New drama season is upon us and if you’re lost in the sea of what to watch and what to drop, here’s a drama you can take a chance on, well because, it is defying stereotypes right from the first two episodes.
Here’s what we found promising in the Radd storyline and hope the script continues to keep us invested.
1. Marriage Proposals Done Right!
Where Emaan and Zain started off meeting through an arranged marriage proposal, their subsequent conversation delayered and concisely addressed the pressure points of our desi marriage system.
The potential couple-to-be discussed jahez, the option to continue work post-marriage for women, and the reality that a 15-minute meeting does not entail a decision. It takes time to make life’s most critical decision, and there’s no pressure to say yes, or no, on either side.
2. No Love At First Sight – What A Relief!
Zain and Emaan meet at the jewellery shop initially, and then later, at Emaan’s house. While Zain was faintly amused by Emaan’s behaviour, he also had all the right answers to her marriage fears There were no filmy hero-heroine glances, and the overnight love germ didn’t infect either, thank Goodness. Our hero and heroine came off as two mature individuals who, though they liked the sound and feel of each other, kept a safe distance and decided to not put audiences through a “love at first sight” experience (read, torture). Other than full marks for originality, it was great to see a more relatable, less filmy version of a potential love story unfold.
3. Independent Young Girls Don’t Have To Be Offensive
You got that right, Emaan. She is empowered, employed, and has a mind of her own, but that doesn’t mean she’s offensive or overly aggressive.
Because Emaan speaks sense, is ready to stand up to social pressures and yet, maintains a balanced equilibrium vis a vis telling off Salaar or asking the jeweler to hurry up and serve her, she did not resort to unexplained tantrums, arrogant or haughty behaviour – character traits drama makers often confuse for liberated, aaj kal ki women.
Believe it or not, Emaan’s character is a great service to all the young girls who work, support their families often, and also maintain a healthy relationship with their families and people in general – no need to flaunt your empowerment to the world, use it responsibly, and Emaan is getting it right so far.
4. Self-Harm Can Happen To Adults Too
Salaar’s character reveal is slow and steady. What we do get is a person who has been exposed to mental, emotional, and psychological torment. Although the character’s background is revealed gradually, we get the story, slow and steady.
The fact that Salaar might be subjecting himself to self-harm is a wake-up call for audiences to be more aware of their near and dear ones. This behaviour can manifest itself in ways we might not expect, and in persons, we might think are “okay” and mentally in a good place.
Radd has introduced us to the concept of childhood trauma manifesting itself not just in a toxic hero (a role we have seen all too often), but rather, in Salaar, a seemingly soft-feel hero who had turned his trauma and isolation inwards. The topic itself is one that must be addressed responsibly and sensitively, and we’re glad Radd has taken a first step towards the same.
5. Production, Direction, Scripting Hits
Radd is delivering content that is pleasing to watch. Storytelling is layered with relatable and thought-provoking dialogues. When Emaan and Salaar discuss relationship expectations, and subsequently, when Emaan and Savera spar over their respective life philosophies, one appreciates Emaan’s defence of her beliefs. Her thought process and words ring a bell for many women who think and feel like her but might not be able to express it. Similarly, subsequent scenes and story flow follow through naturally. Camera angles reveal that director Ahmed Bhatti aims to do things differently, yet focus on the story and characters rather than pull off a certain aesthetic effect. E.g. Salaar’s sketches, the moment he hurts himself and later, the bandaging moment propelled the story forward yet kept the scenes sensitive without seemingly overly dramatic.
And finally, last but not least, performances from the entire team are keeping it together for Radd. From Hiba Bukhari who’s not only looking awesome but also, and more importantly, playing Emaan with great sensibility, to Sheheryar Munawar as Salaar, a blend of vulnerability and dependability, to Arsalan Naseer essaying Zain, gradually revealing an eligible bachelor with apparently zero red flags; the leads are playing up to their roles masterfully.
The ensemble cast is delivering on point performances – Dania Enwer as Zoya, Mohammad Ahmed as the father of three daughters and Asma Abbas as the latently toxic mother in law-to-be, as well as all supporting performances so far are making Radd a watchable experience.
Radd is airing on ARY Digital every Wednesday and Thursday. It is a project of iDreams Entertainment, written by Sanam Mehdi Zaryab and directed by Ahmed Bhatti. The drama seems very promising, and we’re looking forward to watching the story unfold.
Radd features a talented cast with Sheheryar Munawar, Hiba Bukhari, and Arsalan Naseer in lead roles as well as Naumaan Ijaz, Asma Abbas. Mohammad Ahmed, Dania Enver, Adnan Jaffer, Nadia Afgan, Yasmin Pirzada, and others.
Our verdict so far? Go watch!
