Pakistani Dramas are about to go full throttle once more as new ones hit the season. But before it all becomes a mix of stories, romance and chaos onscreen, let’s take a deep dive into the drama scenes that need a revisit this week!
1. Parwarish for all the right reasons
This mother-daughter conversation touched all the bases. From addressing what is meant by success, if a degree is really important, to mental and educational compatibiltiy in a marriage and should a young girl support her husband even if his career never takes off…
Maya’s words came from a sincere place and her mother, equally gentle yet wise, injected a dose of reality. What mattered was the tone of the conversation – respectful, thoughtful, communicative. Sadia and Maya won hearts here!
Maya praying for Wali’s health, Maya not knowing if he was alive or dead, Maya in the aftermath of the trauma she experienced while on a call with the person she cared for deeply, now feeling guilty that she might have endangered his life, that the world as she had just begun to know it with Wali in it, was about to end.
Maya, we get you, we really do. And Aina Asif did a superb job in representing the emotional storm raging within a young girl who feels she might just have lost her only chance at happiness.
When a family member undergoes trauma, the entire household is affected. Panna in the aftermath of Aaniya’s breakdown, when she choked over her words, trying hard to tell Sulaiman what happened at home, yet her heart, overwhelmed with emotion, her voice failing her, brought it all home. Saman Ansari did a splendid job at portraying Panna’s helplessness and trauma.
When Sulaiman asked his parents to close Sameer’s topic, when he explained to them that if he’s not there for his son, Sameer will seek a connection outside the home, in company that might be more damaging, causing him to drift away from his family and loved ones, who can guide him better, the wisdom of his words shone through.
Sulaiman, the wise one, essayed impactfully by Saad Zameer Fareedi capped this one off with a 5 star review. Well done Sulaiman, and well done team Parwarish, for giving us, and dada and dadi food for thought!
2. Shirin Farhad for the poetic charm
The moments in Shirin Farhad that shone bright this week.
Shamsa bid us goodbye. It was a tearful farerwell, yet one that was inevitable. Grief hung heavy as Ali played with heart by Rana Majid and Farhad aka Farhan Saeed dealt with Shamsa’s departing. Kanwal Khan essayed the role beautifully and the setting itself, amidst the open fields, nature allowing her to breathe her last, was a moment in itself, echoing the gentleness that was Shamsa all along. Kudos to director Asad Mumtaz for taking in the final details on this one.
The shoot between Shirin and Farhad, as they lament Shirin’s father’s controlling nature, the ominous fate to their love story, and the manner in which the scene was injected into the screenplay, making us do a double take to ask; are these the real characters or the one’s in Sultan’s film? The scene added a poetic charm all its own.
Needless to say, the outfits, filmy feels and vintage mood to this one never fails to score – an ode to the 70’s cinematic universe is Shirin Farhad!
And how can we miss the vintage ‘naashte daan’ with matar qeema and parathay for our dear Farhad, handmade with love from Shirin. A simple yet heartwearming scene that resonated with young hearts in love, who throw caution to the winds, scale walls, and risk the wrath of the monster father in-law if only to catch a glimpse of their beloved, and ofcourse, a bagful of comfort food!
Shirin Farhad give us smile moments ever so often to remind us that romance is alive and kicking in this vintage story.
3. Naqsh for the strong girl feels!
This scene hit the mark. As Humna expressed her fears and disappointments to Rahim, questioned his wavering support and why she needed him by her side consistently – these two had a real conversation. Rahim needs to stay strong and Humna, not only supporting him but also telling him why she felt insecure about his support was such a well-enacted, well-scripted moment. Both Hina Altaf and Zarrar Khan are nailing the roles and we’re so glad Humna is playing the strong girl with a positive, determined mindset.
Well done team Naqsh, you nailed this one.
4. Main Manto Nahi Hoon for the director’s attention to detail
The walk down Anarkali lane, the camera, catching Siraj and Bin Yameen sparring in conversation, the overhead views of Badshahi mosque in Lahore and then, the shootout in traffic – Main Manto Nahin Hoon first episode was a directional win.
But not just that, the narrative also gave us an engaging conversation between Mehmal, Sajal’s character, Suraiya phoppo played by Saima Noor and the college principal essayed by none ther than Usman Peerzada. The conversation not only toyed with humour tinged with a sense of fear, but also flipped the mood of the episode from sober-tragic to amusing, witty and cheeky. And that’s the power of performances, some very engaging ones here!
Saja Aly and Saima Noor gave us a suprisingly fun combo in team phoppo-bhateeji and we can’t wait to see more of the same in future episodes!
And finally, Manto’s aka Humayun Saeed’s entry into the story when we were least expecting it, again, a directorial win with the sudden traffic shootout, fallen dove and a dodged bullet, adding suspense and drama to the final moments of Main Manto Nahi Hoon, first episode.
Catch the full review here.
5. Sher – The conversation that went smooth like butter
When Fajar faked her surprise before Dr. Rangoonwala, it was a moment indeed. This heroine is no helpless damsel in distress and knows how to plan her next move. Sarah Khan aced the scene with a cool confidence we weren’t expecting. She was playing the doctor expertly, while the doctor assumed he was playing this young, naive girl, reprimanding her gently and accepting her generous apology.
The scene hit the mark because the narrative twist is one we didn’t even know we needed. The Fajar we now see is a smart cookie and we’re looking forward to her orchestrating an asylum break for Sher some time soon!
And that’s it folks, this week served up some standout drama moments and we hope we’ve brought them all to you. Drop us a comment if you feel we missed some. Happy to hear from you!
