The actors that impressed us this week gave some standout performances, amped up the scene and gave us a moment that defined their craft in ways that needs to be appreciated. So here they are, all 11 of them. Read on to find out who they are…
1. Sanam Saeed as Zeba in Kafeel
Sanam Saeed is giving a moving portrayal of a young girl who’s uncovered a disturbing reality about her married life. Nothing seems right, and she isn’t able to voice her trauma to anyone, even her siblings. In fact, she’s trying hard to keep a brave face, despite being in a sense of shock, depression, and deep mental anguish. Has she given up? Will she try to pick herself up? Sanam admirably essays all these emotions in one character.
2. Emmad Irfani as Jami in Kafeel
Jami, dining at the table with his in-laws, emitted a raw, borderline uncouth feel. Emmad has nailed the character, who seems raw, insensitive, and unconcerned about how he comes off to the people around him. Emmad Irfani is making us despise Jami, as he makes little effort to appear pleasant or even slightly courteous to Zeba’s family.
3. Munazza Arif as Yasmeen in Kafeel
Yasmeen exhibits the pain and sheer guilt of a mother when she realizes she made a very grave mistake – marrying her daughter off to a man who might never make her happy. From confidence to denial and, finally, recognizing the truth, Munazza made us feel for a mother’s torment, despite our earlier criticism of her materialistic stance toward getting Zeba married in a ‘bara gharana.’
4. Kashif Mehmood as Jawad in Kafeel
Zeba’s father is suffering helplessly, unable to see his daughter in so much pain and feeling guilty for taking a hurried decision on her marriage. Kashif Mehmood essayed Jawad’s inner torment and heartache so beautifully that we all felt his pain and also applauded him for taking a brave stance in seeking a divorce for Zeba.
5. Haris Waheed as Aani in Pamaal
Anni’s non-toxic love for Malika wins our sympathy and respect. Haris played Anni with subtle sensitivity, muted emotions that made us feel his pain, and yet were not loud enough to become overbearing. A finely balanced performance from Haris made Anni’s character a memorable one.
6. Ali Ansari as Junaid in Muamma
Ali Ansari has aced Junaid’s character, as he is genuinely affectionate towards Maira and, at the same time, hypnotically drawn towards Jahan Ara. The scene in which he has tea with Jahan Ara shows him to be slightly under the influence of a substance. A finely balanced performance that kept it real, because he delivered a restrained yet on-point depiction. Well done, Ali!
7. Saba Qamar as Jahan Ara in Muamma
Saba Qamar delivers an alluring character who’s charming one moment and seductive the next, and then flips all at once to show intense rage and, perhaps, even borderline psychosis. Jahan Ara has us all in her spell, and it’s a treat to watch Saba deliver a fabulous portrayal of a highly complex character.
8. Saba Qamar as Malika in Pamaal
Malika’s monologue on how the men in our lives need to let women fulfill their potential, gain independence, and be empowered in all aspects of life was a powerful message, delivered with Saba Qamar’s natural flair that did not allow it to become preachy even for a second. Well played Saba, you own the screen every time you enter the frame!
9. Faysal Quraishi as Kamran in Case No. 9
Kamran finally losing his composure when he switches off the live show, calling Bukhari, and then arranging to flee the country was a believable switchover by Faysal Quraishi – one moment arrogant, and the next, fumbling and visibly scared, realizing that his game is over. Faysal’s performance impressed and left nothing out, as usual!
10. Bilal Abbas as Kamyar for MZHT
Kamyar, under the influence in the car as Ayra’s father drove him home, essayed a puzzled, confused, slightly comical character. Bilal Abbas managed to give us an engaging depiction of a man who’s not totally in his senses, without overplaying the scene. Well done Bilal, you kept us entertained!
11. Hania Aamir as Ayra in MZHT
Hania essayed Ayra’s pain, torment, and utterly broken spirit as she made the journey home. Her stoic expressions in the car, which later turned to rage in front of Kamyar, then to sadness and pain with her family, made us feel for her. Hania gave us a heartbreaking portrayal of a girl who felt shattered and broken moments after thinking this was one of the happiest days of her life.
12. Momina Bajwa as Aaliya in Kafeel
Momina portrays Zeba’s younger sister, Aaliya, with all heart. She’s kind and sensitive, aware that her sister has a lot going on inside her, but keeps things affectionate between them. Aaliya says a lot without saying too much, and that’s what makes this character so endearing. We’re warming up to you, Aaliya, great performance, Momina!
Case No. 9 And It’s A Wrap!
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