of Haseena Moin’s leads—strong, determined young women and mature, sad heroes.

The show tackles unique topics, like single fatherhood and young girls not pursuing higher education. We hope Roshi’s character finds purpose as the story unfolds. There’s also a potential conflict with Roshi’s aunt Saleeqa (Faiza Gilani) having an old grudge against Roshi’s mother.

Though slightly over-the-top, Dananeer Mubeen delivered a gripping performance. We look forward to seeing her character develop.

The child actor playing Mohid deserves special mention for his excellent performance. The scenes between Talha and Mohid were particularly touching.

The Roshi household provided some comic relief, though the gol gappa scene felt clichéd. We hope to see more varied depictions of lively young heroines.

The first episode of Meem Se Mohabbat captivates with a mix of heartfelt moments and dynamic characters.

Imagine a place where the most outrageous dreams can be funded, and mega fortunes are made – welcome to the world of stock exchange, where Mashal Khan is making waves with her unique blend of financial savvy and inherent charm.

Mashal recently shared details of her personal journey in the financial world. Despite experiencing major losses in the stock market, she managed to achieve double the profit afterward. Her story serves as a great inspiration for individuals looking to diversify their portfolios. 

Appearing on Khalid Butt’s hit podcast Fraudcast, she provided valuable insights on trading and navigating markets. From her experience, Mashal has started free groups to guide others on their trading journeys and aid them in achieving success.

Mashal Khan stated, “I think that if I earn money and spend it, it will decrease, and I’ve never liked that idea. I feel that if I spend money, it should increase. How can you spend money and make it grow? There’s a beautiful place called the Pakistan Stock Exchange, where dreams come true.”

She advised beginners to download ‘Investified,’ saying, “You can decide your budget—let’s say, for example, you have a budget of 5 lakh or any other amount you want. Then you start what I like to call ‘ghost trading.’ Ghost trading is when you don’t invest your money but observe the market. You simulate investing by virtually buying or selling something, just to see what the results will be. It’s a way to learn, and we use ghost trading for that purpose.”

In a lighter moment, Mashal added, “I love ghost trading; I do it every day.”

Mashal also touched on the topic of cryptocurrency, stating, “Bitcoin is illegal, and I don’t want people to use Bitcoin.”

Regarding her disciplined routine, she shared, “My morning alarm is set for 8 o’clock. Whether I sleep at 4 o’clock or 5, I have to sit up at night and watch the show. I have to be up at 8 o’clock, and I’ll tell you why— to do my pre-market work. Pre-market trading is the process of trading assets before the markets open. Simply put, it’s trading before the normal market hours begin. Traders use pre-market movements to gauge how markets might operate on full opening.”

Mashal frequently shares ideas on her Instagram stories about stock investments. People have affectionately given her the title “Queen of the Stock Exchange.”

Bismil, a popular drama on ARY Digital, is earning widespread praise for its compelling storyline and talented cast. Written by Zanjabeel Asim Shah and directed by Aehsun Talish, the show is produced by Idream Entertainment. 

The story revolves around Tauqeer Taseer, who falls in love with and marries a greedy girl.

 The cast includes big names like Nauman Ijaz, Savera Nadeem, Hareem Farooq, Saad Qureshi, Behroze Sabzwari, Shaheen Khan, and Adnan Jillani.

Yesterday, the highly anticipated 30th episode aired, depicting Moosa’s tragic suicide after being rejected by his fiancée Momal. The heartbreaking scene where Moosa shot himself in his room left fans in tears. The show’s creators could have shown a suicide attempt without Moosa dying, many fans opined. 

I believe Tauqeer is partly responsible for Moosa’s suicide because he kept distancing himself from his son, despite Moosa’s efforts to connect. After Momal’s rejection, Moosa lost all hope.

Men who marry at an older age should realize the emotional and mental stress their children might face due to their actions. Momal’s parents and Masooma also made things worse for Moosa. I cried during all the scenes with Reham, beautifully portrayed by Savera Nadeem. The performances of Saad Qureshi, Savera Nadeem, and Nauman Ijaz in the emotional sequences were outstanding.

Additionally, viewers were particularly captivated by the pairing of Hareem Farooq and Nauman Ijaz, despite the storyline not being exceptionally unique. The drama kept everyone’s attention because of the anticipation about Tauqeer’s decisions and their impact on his family. It is worth noting that Tauqeer’s family was a happy one, and there seemed to be no need for him to marry again, especially knowing how sensitive his son was. Moosa had even warned that he would shoot himself if such a thing happened.

Masooma’s character, portrayed as a gold digger, added to the drama’s complexity, as she did not truly love Tauqeer. The depiction of suicide without a trigger warning was another point of concern for the viewers, considering the drama airs at 8 PM when many viewers are watching. The scene where Moosa shot himself and the subsequent display of blood were particularly sensitive.

Reflecting on Moosa’s fiancée, I noted that her father made the right decision by not marrying her to Moosa, as his sensitivity would have made a life together challenging. The most sympathy was expressed for Reham, who lost both her son and husband due to Tauqeer’s poor decision-making.

I also noticed some editing inconsistencies, particularly during the scene when Masooma arrives at Moosa’s funeral. She appeared overly dressed and made-up initially, but shortly after, her dupatta appeared and her makeup vanished.

 Additionally, she was shown to be highly traumatized, even though she had previously stated that if there was one death in their family, there would be another on the other side as well. This seemed to be an attempt by the writers to show her as empathetic, which didn’t quite fit her character.

In conclusion, while Bismil captured the audience with its strong performances and emotional depth, it also sparked discussions about sensitive issues and the consequences of impulsive decisions.

Minahil Malik has given her first interview after the leaked video controversy, where she spoke openly about the alleged intimate clip.

“I had no plans to enter into media; I just started making videos with a friend in 2019. I always had an interest in acting, and when people started recognizing me, my parents supported me, saying, ‘Do what feels right to you.’ It’s been six years now that I’ve been making TikTok videos.”

When the host asked if she had received offers for films and dramas, she replied, “Yes, I received many offers, but I didn’t reject anyone. I only do promotional activities.”

Regarding the impact of the alleged leaked videos on her promotional work, she responded, “Yes, the leaked videos have affected my promotional activities. Some people are hesitant because they feel associating with me could damage their brand’s image. However, there are still some pages that have been supportive, telling me, ‘We are here for you; you need us right now.’”

When the host asked if she wanted to clarify whether the videos were fake or reveal who was behind them, she replied, “If I talk about this, it’s not just one person—neither one woman nor one man. There are many people involved, and FIA will eventually uncover the truth.”

“But one thing is clear: those around me had a hand in spreading these videos, talking at podcasts about me and saying hurtful things. It didn’t matter to them because they see me as just a TikToker, but it mattered to me. I even attempted suicide… twice.”

She continued, “Those who are behind these videos, they are the ones making them go viral and talking negatively about me. There are many people involved, but no one asks what I am going through. This is a very difficult time for my parents, and I am going through an extremely hard time as well. I don’t let my family see this side of me because I don’t want them to worry, but I often cry alone in the washroom.”

When the host asked Minahil what message she wanted to give society, she replied, “I just want to say that everyone has mothers and sisters, and people do make mistakes. Even God says that if you keep someone’s secret, He will keep yours. Difficult times can come for anyone. People don’t consider that I am also just a girl.

“This situation has affected me or my family as much as people think. But it has deeply troubled my father, and his health has been affected. Only I know how I’ve managed to cope with this. Right now, I feel alone, with only my family supporting me, and those I expected to stand by me have also stepped away.”

Earlier, An obscene video allegedly featuring TikToker Minahil Malik that has gone viral online.

A leaked clip of the content appeared on several social media accounts, which sparked a wave of criticism against the social media star.

The clip allegedly featured Minahil Malik in intimate moments with an unknown man, which led users online to troll and harass her.

The leaked clips reveal that Minhal has intimate moments with another TikToker. It was also shared on different YouTuber pages during the frenzy.

The clip has caused a media frenzy, with some thinking it is a publicity stunt.

Amid viral clips, Minahil Malik addressed the controversy in her video, stating, “A video has surfaced, allegedly of me, which is fake and edited. I have filed a complaint with the FIA against it, and the perpetrator will soon be in their custody.

My family and I are going through severe depression because of this.” She urged her supporters to continue standing by her as they always have, adding, “Only someone who has no respect for women or doesn’t have a mother or sister at home can do this. I am a witness, and so is my God. I only need your support.”

Check the video below:

Members of the notorious Indian gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang burnt effigies of superstar Salman Khan and his father Salim Khan in the desert city of Jaipur.

In a recent interview given to the Indian media, Salim Khan responded to accusations against his son Salman Khan about hunting blackbucks and said, “Salman Khan is innocent, he can never hurt any animal.”

The participants of the protest said, “We are Bishnois, we don’t defame anyone without reason. When the case was registered 26 years ago, there were many dignitaries including MLAs of the Bishnoi community. Salim Khan, by giving false statements, cannot mislead people.”

Bishnoi community said, “The community was hurt by Salim Khan’s statement, we will do our best for justice in the Blackbuck case and will protest on the streets.”