The expat Pakistani population often finds itself in “no man’s land” when it comes to onscreen depictions of their lives. The Pakistani drama industry caters to desis in desi world and also to desis in an expat world sometimes, (but often the portrayals there aren’t exactly what Pakistanis living abroad can relate to). Read on as we dissect the 7 Days in Coney Island storyline in all its highs and lows.
The success of a storyteller is when the people whose story he or she tells can see themselves in the story. Ms Marvel attempted to do just that, quite successfully in most departments, with Iman Vellani playing our protagonist. However, there is more to Pakistanis living abroad than Coke Studio and family weddings and much as I loved Ms Marvel, I’d like to see ordinary Pakistanis, you and I, going about our lives with ordinary life issues and … not so ordinary solutions! 7 days in Coney Island unveils an unassuming, strangely normal (because normal is no longer a thing), representation of the desi community, one that many first, second and third generation Pakistanis living abroad might be able to own and call their own – what a relief and … what a giant step for man(and woman)kind!
The Story
The setting is Coney Island also known as “Little Pakistan” by the locals of the area. The story is about a daily slice of life of immigrant or expat, call them what you will, it’s all in the term (or not) Pakistanis who are living the American dream (or not), just eking out an existence or perhaps, working hard to lead a life that has taken them across continents, promising to transform the lives of their future generations. But often, the physical challenges, that are apparent in what they eat, the way they live, their relationships, and the jobs they do, merely scratch the surface and fail to reveal the inner complexities, the life choices they make and the mindsets they still struggle to overcome, or, simply, haven’t left behind.
The Characters Telling the Story
There is Salman, the young husband who doesn’t believe in arranged marriage and seems the very manifestation of young, progressive expat desi, but someone who is still grappling with the term “mental wellbeing” and therapy (a dirty word in today’s pseudo-modern world)? Then there’s Ghazala, who’s setting up in a new town, only to become the instant love interest of a Multani waiter who reads more into her smile and upfront personality; Sana, who tries to make sense of her past and settle into her present, Haider Sahib with his strongly desi-relatable corner store, serving out steaming cups of doodh patti to local residents with their grocery buys; Maddie, who reflects the teens we all see struggling with parents who are stuck in a time capsule from an era when racist comments where really not racist, just an unquestionable point of view, loosely served up to unsuspecting youth; and dear Salek – the Multani waiter who just arrived, fresh off the boat and calls his mom everyday to feel a taste of home in a foreign land.
By the way Salek has my heart. Perhaps because we’ve all bumped into at least one Salek in our lifetime!
And that’s the backdrop that cements the narrative of a breezy 3 part series on the desi residents of Coney Island. Writer Shah Yasir has woven the story in a fast changing Pakistani drama landscape where unending episodes, 30 plus, are the trend. And anything lesser cannot be wrapped up sweetly with the viewer walking away with a complete story behind him. That only happens in La La (read Netflix) Land, right? Or wait, maybe we’re finally getting to it!
Does 7 Days in Coney Island succeed in giving us a complete narrative from start to finish, and that too, in just 3 episodes?
We’d like to believe it did.
Storytelling
Each episode was crafted with a hook to take us to the next one, the characters, fleshed out, emoting convincingly onscreen and giving us a peek into the lives of people they have encountered or know, … or are. Every character has a back story, but doesn’t need us to know what it is, except Sana, whose story unravels in short bursts throughout episode one, two and three. Every character also grapples with a challenge which he or she walks through, along with the viewer till he/she comes to a point where all will be well, and eventually plays out in the 3rd and final episode.
Every character has a reason to exist within the plotline and that revealed a mastery over the script which added miles to the viewing experience.
Whatever it was, whether Ghazala was coping with a chance encounter and then, a tricky therapy session or Sana, with a possibly aborted marriage, or Salek with having his love advances thwarted, the performances were on-point and the storytelling helped measure out a trajectory of emotions to arrive at a conclusion that made us feel the 3 episode watch was well worth it.
It has to be said that despite shooting on a minimal budget and practically zero marketing on Green Entertainment’s part, the story, as told through the lens of a seasoned director such as Mehreen Jabbar left practically nothing wanting. From casting challenges where one has to work with what is available in expat Pakistani land, to getting their accents right, to post covid challenges and bracing the harsh winter that sets in the area – (Coney Island is decidedly cold in winter), the story authentically brought to life, the ins and outs of local residents across generations and also lifestyles. From Salek plagued by new immigrant cultural issues, to Salman, being a long settled inhabitant at Coney Island, the series addressed a wide cross-section of stories so that the final product was, literally a representation of all walks of lives in the Little Pakistani community that resides in the area.
Close up shots of restaurant food prep and desi grocery stores added relatability to those watching in similar communities abroad. Plus the narrative not only portrayed desi community lifestyles abroad, but also insights into their gradually transforming mindset; from selective racist sentiments to mental health awareness – the script was alive with trigger points that many South Asian communities could relate to from all walks of life and generations.
Not Just For Desi Expats
7 days in Coney Island might have been positioned for expat Pakistanis, or desis living abroad, but there’s lots of conversations to be had by Pakistanis hailing from all walks of lives – those who reside abroad and in their countries of origin. Our lives are so fluid now and there is a sizeable online melting pot of conversations regarding our life choices, that no man is an island anymore. What’s real in expat land might very well creep into our conversations in any other country, home or abroad.
But do Pakistanis see themselves in this 3 part series?
Can a young, 3rd generation Pakistani teenage girl living abroad relate to Maddie’s dilemma, a Pakistani youth relate to Salek’s cultural disorientation and Ghazala’s sense of loneliness, yet tough girl vibes? Yes, yes and yes. The series not only offers up issues we grapple with but also possible solutions to the problems. Albeit the wrap up might be a tad too idealistic, but the story leaves us on a high note as Maddie sets examples for the young generation on how to have conversations with their parents stuck in a time warp. Haider Sahib has a journey that sends out respect for all adults who are looking to mend fences with their teenage children before it’s too late. Salman learns that he’s still got a lot to learn and Salek, oh well, we hope he finds his soulmate at some point, and doesn’t shy away from inviting her on a date. Just this time, it can happen after he finds the ropes to his new life, and holds on tight, before he jumps onto Love Actually!
A Word On Performances
When a project delivers relatable storylines and one is moved by the emotions depicted onscreen, the casting has hot a jackpot. We felt for Salek’s rejection, yet we related to Ghazala’s measured response, Salman’s desperate need to sort out his marriage, and Maddie’s deep sense of disappointment. there is a point when Maddie is walking away from home and the flashback of events playing out in her mind reveal her pain and utter helplessness – a moment many teenagers can relate to. The entire cast, from Aizzah Fatima playing Ghazala to Sidra Batool essaying Sana, served up true-to-life performances. Hussain Asif as Salek shone through for me, perhaps it was the character, perhaps it was him, but the two blended beautifully in one and the same. An eye out for this talented actor, who, in my opinion, will go a long way!
Verdict
7 Days in Coney Island will not make the Pakistani drama audience suffer through endless flashbacks, a blaring soundtrack and unexplained slomo shots of the hero and heroine closing in on … nothing? It simply doesn’t have time for that (Thank Goodness) Recommended on FUCHSIA’s watchlist and let us know what you think of the under 2 hour, breezy watch!
7 Days In Coney Island, the 3 part series is available on Green Entertainment’s YouTube Channel. It is directed by Mehreen Jabbar and penned by Shah Yasir. The cast features:
Aizzah Fatima as Ghazala
Sidra Batool as Sana
Ahmad Razvi as Salman
Hussain Asif as Salek
Noor Naghmi as Haider Sahab
Sabeen Sadiq as Maddie
Carol Zoccoli as Rosa
Shyloh Boursiquot as Andre
The show is produced by Khurram Azim, Ahmad Razvi and Erum Shahid. DOP credits: Raza Arif
