Iqtidar: Mehru’s back with Rafay but she has bigger troubles. How will she face-off with the influential Saman Shah whose son was involved in a hit and run with her younger brother? But we question, if Shani wasn’t equally responsible for the accident, after all, he was racing his bicycle on a crossing.
Relatable Story
Iqtidar is giving audiences a relatable story as politicians and influential personalities are shown to inhabit their own world in a society where the rest of us are mere mortals. Mehru and her family will now be up against a powerful family who feels entitled to their right to act in the manner they deem fitting, whether it is exercising power over law enforcement agencies or overlooking the wrongdoings of their family. In this case, it is Zain, Shahnawaz’s younger brother who was involved in a hit and run. Although it seemed that Zeeshan was also speeding and perhaps, equally at fault, the issue was in Zain fleeing the scene and then overpowering police officials by escaping jail time and possibly, further legal proceedings.
Zeeshan At Fault?
While the plot is set to portray the wealthy, entitled family against ‘ordinary civilians’ it would have helped if Zeeshan was not speeding or at least, wearing a helmet while riding a bike. We understand that wearing a helmet is not a norm or even affordable for the average bike rider in our country, but road safety rules should be abided by both bikers and car drivers, right? In this case, speeding is off the list for them both.
Shahnawaz and Amal
What is Shahnawaz playing at? If he needed time earlier, he seems to be totally invested in Amal now, which makes us question why he doesn’t just go ahead and marry her. Oh, we forget, the plot twist will involve him falling for Mehru? Mehru will now come up against Shahnawaz as she fights for her brother. However, we wish the character wasn’t so in-your-face. Mehru as the independent, sharp thinking young girl comes off as rude, tactless and slightly annoying. Even though we know she’s sticking up for her rights, she needs to tone it down a bit. Because frankly, we want to be on her side, but her tongue in cheek responses, meant to come off as comical at times and empowered at others, seem to miss the mark.
Toxic Tropes
The drama is not without its toxic characters and of course, how would it be a Pakistani drama then? Arooj’s mother and the look in her eyes as she plans Mehru’s downfall is a moment we’ve visited one time too often in our stories. We guess it’s about to happen again. If that’s not all, Arooj herself will add to the toxicity which is, need we say, a predictable plot indeed?
What’s Missing?
Iqtidar can be a great watch vis a vis the political angle; Saman Shah the arrogant, ruthless, power-wielding female politician who knows how to swing her opponent and Shahnawaz, the politically ambitious son although one who also seems to have a sense of responsibility, at least for his brother (so all is not lost). Both Shahnawaz and Mehru are deeply invested in their younger brothers, which makes for an interesting, ‘what come’s next story’, seeing where the drama is balanced at present. However, both Shahnawaz’s extreme behavior about exploiting power and being deeply insensitive of the masses, and Mehru’s super preachy and slightly one-dimensional character, might end up hampering the watch experience for viewers.
We hope the drama can figure out the above and give us a relatable story where characters’ journeys are believable and relatable for those who are hoping for a story that’s as promising as the cast and creators!
Tell us if you too, felt the characters needed to be more subtle and less ‘in your face’, more relatable and less over the top? Drop us a comment with your thoughts.
Catch Up More On Drama Gup With FUCHSIA
Iqtidar is written by Huma Hina Nafees and brought to life under the direction of Fahim Burney. Presented by Multiverse Entertainment, this drama features a stellar cast including Anmol Baloch, Ali Raza, Emaan Khan, Ahmed Randhawa, Rubina Ashraf, and more. Iqtidar is airing in Green Entertainment.
Perfectly said
“brother. However, we wish the character wasn’t so in-your-face. Mehru as the independent, sharp thinking young girl comes off as rude, tactless and slightly annoying. Even though we know she’s sticking up for her rights, she needs to tone it down a bit. Because frankly, we want to be on her side, but her tongue in cheek responses, meant to come off as comical at times and empowered at others, seem to miss the mark.”
This will be my biggest feedback. She’s slightly annoying with her comebacks. Agree with the way you put it. We want to be in her side and have empathy but her super charged, unapologetic attitude makes it hard.