Jo Bichar Gaye (Urdu: جو بچھڑ گئے, lit. 'Those Who Were Split') is a Pakistani historical drama television series based on the book "Bichar Gaye" by Col. Z. I. Farrukh. The series is directed and produced by Haissam Hussain under his banner H2 Films, Mehreen Alam as co-writer for screenplay and written by Ali Moeen. It features Wahaj Ali, Maya Ali and Talha Chahour in leading roles. Set in 1970 and 1971, Jo Bichar Gaye is based on Bangladesh Liberation War, including the liberation of Dhaka.[1][2] It premiered on Geo Entertainment on 12 December 2021 and aired weekly.[3][4] The show ended on 13 March 2022 with 14 episodes.
Plot
The plot revolves around the political conflict between West Pakistan and modern day, Bangladesh at the time of Liberation of Bangladesh, and deals with fictional events from 1970 to 1971.
Captain Farrukh reaches Dhaka after being posted there, and feels that the circumstances are not good, favoring some major disaster. He is introduced to Brig. A. Fakhruddin, and updates him about the conditions. In Dhaka University, Professor Ajeet addresses the students, telling them that they suffered a lot because of West Pakistan's unfairness, and now they want freedom. Sonia condemns it, and asks "what kind of freedom?". On invitation, Farrukh goes to an event of Dhaka University's dramatic club society, where he encounters Sonia.
2
2
"The Last Toast"
19 December 2021 (2021-12-19)
Students from West Pakistan go to Professor Ajeet to save their lives when some Bengali students try to kill them. He does not help them, and instead talks about his ideology. The next day, Sonia goes to the police station with some West Pakistani students to register a missing persons complaint. There she encounters Farrukh, who asks her what he can do to help her; she says he should find the students. At night, Farrukh goes to the university, where he sees Maj. Ghayas ud Din involved in anti-government activities and informs about it to Brig. A. Fakhruddin. On the other hand, Rumi discovers Sonia's support for the government and he complains to his paternal aunt, Shabnam, however, she supports her daughter. Farrukh meets her and tells Sonia there is still no information regarding the missing students. She invites him to the new years party at her house.
Wahaj revealed in an interview about his upcoming project with Maya.[1] Talha Chahour, a theatre actor makes his television debut with this serial. The serial marks comeback of Nadia Jamil after her cancer recovery.
Filming
Shooting locations: Clockwise from upper left: Government College, Lahore (upper two), Governor's house and Chamba House
The series was originally produced to be release on Green Entertainment, however due to the delayed launch of the network it could not happen and consequently the series aired on Geo Entertainment.[1] The first and second teasers were released on 8 December 2021. The series premiered on 12 December 2021.
Reception
The series received acclaim due to its execution and script.[5][6]
In a review for Dawn the reviewer praised its unbiased approach comparing it with Hussain's previous historical-period drama stating, "Like Haissam Hussain’s previous work Dastan, which centred on Partition, Jo Bichar Gaye does not indulge in triumphalist patriotism or demonisation."[7] A review for The Express Tribune noted Wahaj Ali's performance as Rumi.[8] However, the show did not succeed in television ratings or digital ratings but proclaimed a good number of appreciation from the people.
In a review published by The Daily Star, series was heavily criticized for distorting historical events, depicting Dhaka University students as "uncouth bullies" and Pakistani soldiers as "righteous gentlemen." The show also attempts to undermine the Awami League's victory in the 1970 election with derogatory comments. The reviewer expressed frustration over the series' portrayal of the Bangla language, describing the actors' accents, particularly those of Usman Zia and Wahaj Ali, as "disrespectful," comparing their pronunciation to that of people speaking with "paan" in their mouths. The review asserts that Jo Bichar Gaye offers a misleading narrative of history that only the ignorant will believe, completely ignoring the atrocities committed by the Pakistani army against Bengalis.[9]
