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*Ullu Baraye Farokht Nahi*
Ullu Baraye Farokht Nahi
Written by	Amna Mufti
Directed by	Kashif Nisar
Starring	Nauman Ijaz; Saba Qamar; Noman Masood; Sohail Ahmed; Yumna Zaidi; Omair Rana; Irsa Ghazal;
Opening theme	Aaj Rang Hai by Sahir Ali Bagga
Composer	Sahir Ali Bagga
Country of origin	Pakistan
Original language	Urdu
No. of episodes	25
Production
Executive producer	Momina Duraid
Producer	Noman Masood
Production company	Naughty Forty Productions
Original release
Network	Hum TV
Release	30 April –; 15 October 2013

Ullu Baraaye Farokht Nahi (Urdu: الو براۓ فروخت نہیں, lit. 'The owl is not for sale') is a Pakistani drama television series based on the afsana of the same name by Amna Mufti, which was first published in 2009 in a monthly Urdu journal Shuaa.^[1] Directed by Kashif Nisar, the series stars an ensemble cast of Nauman Ijaz, Sohail Ahmed, Saba Qamar, Uzma Hassan, Irsa Ghazal, Yumna Zaidi, and Noman Masood in prominent roles. Dealing with the subject of feudalism and Watta satta, the series is a dark tale of revenge, violence and tragedy that destroys two families.

Ullu Baraye Farokht Nahi received praise for its direction, script and performances of the actirs and was nominated in all categories at the 13th Lux Style Awards.^[2]

Plot

In a village, two estranged brothers, Mian Yakoob Malkana and Mian Ishaq Malkana, reunite their families through a Watta satta marriage. However, their reconciliation is short-lived as Ishaq seeks revenge for his son's murder by killing Nazeer Fatima, Mian Yakoob's daughter, and burying her under an elm tree. Mian Ghulam Fareed, Mian Yakoob's son, manipulates the housemaid, Sajida, into stealing keys and later suffocates his father. He mistreats his wife, Gul-e-Rana, and suspects foul play in his father's death but keeps it hidden.

Aasia Yakoob Malkana, Ghulam Fareed's sister who lives and studies in the city, falls for her married teacher, Professor Chuhan, leading to a decline in her studies. Gul-e-Rana takes charge of the household and discovers her pregnancy shortly after. Ghulam Fareed improves his relationship with her and arranges Sajida's marriage to Wali Muhammad, leading to her suicide.

Ghulam Fareed's elder sister, Kaneez Fatima, affectionately known as Aapi Ji by the younger family members, intends to marry off Aasia to Professor Chuhan when visits her, as per Aasia's own desire. However, Ghulam Fareed strongly opposes this plan. Gul-e-Rana gives birth to two children and calls Aapi Ji back to the haveli. Ishaq Malkana visits his grandchildren, and Aapi Ji confronts him about Nazeer Fatima's death. She learns the truth from Zaid, a dervish and the former servant, and reveals it to the family.

Ghulam Ali, Ishaq's son, is shot and killed, leaving both families devastated. Ishaq seeks revenge, and Ghulam Fareed's sons are killed. Aapi Ji's health declines, and Ghulam Fareed brings Zaid to the haveli purposely to treat her, rather than consulting the doctor. To escape from the political intrigues of the haveli, Aapi Ji proposes marriage to Zaid, but he refuses. Ghulam Fareed discovers their plan and murders Zaid, imprisoning Aapi Ji in a room.

Aasia's mental health deteriorates further, and Ghulam Fareed exploits Aapi Ji's vulnerability, subjecting unsuspecting girls to assault. When the newlywed Zubia gets trapped, Aasia's friend, Samra, now an NGO worker, comes to rescue Zubia on her husband's request and learns about the heinous crimes in the haveli. She devises a plan with Sir Chauhan and recovers Zubia with the help of Ishaq Malkana. She also manages to escape Aasia with Wali Muhammad, who married secretly.

Ghulam Fareed attempts to locate Aasia but fails. On a dark night, Samra and a journalist accompanying her are shot by unknown assailants around the haveli, while trying to help Aasia after her return to the haveli. Enraged, Ghulam Fareed plots to kill his sisters but accidentally ingests the poisoned Sardai meant for them. The haveli is left deserted, with only Aapi Ji and Gul-e-Rana remaining, both traumatized. The story is later fictionalized by the author, Professor Chuhan, who receives an award for this book.

Cast

Noman Ijaz as Mian Ghulam Farid
Saba Qamar as Gul-e-Rana
Noman Masood as Wali Muhammad
Sohail Ahmed as Ishaq Malkana
Yumna Zaidi as Aasiya Yaqoob
Omair Rana as Sir Chauhan
Kamran Mujahid as Ghulam Ali
Irsa Ghazal as Kaneez Fatima
Uzma Hassan as Sajida
Saleem Mairaj as Zaid
Nargis Rasheed as Batool
Hina Rizvi as Nazeer Fatima
Faiza Gillani as Zubia
Habib as Yaqoob Malkana

Production

Originally slated for release by another network, which attempted to interfere with the script, producer Nauman Masood stood firm, ensuring the story was shot as written, without any changes. Writer Amna Mufti credited Director Kashif Nisar with realizing her vision.^[1]

Broadcast and release

The series premiered on Hum TV on April 30, 2013, in a prime-time night slot.^[3] However, due to low viewership, it was later shifted to a late-night slot after a few episodes.^[4]

The show also aired in India on Zindagi from 3 February 2015 to 21 March 2015 under title Aaj Rang Hai.^[5]

Reception

Critical reception

In a year-end article by The Express Tribune, the series garnered widespread critical acclaim for its outstanding direction, writing, and performances. Director Kashif Nisar won the People's Choice Award for his exceptional work, with reviewers praising his skill in navigating complex characters and storylines without losing focus on the main narrative. The script by Amna Mufti was also commended for its nuance and depth. The cast performances, with Nauman Ijaz, Saba Qamar, and Sohail Ahmed receiving particular praise. Additionally, Irsa Ghazal won the People's Choice Award for Best Supporting Actress.^[6]

Sadaf Haider of DAWN Images included it in the honourable mentions of iconic Pakistani TV dramas.^[7] In another article, Haider described the series as "surprising", "shocking", and "addictive", but criticized it for dragging.^[8]

Awards and nominations

Year	Award	Category	Recipient(s) and nominee(s)	Result	Ref
2013	Hum Awards	Best Actor in a negative role	Nauman Ijaz	Won	^[9]
2014	Lux Style Awards	Best Television Writer	Amna Mufti	Won	^[10]
		Best Television Actress	Irsa Ghazal	Nominated
		Best Television Actor	Nauman Ijaz	Nominated
		Best Television Play - Satellite	Noman Masood	Nominated
		Best Television Director	Kashif Nisar	Nominated