Biryani is a story that’s growing on viewers. From Meeran’s calm, composed demeanour to Nisa’s determined, no-nonsense approach towards life, Gul Mehar’s tranquil presence in Meeran’s life and Mammoo’s ‘not so tranquil’ one in Nisa’s, the drama is spinning a tale between two communities with widely differing backgrounds yet a great deal of shared commonality, biryani being one. But more on that later. Let’s disect why the story seems promising so far.
Here’s what went down in recent Biryani episodes that had audiences invested:
Mammoo and Nisa’s ‘khitchri’ or should we say ‘biryani'(?) as they strategized to get Meeran to flee the extra classes at Nisa’s house; from roasting chillies to turning off the power supply, the story navigated smile-worthy moments as a puzzled and troubled Meeran took it all in, related his struggles to Gul Mehar over the phone, and then turned up at Nisa’s yet again for more of the same. Obstinate much, or impressive staying power? Is that also a reflection of the people and background Meer belongs to?
If it is a Zafar Mairaj script, do bear in mind that the characters will be heavily layered, sending out messages and reflecting their upbringing as a community, not just with what they say, but how they behave.
What stood out in the episodes was Javed Rizvi aka Mamoo’s performance. He entertained with his random storytelling, defiant schemes to help his grandniece out of a tricky situation and also added a vintage charm with his white kurta pyjama and eccentric ideas to go one better on his plans against Meeran, every evening.
But even as the duo – Nisa and Mammoo coupled with Rashid tried to make Meeran forget his lessons, it was Khushhal’s silent yet visibly suffering depiction of Meeran that engaged viewers. What would Meer do next? Would he retaliate, suffer in silence or just ghost Nisa eventually, his pride finally hurt by the repeated attempts to throw him off.
While the inane goings- on inhabit the cover to this story, it is the backdrop that intrigues us, knowing this is a Zafar Mairaj script and nothing will be left to chance. Hence stories of partition, references to Dehli Walay vs Zamindars, the finer details reflected in the frames, from battery lights to glass jars with biscuits, and even the sohanjnay ki sabzi (Moringa power), reflected a hint of nostalgia, days gone by as the elders in a family knew how to have fun and engaged with younger people aka Nisa and Mammoo’s bond, in ways that didn’t need decoding a Gen Z lingo dictionary.
Needless to say, Biryani not only adds a touch of nostalgia with Mammoo’s white attire but also tells us how storytelling can weave its magic through the people’s lifestyles, their manner of conversation and approach towards life, hence there is food for thought in every character and frame that makes up Biryani.
Added to that is the mystery behind the relationship between Gul Mehar and Meer. What is it really? What bond do these two share? Are they married? Audiences have playing the guessing game in YouTube comments but no one’s quite sure till the big reveal.
The relationship between Gul Mehar and Meeran seems like the calm in a storm, where Gul provides the tutelage, guidance and anchor to Meeran’s youth, and also, seems to be the one pushing for his university degree. The manner in which he relates his daily events to her is also interesting, they share a bond that seems to be set in stone, absolutely shock-proof, or is it?
And then there is the relationship that’s just brewing, the one with Nisa and Meeran; she, hot-headed, practical and determined, just like the Karachiite she is, and him, calm, composed and yet, ever hospitable, bearing gifts, just like the zamindar he is. Can the two of them find a happy medium, or will there be fireworks from start to finish? Biryani is a story that might promise a whole lot more than what meets the eye.
The drama seems to be laying the foundations for a story that is still on slow-burn, taking its own sweet time to get into the thick of the story, just like the script writer’s past sagas. One must be patient and take in the many layers, sights, sounds, nuances and dialogues that the storytellers spin at us so far.
This one might turn out to be quite the watch and if you’re wondering why the writer named it Biryani, then catch his thoughts here.
Catch Up With the Latest Drama Gup Here:
Biryani is written by Zafar Mairaj and directed by Badar Mehmood. It is produced by Big Bang Productions. The cast features Ramsha Khan, Khushhal Khan, Sarwat Gilani, Laila Wasti, Javed Rizvi, YBQ, and more.
