30 April (2013-04-30) – 15 October 2013 (2013-10-15)
Ullu Baraaye Farokht Nahi (Urdu: الو براۓ فروخت نہیں, lit. 'The owl is not for sale') is a Pakistani drama television serial 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 serial 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 serves as a dark indictment on a society where men can abuse their power with impunity.[2][3]
The series received praise due to the performances of the actors and storyline[4] and was nominated in all categories at the 13th Lux Style Awards.[5]
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.
