‘Surkh Chandni’ has delivered two episodes that set the pace for this hopeful new drama starring Sohai Ali Abro, Asad Siddiqui and Osman Khalid Butt.
Acid attacks have recently become the forefront go-to for film and television, in a worthy bid to raise awareness. ‘Surkh Chandni’ debuted its first two episodes last night, with Sohai Ali Abro, Osman Khalid Butt and Asad Siddiqui tied into an unsparing tale of how ruthless peoples’ egos and jealousy are.
Ayda (Sohai) is your usual strong-headed yet simple protagonist. She’s in love with her khaala’s beta Amaan (Osman) – they’re often rendezvousing on rooftops and secretly calling each other at night to keep up their relationship. It’s still fetal, and their budding romance is neatly placed in the build-up to the anticipated acid attack.
The story is a tad bit predictable at most yet still engaging; Jawad (Asad) is obsessed with making Ayda his wife and coerces himself time and time again into her home, making her uncomfortable and harassing her. His bitterness when Ayda rejects his proposal brims into deep resentment and a fit of frightening jealousy. He’s already been married once, and while we don’t know what happened, the mohalla does know (it’s obviously something very disturbing, but the writers have kept mum about it so far).
The first two episodes have given leeway for what could end up being a thrilling drama. Sohai is remarkable, and she always has been. Her presence on-screen is fiery and she takes on each role with the utmost compassion and heart. Osman is forgettable, but its Asad who is absolutely teeth-grinding as the terrifying narcissist obsessed with Ayda.
Here’s the first episode: